Is it ok to let me 11 month old watch tv??

Hauwa - posted on 09/16/2010

well, i think it's OK when kids or toddlers watch TV because that's where they learn most things but only when they watch channels like the nick Jr because that's the channel my 11month old daughter love to watch too and she's doing great, she love's watching sponge bob,Dora and she's doing well. she dance's to the songs, TV is so OK because they have a lot of fun there, and i believe with time as they are growing up they will eventually engage in to something better for the best, so moms keep up the good work and may God guide us all.

Charmaine - posted on 05/27/2010

I let my son watch tv during afternoons.. but i don't let him watch throughout the day.. coz I want myself to be the "TV" once in a while.. hehe.

Ava - posted on 05/27/2010

Don't let him watch a LOT of TV, but allow him to leisurely. If there's a specific set of shows he likes, let him watch one or two episodes a day. But know when to turn it off and don't let him pitch a fit about it. My daughter likes the TV on almost constantly, because she doesn't actually sit and watch it for long periods of time, she just appreciates it being there when she walks by so she can stop for five minutes and watch a segment, then go play or go eat in another room, then come back in and have it just be on. We keep that 24 hour Nick Jr. channel on while we're in the house. She ends up watching about an hour of TV total a day in different increments. Her favorite show is Ni-Hao Kai-Lan, followed by Yo Gabba Gabba. The thing with preschool or baby TV is that it tends to be more hands on and interactive, and not just passive watching like adult TV. Nick Jr. shows ask kids to stand up and get involved, and so I believe it stimulates their brains and I don't worry about her watching too much TV because of it, and because she just doesn't. But for your son, let him watch an episode or two, and then turn it off and distract him with lunch or play. He'll forget about the TV eventually. But keep in mind he's learning not just by watching the show, but by trying to figure out how the TV works, etc. Maybe you could sit with him and show him how the buttons on the TV, etc, work to make it more of a learning experience.

Brittany - posted on 05/26/2010

A lot of peds say no. but my 11 mos old and 2 1/2 yr old watch tv. Theyostly watch nkjr, educational tv and I think it helps stimulate the brain. my son, 11 mos, dances and claps to the different songs. I think as long as you monitor what they watch, what's the big deal??

Michelle - posted on 05/25/2010

My son LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba. I've had some other shows on for him to try out but he doesn't seem to care for them. Yo Gabba Gabba is very colorful, is almost all songs, and teaches a good lesson too. He loves to dance and gets a kick out of wiggling all around for the episode. We sit and watch it together. Depending on his mood we may sit and cuddle and watch it, or we're on the floor dancing around. After the first 10 minutes or so he goes back to playing but looks up when a new song starts and dances around. I think TV is ok as long as you watch it with him, it shouldn't be a babysitter or anything. Since I'm there with him I think he understands that it's a fun family thing to do, and he'll learn something from the show too!

Andrea - posted on 05/23/2010

We don't have cable or anything, but my son has his favorite movies. He loves Alvin and the Chipmunks right now. He's also very interested in our laptop, and loves watching stuff on Youtube. I think it's okay as long as it doesn't become what they do the majority of the day.

Laura - posted on 05/23/2010

watching t.v. with your child and interacting with him while he's watching is completely different than using the t.v. as a babysitter. educational channels like pbs or nick jr are great for him as long as you are spending the time with him and helping him to learn and understand.;

Tierra - posted on 05/23/2010

My twins love dora and elmo. from 11-12 they dont do anything but watch dora. however thats about as much tv they watch

Lori - posted on 05/22/2010

Your son was born the same day as my Brianna! 11:47 am.

Charlotte - posted on 05/22/2010

i have the tv on as back ground in the morning so i may get a chance to see the news as im sure there is still a world out there past the nappies and baby food but my son 11 months doesn't pay any attention to it i have put the children's channel on before to see if he like it but the rather play his toys

Marisa - posted on 05/22/2010

The AAP states that children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to any television. There have been conclusive studies that link developing brains, television viewing and ADHD/hyperactivity. There are so many things that you can do with your 11 month old that don't involve TV! Singing, books, stacking, peek-a-boo, dancing, etc.

Tara - posted on 05/22/2010

I think it is fine in moderation. My son LOVES Elmo, so when I am not working, and on the weekends, I let him watch Sesame Street. He can say "Elmo" now and it's adorable to see him get excited.

Krystle - posted on 05/21/2010

In my opinion, it can't hurt if your child watches a show a day, so I think you're okay, But it IS a problem when children watch too much TV (I would define as more than an hour) because TV doesn't have the give-and-take of a real conversation.

