Need Advice: Is It Too Young for a 10 Month Old to Watch TV?

k.

I used to let my son watch them also but as long as you only let him 30 mins. a day is ok. I ask the Dr and he said that it is ok. So don't worry to much at least you get house work done and not have to worry about the baby.

I have to admit I was one of those moms who didn't want their kids to watch TV before they turned two. Then, I let my daughter watch a little bit of TV and her vocabulary grew so quickly. I was amazed. Like you, I only let her watch educational shows. I try to limit her TV time to about an hour a day. Sometimes it's more or less, depending.

Y.

My son is almost 2 1/2, and I'll admit I have the TV on alot in the wintertime since he's stuck inside all day. But even with it on he only pays attention to a few shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhose and Blues Clues. He usually goes off and plays, gives me books to read or runs around the house. So I don't find it a bad thing to be on as long as they're doing other stuff too and not just sitting in front of it all day.

TV has saved my sanity on many occasions! I don't know who determined it will rot your child's brain? My son knows all his numbers and letters from watching Sesame Street. I think it is a great tool to use. Now, if the kid isn't getting enough exercise because he/she just wants to sit in front of the tube all day, that is one thing and not good but kid shows teach little ones a lot about social interaction, etc. So I have to disagree with the folks that refuse to let their kids watch tv. I watched TV growing up and I am just fine-I even like to exercise, I'm not obese, and I am not dumb or emotionally unstable either! So think about it logically-you cannot dote on your kids exclusively all day long. there is laundry to be done, dishes to wash...and while you are doing that, the tv might teach your kids something important! This whole "Supermom" ideal is just not realistic. I say let your kids enjoy some Baby Einstein and some independence too (they need to learn how to hang out by themselves sometimes anyway). You need a little time to do what you need to do and guess what? that is a very GOOD thing so you don't burn out...

Hi T. I hope you had a happy mothers day. I dont kno9w what other people respond to this but I wanted to say that what you are doing is fine. My daughter loved the baby einstein vidoes too. She is now a bright four year old. She knows all her numbers and letters and even the letter sounds. She has know all this even before she started preschool. She is very active and loves to interact with others. I know most people will say no tv until two but this is unrealistic and it is nice for you to get some time to yourself and time to clean. I have my degree in el ed and I still did this with my kids. Good luck...Other videos I like sre the pooh learning videos and leap frog alphabet sounds video.
S.

I think its fine. A little tv isn't going to hurt. I think 2 hours max a day is good. My son is 16 months and watches the teletubbies, mickey mouse club house, and handy manny. I think there is a lot of good choices out there for kids, even young ones, a lot of the programming really tries to be educational and I think if you follow up the time spent that he watches a show with some active learning -- like asking him questions about the show or reminding him of some of the things that show went over, that tv can really be a tool. So, really everything in moderation is my motto!

Hi T.!
I think you'll be fine. I really think it depends on you and what you want them to see or not see. Everyone is different. Just like I don't like the video games and it's huge for my husband and my 8 yr old stepson, but I don't want my 2 little boys (2 yrs and 10 months) to learn them til they are school age (my stepson was doing video games before he learned to read - I don't agree with that - but that is me) I myself have used the Einstein videos and they are very educational. I know that Sprout TV (channel 128 -if you have extended cable) is a great channel and has lots of good educational childrens shows (there are a few that I don't like, but most are good). 10 months is not too old in my opinion, especially if it's only for 30 mins- 1 hr a day. And the Einstein videos are good for music and color association, so it's teaching him something. Anyway, sorry to ramble on. I think you'll find that "mommy" knows best. Go with your instincts and 9 out of 10 times you'll be right. Remember though not to beat yourself up if you make mistakes. We all do, it's like we're learning too! As for getting a part time job, have you ever thought of starting a home based business so you could work from home and be with your son? I only ask bc that's what I do, and I'd love to share it with you. It's a way to keep your home chemical free too. I work with The M.O.M. Team. We helps other moms work from home and be successful. If you'd like feel free to call me @ ###-###-#### or email at ____@____.com, or you can even check out my website www.justbeyondthehorizon.com. Go under "Other Opportunities" for The M.O.M. Team. I wish you well and hope you are having a blast watching your son grow. (Goes fast, doesn't it?) Please feel free to keep in touch. I have a Cafemom.com space too heart4Josh_Luke is my screenname there and myspace is www.myspace.com/musicalivy. Hope to hear from you. Take Care!

