In the News: Baby DVDs

by Amy W.

When my oldest was an infant, we received the whole collection of the Baby Einstein DVDs as a present. I thought, great, educational and set to really cool music (in my classical music mind).

Ashley watched one of those DVDs, Baby Bethoveen, every evening for about six months. It was the only way my husband and I could have 20 minutes to eat our dinner. Once Ashley started joining us at the table, we stopped watching them.

Every once in a while now Ashley will pick out one of those DVDs in the van to watch to appease her younger sister who doesn't quite get the endless episodes of the Backyardigans. And I always think in the back of my mind, at least it is educational.

Well, now the latest report in the Journal of Pediatrics is that these baby DVDs actual do more harm than good. And honestly, is this going to stop me from putting the videos in the DVD player? Probably not, although I no longer have an infant, I have a toddler and a preschooler, but still. I think the music is great, the images have my toddler yelling out "Moo" or "Bark" when she sees a dog or a cow on the screen.

We all know TV is bad, we hear it on the news all the time. Restrict TV watching in your children, and your child will grow up to be the next president. I think in moderation, TV can spark imagination. And at this point, when Ashley has a question about something that has happened in an episode of her favorite episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, it sparks learning as well.

In my analytical mind, I am wondering about the 1,000 babies studied in this study. How much did the parents talk to them? How much interaction with older siblings did they get? How many books were read to them on a daily basis? These might not add up to much, but I think variations in these variables would definitely produce differing results.

I don't think this report will slow down the sales of Baby Einstein videos, what do you think? How do you handle television time in your house?

Comments

[Laura]

As a mom of a one year old and a 2.5 year old, I take these tv studies w/ a grain of salt. Both of my girls get plenty of play time and interaction w/ my and my husband (and others, of course). Sometimes, I just need to get something done and even more, sometimes they just need a break to relax. I am a firm believer in everything in moderation.

[Rachel]

There are so many "studies" now, that I pretty much just ignore them. Except for the ones regarding safety. One expert says this and one says that. You know what? I am the expert on MY kids.

[Tony]

Few days ago..I bought some music dvds at 20% discounted prices from Target store through Couponalbum.com.....!!