Kim - posted on 05/21/2010

My girl is almost 1 and ALL about the Wonder Pets. As soon as I turn that on she immediately stops what she's doing and dances and claps. During the day the tv is on most of the time, but for the majority of the time, it's either Nick Jr. or ABC family (I ♥ reruns). She doesn't watch much of it, even with WP on she watches maybe 3 minutes and then it's HEY LET'S DUMP MOMMY'S PURSE! ...Or destroy the kitchen, or play with toys, or follow mommy to the potty... etc. I see nothing wrong with tv, as long as you're not watching seriously bloody and violent stuff all the time.

Jenifer - posted on 05/21/2010

I love the Nick jr channel! My sons' love it too. Their favorite shows are Wow Wow Wubbzy, Yo Gabba Gabba, and the Wonder Pets. My 2 and a half yr old sings the songs and plays along with the games in the shows. He learned so much from watching that channel. He learned please, thank you, he counts to 10, he knows his basic shapes and colors, he dances, it is so adorable! My youngest is 11 months old and he says mama, dada, papa, diaper, and apple. My loves it when the moose is on and talking. He loves watching Miss Spider and he points and giggles.

I think tv is good in moderation. I usually have it on during the day when we can't go outside as background noise. Or when my terrible too-ddler is having a complete melt down or tantrum and nothing seems to work to calm him, we have "quiet time" on the couch and watch one of his favorite shows.

In the wee hours of the night, when either of my kids have nightmares or aren't sleeping well or are sick, I will pop in one of the baby einstein videos that has the lullaby's and soft music with random pictures and they usually fall right back to sleep.

There are some days (more often than not), that I won't even turn the tv on and they don't notice.On the days that my husband has off though, right before bed we will pop in a disney movie and sit and watch before we all go to bed as our "family/quiet time". It seems to settle the kids down before bed and we all get to spend time together relaxing.

Rhonda - posted on 05/17/2010

I agree with the previous comment above "everything in moderation". I think TV gets lots of flak because some parents (not any of you gals!) rely on it too much to give their children education and the entertainment that a parent should be giving their child. As long as the parent is able to interact with their child on a dialy basis and if TV isn't their only educational experience then I see no problem what so ever. I actually study development in college and I have dicussed these issues in class.

Alyssa - posted on 05/14/2010

Mine does all the time. He loves it has fav shows.

Brenda - posted on 05/14/2010

My daughter is hooked on My Friends Tigger and Pooh. I DVR it and turn it on when we both need a break!

Rachael - posted on 05/14/2010

I agree with everyone above. My son will be 11 months on the 24th. He loves Sesame Street just as I did when I was little. TV is absolutely fine as long as you aren't using it as a babysitter all day long. Having said that when I absolutely need to get something done I put Sesame Street on and can throw in a load of laundry or something knowing that he'll stay out of trouble for a little bit. As soon as I'm done I turn it off so he can play or run around or whatever he wants to do. He doesn't fuss at all when I shut it off either even if he's totally engrossed in what he's watching. I think TV is only a problem when parents allow kids to watch it or play video games on it all day without getting some physical activity. I think it's a little over the top when parents say their child isn't going to watch any TV at all until they are 2 or something like that. But everyone has to raise their children how they see fit, right?

Jennifer - posted on 05/13/2010

I think it's the same as the good old saying "everything in moderation". Watching TV is a good wind down for everyone, kids included and of course a fab source of entertainment. Obviously it's not great to be sat in front of the box all day rather than out and about enjoying other aspects of life but an hour a day is not going to hurt anyone.....it gives mums a wee break too :-)

I have to say my 11 month old is not all that interested in the tv. He'll watch something for 2 or 3 mins but unless he's actually in his highchair with a snack he'll just wander off after that and find something else to play with....actually i wish he did like it a bit more lol :-)

Amanda - posted on 05/13/2010

i have tv on all day mainly on nickelodeon. my son loves spongebob and he even says pongebob at times haha my son never really sits and watches a show for more than a minute hes always on the go. i think its okay ot have it on because they can still learn from hearing the shows like dora and stuff where it has educational stuff

Lauren - posted on 05/13/2010

Well Sarah is like Megan's G daughter. She has very little attention span and likes to be all over the place and in everything but my 6yr old daughter loves TV so she watches all the shows. Sarah will turn to watch TV for a few minutes when she hears the music. I don't think it's wrong at all that he watches TV. TV can be the best thing ever invented at times lol.

