GATBOOK by GAT HABIT is Now Live on Kickstarter, Aiming to Reduce Smart Phone Exposure Among Babies and Toddlers

October 07, 2024 at 06:15 AM EDT

GATBOOK is a tool for parents to reduce babies’ screen time and encourage early reading habits, now on Kickstarter.

The influence of smartphones on young children is a growing concern, and GAT HABIT, founded by parents of young children, is addressing this issue with a new product called GATBOOK. The focus is to help parents encourage face-to-face interaction and reading habits with their children during critical developmental years while reducing their dependence on phones.

Studies show that early exposure to screens may have adverse effects on a child’s development, potentially leading to phone addiction and limited opportunities for learning and interaction. GAT HABIT’s GATBOOK aims to provide an alternative to phones, encouraging parents to engage with their babies using books and real-world sounds.

The company’s Kickstarter campaign highlights how GATBOOK can support parents in making these small yet meaningful changes in daily routines. A representative from GAT HABIT explains, “Babies learn so much through observation, including behaviors like phone use. GATBOOK provides a way to form positive reading habits early.”

Addressing the “Mirroring Effect” of Babies

The “mirroring effect” concept is central to GATBOOK’s purpose. Babies often imitate what they see their parents doing, including how they use their phones. World Health Organization(WHO) recommends very limited daily screen time for children under 5 years old. Regular exposure to screens, especially during early developmental stages, could impact children’s behaviors and their ability to form healthier habits around technology.

“It’s easy to overlook how our daily phone habits can be mirrored by our children,” GAT HABIT notes. “Our goal is to make it easier for parents to focus on other activities, like reading, which can be more beneficial for a child’s development.”

Key Features of GATBOOK:

Phone Compartment: A concealed area to keep and use your phone while pretending to read a book in front of your youngster.
Multilingual Learning: Translated into 12 languages, the most frequently used terms for children aged 0 to 3. The content of the book and app allow you to access numerous languages. You can read it in eleven different languages even if you only speak one.
Handprint or Footprint Page: On the first page, capture your child’s handprint or footprint in ink to create a special souvenir that will be cherished by the family.

The Solution: Encouraging Early Reading Habits

GATBOOK has been designed with busy parents in mind, making it simple to integrate reading into their routines with their babies. Rather than turning to a phone during quiet moments or daily routines, parents can use GATBOOK to engage their babies and introduce them to books early on. This creates a foundation for positive habits and encourages a love of reading that can develop over time.

“Whether you’re expecting a baby or already have a little one, it’s a good time to think about how you model habits,” says the GAT HABIT team. “We want to support families in building a healthier relationship with technology and create opportunities for meaningful bonding moments through books.”

Helping New and Expecting Parents

For first-time parents or those preparing for another baby, the arrival of a new child brings many new decisions, including managing screen time. GAT HABIT recommends considering how daily habits, like phone use, will impact a baby’s development. The aim is to provide parents with practical support as they navigate the balance between technology and focused time with their babies.

“Every moment with a baby is an opportunity for connection,” GAT HABIT adds. “Using GATBOOK instead of your phone, you prioritize those moments and foster a lifelong love for books and learning.”

A Growing Effort to Encourage Better Habits

GAT HABIT focuses on reaching parents who are looking for ways to be mindful about phone use around their children. The goal is to positively change how families interact with technology and help children develop habits that will support their growth and development.

Support GATBOOK on Kickstarter To bring GATBOOK to families everywhere, GAT HABIT has launched a Kickstarter campaign. Those interested in supporting this effort and learning more about GATBOOK’s mission can visit the campaign page for details.

Find out events for early birds and contribute to the campaign here: Kickstarter Campaign for GATBOOK.

About Company:

GAT HABIT is a family-focused company that promotes healthy habits for babies and toddlers by offering tools to reduce screen time. Founded by parents, the company aims to support positive early development through real-world engagement and reading.