Is it ok to let your baby watch tv?

Brianne - posted on 11/10/2009

I've actually read some things from baby experts that have said certain programs can be very beneficial to babies and children.... They say that it can actually help to develop auditory and speech pathways! They say to turn it up louder then what you would think...babies like loud things...and also play it repeatedly... Just so long as it's not babysitting your child and your playing and interacting with them it should be fine...My daughter loves SpongeBob and Little Einsteins when it comes on she gets excited and talks to it and even "sings" along!

Tiffany - posted on 09/20/2009

My daughter loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...which is fine with me cause they're always teaching numbers and colors. I DVR every episode so I can always find one that she hasn't seen. It also teaches to share and a lot of other things that will be important as she grows up. I usually let her watch one or two episodes when she first wakes up and is still not very playful...and then we have mommy time (or daddy time if he's awake cause he works nights). As long as you don't ignore your kids all day and let them watch I think it's perfectly fine..

Whitley - posted on 09/20/2009

my 5 month old daughter loves to watch tv! pretty much whatever is on is what she likes to watch but they also do make movies for babies! i have the baby mozart movies and my daughter loves them! i know everyone has their different opinions on babies watching tv but i dont see a problem with it as long as u also show your baby how to do things instead of having them learn it all from watching tv! she loves to watch all the colors and shapes and movements and i believe that is a great social learning key!

Jasmine - posted on 09/11/2009

I think its fine as long as there not too close.

I hate to say it but ,y 5 month old loves t.v

hey as long as it something that teaches them right?

Ever seen Pokeyo?

Great for little ones!

Ajia - posted on 09/11/2009

I have read the studies about it stunting language development, but that's only because those parents are choosing to turn the tv on INSTEAD of interacting with their children. Personally, I think it's fine to have on during a time when maybe you wouldn't be reading/talking/playing with your child anyway, like if you're trying to get a load of laindry done, or doing dishes. But if tv is REPLACING your communication with your child then it's probably not the best thing. My daughter could sit in front of the tv all day, but I don't let her. I generally have it off almost all day, but we always watch one episode of Backyardigans (that I download from itunes) every night while she has her bottle, before I read to her and put her down.

Mikkii - posted on 09/05/2009

i wouldn't get anything done without the tv. living by myself with a four month old is hard enough without a little help from the sprout channel :)

M - posted on 09/04/2009

I have a 19 month old as well and she watches cartoons a lot so the baby is always in the same room with her as am I...as long as you feed your baby, change your baby and interact with your baby as much as you are able too then TV isnt the WORST thing in the world, but i do agree in censoring what you watch, if i put on talk shows or a sitcom i usually lower the volume to the lowest i can hear it at so it doesnt disturb my kids.

Courtney - posted on 09/04/2009

http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/childre...


Here is a really informative link. If anyone is wondering what "experts" say, this is it

Rachel - posted on 09/03/2009

I used to feel that way. When we'd feed our baby, he'd always seems to switch his eyes directly towards the television, expecting it to be on. I used to worry that he would get "stuck" on tv, until I've seen him get HAPPY when he watches it! As long as it's not VIOLENT or SEXUAL in anyway and you watch with him. We watch Little Einsteins, Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana...he even watches Mad Money (stocks) with his dad! Babies are "absorbing" all kinds of information through the boob tube! And afterwards, I kiss him, tell him I love him, tickle his tummy, kiss his feet..we laugh, he smiles! No worries...

Courtney - posted on 09/03/2009

My mother-in-law claims that babies watching tv is terrible because that starts them watching it when they are older. She says it rots their brains. They watch too much as babies and are addicted to it. Now, I don't necessarily agree with that completely. But, I have noticed that if you talk and play with your baby verses letting them watch tv, they interact with you more and thats good for their development. My Zoey watches hardly any tv, but when it is on, she likes the colors and flashing lights, but she can take it or leave it. If they are drawn the the tv and enthralled with it, I would start to worry. But all is up to you!!

Christina - posted on 09/03/2009

I personally see nothing wrong with my baby watchin tv because she loves it. I enjoy watchnghe r interact with the tv. she likes to talk to the tv. I've never read anything bad about babies watching t.v. not to say there is not something out there saying that it is bad but my little one is developing fine watching t.v., but I also interact with her alot too even if she is watching t.v

Tawni - posted on 09/02/2009

Yeah... I think there are LOTS of different opinions about babies and tv. My son has LOVED to watch tv since he was about 2 months old and I have no problem with it. He loves to talk to the tv and gets excited when people smile and laugh when he's watching it. My Dad's girlfriend was shocked that I let my baby bounce in his bouncer infront of the television because at her house the tv is only on for special occaions. I personally see nothing wrong with it but like I said I think there are lots of different opinions out there and you should do what you think works for your baby :]

Erynne - posted on 09/02/2009

Well, I know that there was some information in a recent "American Baby" about background TV. Apparently, babies are less likely to babble if the TV is on... and adults talk 75% less when the TV is on in the background.



I think somewhere between one to three hours of TV is just fine for babies, as long as you don't just plunk them down and walk away. But that's just MY opinion. :)



- E