Watching tv with baby?

pinottoparenthood · June 2013

So my DS is two months and change. We usually have the tv on in the background at our house as we go about the day. Today for the first time, I saw him notice the tv. He was staring at the screen as I changed his diaper. Then when I put him on his piano play mat which he LOVES, he kept turning his head to look at the tv instead of his toys. When I turned it off, he went right to cooing at himself in the mirror and batting at his toys. Now I am worried about having the tv on all the time and will be making more of an effort to turn it off when DS is somewhere that he can see it.

obviously I know that DS can't understand what's on the screen, but I am still worried that "watching" tv is bad for him. What do you guys think? When is the tv on in your home and when does it need to be off? I want to do the best for DS, but it gets boring sometimes when he's doing his own thing and I'm working on laundry or something like that. Or when I'm just sitting on the couch breastfeeding.

BigPoppa22 · June 2013

Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.

NicoleSB80 · June 2013

I have it on when I BF an whatnot but TV is behind LO. Same with her swing and activity mat, she can't see the TV from them if it is on. I tend to keep it on ALL DAY LONG as background noise for myself.

mben1119 · June 2013

Eh, we keep our TV on 24/7. DS barely notices it, even now, unless I put on a show for him (Sesame Street, YGG, or Dora/Diego). When he was a newborn, I would have gone insane without TV/Netflix.

Do what feels best for you and your family.

pinottoparenthood · June 2013

BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.

yeah, not really helpful. I'm not talking about putting LO in front of the tv or letting him watch it, I'm talking about having it on in the background. I don't think that it "offers" him anything; I am worried about whether having it on in the background can be harmful. Did you even read my post??

Thanks to those of you who actually responded to what I was asking.

bibby32714 · June 2013

pinottoparenthood:

So my DS is two months and change. We usually have the tv on in the background at our house as we go about the day. Today for the first time, I saw him notice the tv. He was staring at the screen as I changed his diaper. Then when I put him on his piano play mat which he LOVES, he kept turning his head to look at the tv instead of his toys. When I turned it off, he went right to cooing at himself in the mirror and batting at his toys. Now I am worried about having the tv on all the time and will be making more of an effort to turn it off when DS is somewhere that he can see it.

obviously I know that DS can't understand what's on the screen, but I am still worried that "watching" tv is bad for him. What do you guys think? When is the tv on in your home and when does it need to be off? I want to do the best for DS, but it gets boring sometimes when he's doing his own thing and I'm working on laundry or something like that. Or when I'm just sitting on the couch breastfeeding.

Its on all the time at our house too. Just for noise most of the time. I catch her watching it sometimes...I think it is more just the colors moving. She doesn't stay interested for long and doesn't always pay attention to it. I personally think it is ok...everything in moderation.

MrsWindyCity · June 2013

During my leave I had the TV on a fair amount in the background or while I was nursing DS. When he's playing, I turn it off or just make sure his playmat is in a location where he can't see the TV. We didn't let DS1 actively watch TV until he was almost 2 and we plan to do the same with this one.

kateronium · June 2013

I feel horribly deprived with my tv broken right now... its really hard watching netflix on an itty bitty phone screen..
Until it went on the Fritz last week I had it on when my hubby was at work just to have some noise. House is too quiet

Ready4theParty · June 2013

NicoleSB80:
I have it on when I BF an whatnot but TV is behind LO. Same with her swing and activity mat, she can't see the TV from them if it is on. I tend to keep it on ALL DAY LONG as background noise for myself.

This. We try to position DD in the living room so she can't see the TV if she's playing or in her swing.

Blake30 · June 2013

My tv is on 24/7. My baby looks at the tv sometimes but I don't think it's a huge deal.

+ASH+ · June 2013

We've always had the tv on 24/7 - my kids barely watch it (they are 10 and almost 7). They have a favorite show, which I set the DVR to record each Saturday, but for the most part they are playing with each other or outside. They do love movies, so we limit those.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have a friend who refuses all TV - her kids are the same age as mine and she's also got a 4 year old - her kids absolutely cannot function if they are anywhere that has a TV - restaurants, other peoples' houses, etc. And I don't say that lightly - they completely zone out and can't focus on anything that is being said to them because they are so overstimulated by it. These are very bright and intelligent children, so it's always shocking to me to see that reaction.

