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Actually, I know a lot of child psychologists are recommening to AVOID such videos. They actually decrease the developement rate of babies/toddlers.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1650352,00.html
http://healthland.time.com/2010/09/07/like-crack-for-babies-baby-einstein-fails-again-in-new-study/
If she needs interaction, have her interact with people, not a TV. And read to her.
That's what I've been reading too. At least for the first year or two, I'll probably avoid videos. A few friends of mine, raised their kids on them, they seem ok..but they just hit grade school.
They use the Baby Einstein videos at hospitals (such as University of Michigan...I know that one for sure, both of my parents work there) use them with a lot of success with both healthy and sick babies and toddlers. I know my friend didn't use them (except the lullaby one) until 8-10 months
As others have posted, Baby Einstein videos aren't going to turn your baby into a little Eintstein, from what I've read :p I'm an early childhood education student and I've never had one professor say that videos/tv of any type for children under 3 are good and it's generally looked down upon. Many of the best daycares/preschools I've seen from site visits don't even have a TV in the room.
That said, I'm not going to pretend to be all high and mighty; I will likely end up allowing any future children of MINE (not ones I take care of as part of my career) to watch tv. It's very useful when you need a break or a quick minute to sanitize bottles or something or throw a load of laundry in. It's also great for long plane rides or sick babies who are having a hard time being consoled. I just wouldn't use them often if you can help it, and definitely not long periods of time. 30 minutes should be more than sufficient.
But, that's my two cents and I try not to judge others who let their infants and toddlers watch too much tv. Afterall, my brother and I watched tons of PBS when we were little, and we turned out just fine!
I am a pediatric speech pathologist and specialize in language development. There is very little level 1, high quality research to back up the claims of either Baby Einstein or things like Your Baby Can Read (don't want to get me started on that one!). The absolute best thing you an do for your peanut is to interact with them yourself. I'm not saying babies don't enjoy the music etc on the BE DVDs, but from a developmental standpoint they're unproven. There was another interesting article related to this in the NY Times today that you might want to check out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/health/12klass.html
Sorry to be such a negative nancy, it's just a hot-button issue for me, especially when I have parents come in and say "Yeah, I worked on his language with him, I put on the new Baby Einstein DVD every day" (not that you or most people would do that). Makes me crazy! Babies need people! :)
@MightySapphire: There was actually a recall and major lawsuit stemming from these videos because of their false/unsubstantiated claims.
http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/10/baby_einstein_dvd_refund.php
As entertainment, maybe ok...but not as a developmental tool!
Mostly I use them as background music for her while she plays on her mat. She shows no interest in them, but the music is cute and tolerable. (I've only popped in the Baby Mozart, Baby Bach, and Baby Beetoven so far.)
For the record I suppose I should state that I don't consider them educational or anything like that. I'd put them on the same plane as Teletubbies.
I'm just wondering if there will come a day when I can pop them in the DVD player and get a load of laundry done or (heaven please) wash my hair. MB is very demanding, so doing ANYTHING without her in one arm is impossible unless you want to hear her SCREAM (really truly gutwrenchingly scream) the whole time.
Or maybe someday she'll take an interest in the toys around her. Or the dog. ANYTHING but Mommy, lol. Can a woman get just five minutes?
One of my bosses in Seattle led the research that found that Baby Einstein might not be so great for babies.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/08/08/study_faults_einstein_videos_for_infants/
@MightySapphire: Quick answer. NO :)
Mighty Baby love love loves her momma. I think part of it is the age our girls are at, but from the time I got home from work today I couldn't put the baby down for a minute. It's great that they are so bonded to us, but man it's exhausting!
@Mrs. DG: Haha, yeah she's pretty attached. I just see other babies her age who can be put in their baby gym or on a blanket on the floor with toys and be ok for a short while. I can't even leave her sight without her crying. I love her and I love that she loves me, but I wish I could get anything done without having to call a babysitter.
We let Addie watch PBS sometimes. She likes the Electric Company and Word Girl; at least, those are the only ones she actually watches for more than 10 seconds at a time. I don't think she's "learning" anything from those shows, but she likes the colors/movement and she REALLY likes the rapping and beat boxing on The Electric Company. She likes to sing along now. :)
@ MS and DG - Addie's getting particularly mommy-oriented lately, but I just try to remind myself that there will come a day she will prefer her daddy (or the nanny) over me... and I will be super jealous. Plus, as long as she needs my time so much, my husband has do everything else to take care of us (like cook dinner, do the dishes, etc...), so that's a nice perk!
We learned in Child Psych that they actually slow down development at a certain age. They've just now been able to study the score of kids who watched them once they get to 1st/2nd grade time, and their scores dropped below those of their peers.
Interestingly, kids learn better from good old fashioned play than lessons or educational videos. One of the current theories is that overstimulation floods the brain too quickly.
I'm not a big fan of those kind of videos, but I have a weakness for Classical Baby on DVD. It is so sweet and soothing, and it intorduced me and my husband to some classical composers that we weren't familiar with. I registered for that one :)
Mighty--I definitely understand what you are going through. I put sesame street on today so that I could get a shower and get ready for work.
No one is going to fault you for using something like this to get an occasional break for yourself. There's a big difference being doing that and letting the tv babysit your children for hours at a time. If you don't take care of your self you will get worn down and frustrated and thats not good for either one of you. Sorry the videos aren't working but I hope you find something that will allow you to get a few minutes to yourself.
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For all you mommas out there, what is your take on the Baby Einstein videos? We own the complete set. What age are babies supposed to like them?? MB is almost 5 months old, and she really could care less about any 2D thing like the tv. She's a people baby, she needs interaction!
So I guess I'm wondering if they are a waste of time? Anyone own these who can comment?