Is it ok to let a baby "watch" tv??

Question

Since they can't understand any of it and just see colors and stuff shouldn't it be ok? My 3 month old seems to like Spongebob. Right now I'm watching UFC & she's intently staring at the tv.

Answer 1

You know what, I've always said that the Pediatrician is not there when the baby is wailing and all that will calm her down is the TV!

My daughter loves the TV. She will love on you until she sees the TV screen, then it's alllll over for you, buddy. LOL

We are amused by how much she likes Sponge Bob, also. =]

Answer 2

I was wondering the same thing my 3 month old basically turns his head around just to look at the tv. I was wondering if it's bad for their eyes but then again all they see is the lights and different shades of color. Sometimes he just cries and cries so we put his bouncer in front of the tv while cartoons are on and he just giggles and goos.

Answer 3

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has apparently done some study which suggests that allowing babies to watch tv may actually make your child more likely to exhibit characteristics of ADHD, as it "wires their brains differently for quick hits of short information..."

I couldn't find the link to attach, and haven't really done much research on this, but thought I'd pass that on as food for thought.  My 3 month old daughter would probably stare at the tv for hours if I let her, but I always make sure to either change her position or just plain turn it off if I can't redirect her.  

Answer 4

I think that its a personal choice. Some parents let their kids and some dont. For the most part they ALL turn out ok in the end :-) If the baby likes tv you should invest in some Baby Einstein videos. They are very educational and designed specially for the baby. Or if you have direct tv they have a great channel just for babies! i personally wouldnt let either of my girls watch anything but baby einstein when they were babies.

Answer 5

my twins like dora the explorer wonder pets etc i think these programs are ok but i would not be comfortable if they where watching UFC even if they don't understand that's just me  

Answer 6

i think people only say it's a bad thing because some parents rely on television to entertain their babies throughout the day. i only let my baby watch tv if i need something to occupy him while i cook breakfast or lunch. he doesn't really enjoy it still,, he'll cry after like 10 min to be held. so i usually eat with a fork in one hand and baby in the other!! lol. but i think TV for babies is only bad if it is their only source of "human" contact.  

Answer 7

We let our daughter watch it sometimes. Sometimes the regular tv (what we watch) and sometimes we put on "Baby Gourmet" for her. It's a very good DVD for babies. Our daughter LOVES it! I think it's fine as long as you don't let your baby watch it all day long.