Take a healthy approach to it and you'll be fine. A friend of mine has hers on 24/7, noticed that her 3 year old was watching it all the time and started regulating it more. Each child/family is different, so just pay attention to their individual needs and you'll be fine.

trudibell · June 2013

BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.

I agree. The AAP has been saying for decades to limit, or eliminate, television exposure to children under the age of 2. It's been shown to language acquisition, it's directly linked to ADD/ADHD in children, and there has been research that there could even be a link with autism. Other issues early television exposure is linked to are kind of obvious, sleep problems, obesity, lack of activity, and poor academic performance later on.

We don't really watch a lot of TV to begin with so we're not having it on until our son is 2. Then we plan on being strategic and limiting his exposure to 10 hours per week. Interestingly, AAP says that shows like Sesame Street are beneficial to toddlers but harmful to infants.

But yeah I'd avoid ANY tv exposure before 2 years.

trudibell · June 2013

Bliss+Berry:
trudibell:
BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.
I agree. The AAP has been saying for decades to limit, or eliminate, television exposure to children under the age of 2. It's been shown to language acquisition, it's directly linked to ADD/ADHD in children, and there has been research that there could even be a link with autism. Other issues early television exposure is linked to are kind of obvious, sleep problems, obesity, lack of activity, and poor academic performance later on.
We don't really watch a lot of TV to begin with so we're not having it on until our son is 2. Then we plan on being strategic and limiting his exposure to 10 hours per week. Interestingly, AAP says that shows like Sesame Street are beneficial to toddlers but harmful to infants.
But yeah I'd avoid ANY tv exposure before 2 years.
That's A LOT of sanctimony packed into a couple of paragraphs.

It's all from the AAP. I don't think my husband and I are being hypocritical, we do watch television, but we don't have cable and we don't do the leave-the-tv-on-all-day thing. I understand how difficult it can be, my parents and in laws have television on all the time, but after researching the detriment it can have on infants we made our decision and are sticking to it. It might not be the right decision for every family, but the OP was asking for opinions on it so I shared mine even though it's not reflective of the status quo. I didn't mean to sound judgmental on what others do in their homes, just sharing what we're doing in mine and why.

PrimRoseMama · June 2013

mben1119:
Eh, we keep our TV on 24/7. DS barely notices it, even now, unless I put on a show for him (Sesame Street, YGG, or Dora/Diego). When he was a newborn, I would have gone insane without TV/Netflix.
Do what feels best for you and your family.

Agree. I'm Lawlz. TV is the debil!

JSS1002 · June 2013

Funny - we just had this conversation in our house because it seems like LO just started noticiing the TV. HOwever, I think he is just attracted to the combo of sound and color... not like he is "watching," obviously because he can't understand anything yet.

Our discussion ended wtih the decision that once he is old enough that he could technically "watch" TV, we won't have it on anymore . We want to avoid TV as long as possible with him. This will seriously cut back on mom's time watching trashy reality TV on Bravo. ;-)

pearlsonthebeach · June 2013

trudibell:
BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+.  Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.
I agree.  The AAP has been saying for decades to limit, or eliminate, television exposure to children under the age of 2.  It's been shown to language acquisition, it's directly linked to ADD/ADHD in children, and there has been research that there could even be a link with autism.  Other issues early television exposure is linked to are kind of obvious, sleep problems, obesity, lack of activity, and poor academic performance later on.  
We don't really watch a lot of TV to begin with so we're not having it on until our son is 2.  Then we plan on being strategic and limiting his exposure to 10 hours per week.  Interestingly, AAP says that shows like Sesame Street are beneficial to toddlers but harmful to infants.
But yeah I'd avoid ANY tv exposure before 2 years.  

dude. your kid isn't even a week old.

kmkaull2 · June 2013

They just like the flickering lights. Don't worry, your kid isn't going to get ADD from glancing at the TV at this young age.

ShadyKull · June 2013

No judgement, but I am surprised at how many people always have their TVs on. I had it on sometimes when my LO was really tiny and mainly nursing or sleeping all the time. As soon as I noticed him looking at it, I stopped putting it on altogether when he is up and around. Babies are so easily and quickly overstimulated (especially newborns).

I am a school psychologist and am always thinking about all the attention problems kids have and how so many of them need media to keep themselves entertained and stimulated. I genuinely think exposure to TV is one of the many factors in this (not the only one). Our babies' brains are developing so quickly and are influenced by what they see of course. If their brains get used to being overstimulated by things like TV, it follows that they will crave this stimulation as they get older also.

