With the explosion of baby DVDs and the launch of BabyFirstTV, a new TV channel aimed specifically at babies, the controversial issue is once again taking center stage. Should parents allow babies to watch television? Is TV good for babies, or might it actually cause irreversible harm to them? In an honest look at the arguments for and against there are many – doctors, teachers, parents and others – who strongly oppose the idea of babies watching TV, but for those who are involved in creating and marketing of baby DVDs, the best argument seems to be that since parents are allowing babies to watch TV anyway, they might as well have something age-appropriate and educational to watch.
What Does The American Association of Pediatrics Say About Babies and TV?
The AAP has the following very clear position on kids/babies and television:
“Children of all ages are constantly learning new things. The first 2 years of life are especially important in the growth and development of your child's brain. During this time, children need good, positive interaction with other children and adults. Too much television can negatively affect early brain development. This is especially true at younger ages, when learning to talk and play with others is so important.
Until more research is done about the effects of TV on very young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend television for children age 2 or younger. For older children, the Academy recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of educational, nonviolent programs. “
How can TV negatively affect early brain development? First, TV takes away from the precious time babies have to interact with people and explore their environment. Second, possible links have been found between early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. (See the AAP Study) Could TV cause ADD? The subject needs further research, but the current information is enough to elicit the strong response from the AAP.
Why Would Parents Let a Baby Watch TV?
If you are truly asking this question, you must not have kids! Realistically speaking, there are many parents who would not ever let a baby watch TV, but other parents who need a break every now and then find that a baby DVD gives them just enough time to take a shower or even take a minute to breathe and regroup. Parents with colicky or otherwise high needs babies really might not have another effective means of getting a break on some days. Thankfully, resources are available to help parents and caregivers find alternatives to using television as a babysitter. Also, new research has prompted DVDs that pay special attention to the pacing and other needs of babies, so there are some better options if parents do decide to pop in a video and gain some sanity.
Great Choices for Baby DVDs
In my research on DVDs made for babies, I have found two series that seem the most age appropriate and provide the best possible value for babies. The first is a product by Sony Wonder called Eebees. Each Eebee’s adventures DVD is divided into three, 10-minute segments, which focus on a learning concept modeled by Eebee and other babies. The DVDs emphasize learning through play and exploration, and they also contain a wealth of information and ideas for parents.
The second series is Sesame Beginnings, by Sesame Workshop. Sesame Beginnings also provides great information for parents, and the DVD content is slowly paced interaction between baby Sesame Street characters and their caregivers. The best thing about Sesame Beginnings DVDs, though, is the music. Babies love it!
Both of these DVD series have in common an important factor that I have not seen as strongly in other baby DVDs. In Eebees and Sesame Beginnings, the play and interactions are modeled so well, that they inspire parents to want to play with their kids and also to improve the quality of the play and the quality of attention they give to their precious babies.
*Additional DVD options:
- Popsies: This DVD uses color, hand puppets and music to entertain babies and reinforce behavioral concepts. The DVD is gently paced with careful, purposeful content.