I.

-I'm 31 (soon 32). Mom of Josh (2), Lucas (10 mo), and stepson Patrick (8). Married, work at home with my own businesses.

My daughter is 3 years old and she does watch a lot of tv, however I make sure that they are educational shows. We also spend a big part of the day playing and teaching her different things. I think that the tv was a big part helping her learn as well as in her imagination growing. Sesame Street, Barney and Little Bear are great show that I believe will benefit your son.

I feel a little torn on this issue--I completely understand why it's tempting to put the kid in front of the TV (and it's easy for me, as someone who is still expecting my first child, to say that I won't do it), but here's the thing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child not watch any TV until they're 2, as may increase the likelihood of attention disorders and obesity. Here's a link to a recent article on this issue: http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN073409...

Basically, there's no proof that Baby Einstein or any of the other "educational TV" programs help do anything but entertain your child. On the other hand, your sanity is priceless. So do what you have to do, but be realistic about it. I hope that didn't come off as judgemental as I think it did...

My kids are much older - almost ready to move out, in fact! But as babies, they watched Sesame Street, and a few videos that were out at that time called "Baby Songs". Just like you, I worried that they might be too young. And I also felt guilty that I was using the t.v. as a babysitter. Everything turned out just fine, though. I don't think that 30 minutes is too long. It gives you a break to get some things done around the house (or just sit with your feet up for a little bit). The Baby Einstein DVDs are educational, so it's not like you're putting your child down in front of HBO to watch the Sopranos. :)
Just be aware of how much time your child is in front of the t.v. as he gets older. You don't want t.v., even educational programming, to take up so much time from your child's life that he doesn't get some physical exercise or time to use his own imagination.
For now, enjoy the 30 minutes, and enjoy your son!

Go for it. If anything it is sound. Baby einstein is made for little babys. A couple of mins here and there is not going to hurt anyone. In my house the tv might be on for a couple of hours. But it is only on for sound. Sometimes it sounds better then the radio.

Just remember that as the little one grows. Don't let them sit infront of a tv for no more sometimes then an 1hr. Or longer depends on how he is. We use tv as a treat when we can.

Hi T.!!
You know, sometimes I have to wonder about doctors and so called "experts," do any of these people have children???
My son, who is now 8, LOVED to watch Playhouse Disney and Sesame Street when he was an infant/toddler and he has always been ahead of the "curve" with everything he has done. I would watch it with him most of the time and I would sing and dance, etc. along with whatever the characters on the show would do. It also, of course, helped out when I had things that I had to get done.
My daughter (21 months) watches the Noggin channel, Nick Jr., and PBS Sprout periodically through the day and she is advanced as well. She doesn't just SIT there and watch, she plays and listens and she dances when they play music.
Now I'm not saying that TV is the reason my kids are smart, but those shows are geared towards the pre-school aged children and are meant to help them learn. I truly believe that a lot of those shows, along with momma's guidance and love, is a wonderful combo to help kids learn.
If TV is so bad for our kids, why don't they wipe out all the children's programming so they have nothing to watch????
That's all I have... much luck to you and trust your instincts above all else!!

My son too loved Baby Einstein and will actually still sit and watch when his sister pops one in and he's 6! They fascinate the kids and it is more educational than the cartoons out there! Go for it. You get peace of mind and get something done and he's enjoying himself. It hasn't hurt my kids and my son is quite smart. The only channel my kids get to watch is the Disney channel as there are a few good cartoons for them there too. We do limit tv exposure though. A 1/2 hour isn't going to hurt anyone.

