Is 'baby television' good for them - does it actually make them smarter? I have heard varying opionions.

Answer 1

TV watching has been linked with Alzheimer's. What does that tell you?

That said, my kids watch tv, but not often. During weekdays, they might watch a show once a week if I need to finish a choreor trim their nails. Or if there is something specific I want to teach them and I think a particular video will help. For example when I was teaching shapes, I'd read them books, point shapes out in everyday things, AND watch a free baby show on shapes together (we get them free from COMCAST On Demand).

On a weekend I might let them watch a show. But I really do try to limit tv viewing. And they don't really demand to watch tv. Since they are not used to tv, they are able to entertain themselves for a long time. And we also play with them.

Answer 2

I think it's good as long as it's not too much. Let them watch a baby Einstein video or sesame street a couple of times a day, but after an hour turn off the TV and let them play, put on some nice music-that stimulates them too. Just don't ever let the television be your child's teacher.

Answer 3

There's a reason why folks have called television "the boob tube" or "the idiot box" for generations.....if you want your kid to be smarter, why not spend that time READING to him instead? Take your child with you to the library, or the local museum (we live in D.C., with the Smithsonian a 20-minute train ride away). I've read to my son every day of his life (and even when he was in the womb!); he just turned four, and can name and describe all the planets in the solar system, can count to 100, identify all the major organs in the human body, can tell you who the Wright and Montgolfier brothers are......

Bottom line: interacting directly and actively with your child will benefit you both SO much more than plunking him down in front of the ol' electronic babysitter....

Answer 4

I don't think it's good. When they are infants there are many many more things that could stimulate their minds other than television. Studies show tv at a young age increases the risk for ADHD and other focusing problems. It's bad for their eyes as well. When they're babies, I say turn off the tv and get out the toys.

Answer 5

Aurora, Amy Bonnie, Bethany Charlotte, Candace destiny, Delia Elizabeth, Evelet Frieda, Fawn Gaselle, Glory desire, Heidi Iris, Irene Jade, Jeanette Kristen, Kimberly Leslie, Lauren-Gaige Martha, Massie Nathalia, Nanette Olivia, Orly Penelope, Pauline Quinn, Quest Robin, Raquel Skye, Shelly Terri, believe Ursula, Umie Veronica, Vanessa-Lois Willafred (willa/willow), West leXi, roXy Yvette, Yellow (it potential non violent/ friendly, no longer a color call) Zodi (meaning experienced/ sensible), Ziva (meaning religious and fearing)

Answer 6

Oh, my. I am such a bad mother. My baby is watching Knight Rider with me right now...

She also watches the planets and stars with me at night, so, whatev, baby nazis. Has your little six month old, non-tv watching, mother proclaimed "geniuses" seen Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and live shooting stars? Judgemental tarts.

To the asker...I think tv does make them smarter. It's just my opinion. Like, my little girl sings the teletubby songs (best she can) and she's only 8 months old. She can mimic the sounds of the theme music of the normal programs we watch at home. It makes us all laugh. Granted, she's not composing any symphonies, but what baby will? People need to get over themselves.

Answer 7

no. television of any kind for children under two is harmful. it goes at a speed that the child can't keep up with --no matter how smart it is-- and it helps produce attention span problems and learning disabilities.
you want something that will help? read to your baby...put on some mozart. Pachabel Canon in D is a good one for kids, its very happy.

Answer 8

pretty controversial question. Dont get offended by baby nazis. I think its allright as long as you dont constantly have your kid in front of the TV. Its definately entertaining for them if nothing else. My baby loved it when we had a free month during May for mothers day. I didnt order it because its like $20/month which seems crazy!

Answer 9

depending on what they are wayching..i have a 2 year old son and he has learned soooo much from television shows like blues clues, dora the explorer, diego, higgly town heroes, basically anything on nick jr...he also like the baby einstiens tapes and tells you what the pictures are and what they are doing...so in my opinion yes it makes them smarter, it helps them with problem solving and gets them thinking about whats going on

Answer 10

My kid (18 months) enjoys it very much. He even laughs at the jokes (visual ones).

I'm not sure if it is a learning experience but I was amazed to see how well they target age. The show following was for older kids and he left to play with his building blocks.