Ashley - posted on 05/13/2010

My 10 month old daughter shares the Yo Gabba Gabba obsession with Colleen's daughter. It caught her attention for the first time, about 2 months ago and she has been hooked ever since! She will glance up at other shows, especially if there is music, and then quickly go back to what she is doing. However she intently watches, and interacts with Yo Gabba Gabba. Oh, and don't block her view! She will crane her neck to look around you or try to usher you out of the way. The funniest, to date, is when she tries to "beatbox" with Biz Markie, LOL! Hilarious!
No sweat Nichole! As many of you have pointed out, if your child is engaging and participating with the program then they are learning! Nothing wrong with that in my book! I think problems arise when tv takes over, or is used in the place of parental/social interaction, which can possibly hinder a child's development in many areas.

Cassie - posted on 05/12/2010

sid and super why are my daughters favorites too, she also like elmos world, not sesame street, just elmo. Anyway I don't think it's a bad thing, I have pbs on anyway for my 4 year old, and I sit on the floor with her(the baby) and play with her and dance and sing the songs with her. So technically she's not watchin it alllllll the time cuz she's interactin with me too.

Megan - posted on 05/12/2010

I don't know why people think tv is the most evil thing. My 11 month old son doesn't have an attention span past a minute, so I highly doubt he is going to become a couch potato or rot his brain out. I do understand why they shouldn't when they are older, but it can't be that bad or Baby Einstein wouldn't be so dang popular!

Caitlin - posted on 05/12/2010

The television is on all the time mainly because I'm not working or have a car (hopefully that'll change soon) and with the weather being disgusting recently, we haven't been able to go to the park. My 11 month old loves dora, freshbeat band, spongebob, ni-hao kai lan and the fairly odd parents. When we're at my boyfriends, she'll watch mickey mouse's clubhouse, barney and some sesame street but she's doing more things over there because she is able to. As long as it is limited, I don't see a problem with it. A young child can't do much now any way. When they're walking and can actually go outside to play and run out, they should be outside if it's nice out. Until then, I don't see much of a problem.

Colleen - posted on 05/12/2010

My 11 month girl is obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba! I let her watch it a lot because she loves to wiggle and dance and we do it together. I think the colors and singing are good for stimulating her little brain. She doesn't care much for any other show but when Yo Gabba Gabba is on she is in Gabba land with them..she won't break away from it : )

Sabrina - posted on 05/12/2010

My 11 months says map... as my toddler girl loves Dora and he is crawling around he watches the show but he just stops to say map and dance with the map song. He has seen the Tv since he is 7-8 months but only because his sister. With my older I waited until she was 12 mo, but I guess patience and time just dissapear a little with the second..

Kat - posted on 05/12/2010

Tristan was 11 months on 5/11, and he loves Nick Jr channel. it's on all the time, not that he watches anything but Dora and Diego (and the occasional Yo Gabba Gabba and Backyardigans). but he doesnt really watch. i have it for background noise really. he's usually too busy crawling around the apartment or playing with his toys to watch. i'm guilty of using it as a babysitter so i can get some dishes done or load the washer. but i dont see anything wrong with someone letting their kid watch tv throughout the day. like Ashley Phillips said, i probably watch more Nick Jr than he does. as long as your son's active, it should be ok

Ashley - posted on 05/12/2010

I think it is totally alright..He is learning new songs, he is interacting, trying to sing them and dance and he is having fun. . As long as he isnt there ALL the time..ALL day, then what the heck! let him enjoy a little tv, we all know they are gonna be watching it sooner or later lol. I will turn the t.v. on ..tree house and my 11 month old could care a less..but he is listening..he will dance to the songs..but never actually stops to stare or look at it. . unless something REALLY catch's his eye...Im sure I watch more Barney and Friends then he does (even catch myself watching it when he is sleeping cause i forget to turn it off lol). I would say as long as he is getting his outdoor time fresh air, and playing with toys and interacting and doing what babies do then a little t.v. is good to go :)

Nichole - posted on 05/12/2010

Ok ya thats what i thought it figured it was ok i mean its not like i sit him in front of the tv all day long or anything...thanx guys!!

Heather - posted on 05/11/2010

I think it's totally ok! My son (will be 11 months on the 26th) loves TV too and also has his favorite shows that he gets super excited about. I think if they are watching kid appropriate shows and if they are even dancing and being active then why not? I even get into it with him and he has a lot of fun. I point out things and teach him words and stuff. He is very active and smart and also loves being read to too. I think when kids are a bit older and become like couch potatoes on a nice day and don't do anything else then there is a problem. But babies and toddlers dancing around or looking at TV while playing is perfectly fine IMO and perhaps makes their environment a bit more enriching as well. :-)

Lyla - posted on 05/11/2010

I have letmy son watch baby einstein at every feeding
and just recently have been putting on treehouse he also likes sid the science kid , i think a little tv is ok controlled time ive made it a morning routene and feeding , i leave it on at play time he only looks at the tv when the songs play
I think as long as they are physically active with playtime
a little tv doesnt hurt