Hi T.,
Personally No, I do not think there is anything wrong with him watching tv. My 14 week old loves to watch the baby einstein video, baby mozart. I found this out when he was 6 weeks old when he was in the hospital and I stayed over night and requested the movie in the room just to check it out. I can't believe how alert he is at this age and how smart! So in my opinion as long as it is not all day and maybe once a day for him to learn I do not see any harm at all. My little one does tummy time and is mesmerized with the tv if it is on, I let him check it out and explain tohim what he is seeing! So, don't worry and keep doing what you are doing!

There are so many people that think TV is the root of all evil with kids. I disagree. In moderation, I think it is a wonderful tool. 30 minutes is not a big deal - especially if you are interacting with the child at other times and he still gets physical activity. There are people that use the TV to "babysit" for 4-5 hours at a stretch. That is horrible in my opinion.

I let my kids (6 months, 2.5 yrs, 5 yrs) watch about 2 hours a day max, broken up into 30 minute segments. I also use suspension of TV as an effective discipline for the older 2.

My suggestions: Baby Einstein (any of them!), Dora, Diego, Wiggles -- especially great when kids are walking and can dance etc., Baby Genius, Lamaze (baby series, not the breathing method!), and occasionally Barney. I am not a fan of Teletubbies.

K.

Honestly, I don't think it's a big deal. If you engage in other activities a lot, e.g., going outside or reading to your son, I think 30 minutes is fine.

Ok, here's a confession: My 14 year old son used to watch Barney so that I could do my dishes. There! I've said it. Yes, I used the idiot box to get household chores done when he was about 8 months old until he was old enough to "help." And by that time, I had another baby that watched a video (I was sick of Barney by this time,lol.) The video, called BabyMugs, was cute, just music with different baby faces on the screen, and she loved it. I was lucky with the twins, I just put them in whatever (bouncy seat, stationary walker, high chair, etc.) and turned them so they could see each other, and it was wonderful entertainment for them.

Now that they are older, they have to earn TV privileges. Usually, as long as the weather is nice, we don't even turn it on, but it's wonderful when it's too wet to go outside. Also, I have quite a few of the cartoons (SpongeBob, Simpsons, Family Guy, etc.) and all of the music stations (MTV, VH1, FUSE, etc.) blocked out.

I think that as long as it's done in moderation, and that you are using it for something useful, then use what works. Not all of the chores can be done while the baby is asleep, and sometimes, kids and parents need a break.

Some other shows that your son might enjoy:

The Wiggles
Sesame Street
Dora the Explorer
Bob the Builder
Any of the Disney Sing-Along Video/DVDs.

I have twin 19 month olds and the TV was a huge help when they were in their exersaucers. My kids would spit up a lot so when they were younger and still not walking and still taking a bottle, I would put them in their exersaucers and put on the educational baby TV channel that Direct TV has and they loved it. i could then do dishes or a load of laundry. Once they were stationary for a little bit I could take them out and let them crawl around and stuff and not have to worry about them spitting up everywhere. I hated that, poor guys!
Now that they are older and running around, I normally always have the TV on when we are inside. Generally it's just one of the XM music channels so they can dance and "sing" or something for the adults. If they get fussy and it's getting close to nap time or something, I put Sesame Street on and they love it. They will sometimes stop to watch it or they will keep playing and kind of look over when something sparks their interest. It's great because whenever I need to run out of the room to do something, they are distracted. However, I don't let them just sit there all day and watch it. If you are doing other things, it's not that big of a deal. If you just plop him in front of it for hours on end, then it's a problem! Since it sounds like you are just using it in increments here and there, I wouldn't worry at all!

i dont think its bad at all...we let our 4 year old boy and our 9month old girl watch playhouse disney and the baby einstein videos(along with other videos we feel are suitable such as blues clues)...we feel that as long as they are not mindless entertainment shows(like disney gets to be for the older kids in the afternoon..kim possible,etc)then its all good...playhouse disney has a show called little einsteins ..its geared for kids after they pass the baby einstein phase..but my son loved the little einsteins when he was litte(still does)and he still loves the baby einstein videos...people say not to let your kids watch tv but i have to disagree..my son didnt start talking till he was three...he wouldnt even communicate his need to eat,etc...but watching wiggles and other shows on playhouse disney was the only thing that he would interact with..he was in speech therapy and we would spend so much time working together but i learned that my child was very receptive to tv..he would do the dances and have so much fun...so i actually taped myself doing the work we were to do for the day with his speech and let him watch it on tv..it worked....plus i love playhouse disney because there are no commercials for sugary cereals or toys,etc..(trust me, when your child is older you will realllllly appreciate that..lol)i dont let my kids watch it all day...we do alot of other things(outside and inside)but i do put on playhouse disney in the morning when they wake up at 7...while i get some things done and i dont feel bad about it at all..you have to do whats right for your child,yourself and your situation...i think the experts just dont want people to sit thier kids in front of the tv and leave them there all day...they say anything is good in moderation...take care...R.

In my experience with my 2 kids (number 3 is on the way), I've found that television can be helpful. We try to limit how much they watch and we definitely limit the types of television they watch.

My daughter loved the Baby Einstein videos. My son loves Noggin, Nick Jr. and PBS Sprout shows. He is almost three now. I would say that he was probably exposed to a little more television than my daughter at that age because my daughter was home.

I've found that having educational television on for part of the day actually has stimulated their imaginations and helped them to learn earlier. My daughter is now 7 1/2 years old. She is currently at the end of her first grade year. She is in the Gifted Program and has been reading chapter books since the beginning of Kindergarten. Her brother is just as bright. He knows his shapes and his colors and can sing the ABC song as well as several others. They both have wonderful imaginations and make up wonderful stories. They both love books. They get plenty of physical exercise/play at the park and in our front yard.

I do have to say that a friend of mine limits her son (just turned 3) to 1 hour of television per day. Unfortunately, his Dad allows him to watch wrestling. He has had speech delays and per the wrestling can get a little violent. I guess my point is to say that it seems less important to me how much television they watch as opposed to what they are permitted to watch.

The important thing to remember is that you don't use the television as a sitter and you still give them lots of human interaction as stimulation as well. However, the television can help to provide active stimulation for short periods during the day which allow a mom some Mommy time to either get things done around the house or just sit and take a few deep breaths.

Good luck.

T.,

I started my son on Baby Einstein when he was about 3 or 4 months old (once he started sitting up). I used to put him in his bouncy chair in front of the TV. I don't think I would have ever got a shower otherwise. I think the key is moderation and interacivity. My son just turned 3. He knows he is allowed to watch 3 TV shows a day. Then the TV gets turned off and he has to go do something else. While the TV is on, I am constantly interacting with him and the TV, asking what is happening or questions about the scene (bear in mind that I work from home and he watches TV in my office while I am working). When he was a baby, I used to describe to him what was happening on the TV. I also closely monitor what he watches. During the day he is only allowed to watch Noggin, Disney, or Sprout. At night he is allowed to watch one of his movies (although now that the weather is improving, he hasn't been doing this). I'm not saying that this is perfect or the answer, but it seems to be working for him. He is not at a loss for imagination (in fact, I'll hear him acting out his version of what he watched on TV, with his own ending) and he stil loves to play outdoors and run around. But it is an idea.

Jenn

my son is 9 months and i have the tv on basically all day long, as i stay home all day... he watched blues clues, the backyardigans, sponge bob, any cartoon on the nick jr channel really... but he also doesnt just sit there and does nothing but watch tv.. he mostly only actually watches it when theres music on the cartoon playing... i dont think watchin tv has slowed him down at all.. i think he's really smart in fact.h'es also already walking, so he's constantly moving.

No it is not too young for a infant to watch television. When we can't calm my daughter down or need to get something done and have tried everything we put the t.v. on and she LOVES it. Her eyes light up and she dances around. It is so cute BUT do not make the television a babaysitter for a long stretch of time and if you are not right there with him make sure he is some where safe like a swing and keep checking in on him.