We have never been a big TV family during daytime hours, we only watch it for an hour or two in the evening, so little guy is already in bed by then. Now when I am nursing little guy, I always have my kindle with me.

When little guy is old enough to actually watch and understand shows (around 2), I will let him watch some of the more educational kids shows a little bit each day. TV ain't the devil, but I choose not to expose my babe to it quite yet.

ShadyKull · June 2013

Nicb13:
ShadyKull:
No judgement, but I am surprised at how many people always have their TVs on. I had it on sometimes when my LO was really tiny and mainly nursing or sleeping all the time. As soon as I noticed him looking at it, I stopped putting it on altogether when he is up and around. Babies are so easily and quickly overstimulated (especially newborns).
I am a school psychologist and am always thinking about all the attention problems kids have and how so many of them need media to keep themselves entertained and stimulated. I genuinely think exposure to TV is one of the many factors in this (not the only one). Our babies' brains are developing so quickly and are influenced by what they see of course. If their brains get used to being overstimulated by things like TV, it follows that they will crave this stimulation as they get older also.
We have never been a big TV family during daytime hours, we only watch it for an hour or two in the evening, so little guy is already in bed by then. Now when I am nursing little guy, I always have my kindle with me.
When little guy is old enough to actually watch and understand shows (around 2), I will let him watch some of the more educational kids shows a little bit each day. TV ain't the devil, but I choose not to expose my babe to it quite yet.
That's because parents use it as a babysitter when kids get older and that's where problems stem from. Plopping a kid down in front of the TV for hours at a time and not encouraging them to do anything else. I also know children who NEVER get to watch any TV so when they see one...they are like zombies. I doubt that my 15 month old will have any ill effects from glancing up at the TV once in a blue moon. Just my 2 cents

I am not saying that a baby glancing once in a while at a turned on TV will result in ADHD. But if the TV is ALWAYS on and a baby keeps looking at it. . . over time they will get used to always having that stimulation (sight and noise) nearby and it could effect brain development. Of course, people should do what they feel comfortable with. For us, it isn't a necessity to have the TV on and our LO was definitely interested in it when it was on. . . so we keep it off. He will get to watch TV sometimes, just not quite yet. Not when he is so easily entertained by his own hands

WorkinWeezel · June 2013

I watched Bravo and HGTV all through my mat leave with my son and it is n pretty much all the time when I'm home. Same now that I'm home again. FF three years later, my son is now gay, redecorating my entire house and having Mimosas for breakfast, and my 2 month old daughter is getting bikini waxes and asking about her first set of implants to fill out her bathing suit. It hasn't affected my kids at all.

But really, my son doesn't watch tv, really. He does adore music and knows the words to songs on the radio. Sould I not listen to music in the car?

i totally respect other people's decisions, but it's really just that. Whatever works for each family. Do I think there is a ton of trash on tv? Definitely. But my kid would rather spend every waking moment outside than watching tv.

Pinot, I think you're fine

OhSewCrafty · June 2013

trudibell:
BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.
I agree. The AAP has been saying for decades to limit, or eliminate, television exposure to children under the age of 2. It's been shown to language acquisition, it's directly linked to ADD/ADHD in children, and there has been research that there could even be a link with autism. Other issues early television exposure is linked to are kind of obvious, sleep problems, obesity, lack of activity, and poor academic performance later on.
We don't really watch a lot of TV to begin with so we're not having it on until our son is 2. Then we plan on being strategic and limiting his exposure to 10 hours per week. Interestingly, AAP says that shows like Sesame Street are beneficial to toddlers but harmful to infants.
But yeah I'd avoid ANY tv exposure before 2 years.

So, catching a glimpse of the news while I made dinner is going to make my baby hyper, fat, and nonverbal?

::takes notes::

pinottoparenthood · June 2013

WorkinWeezel:
I watched Bravo and HGTV all through my mat leave with my son and it is n pretty much all the time when I'm home. Same now that I'm home again. FF three years later, my son is now gay, redecorating my entire house and having Mimosas for breakfast, and my 2 month old daughter is getting bikini waxes and asking about her first set of implants to fill out her bathing suit. It hasn't affected my kids at all.

those are the same channels I watch! Glad to know that DS is going to turn out so fabulous, haha.

trudibell · June 2013

OhSewCrafty:
trudibell:
BigPoppa22:
Not a matter of what we think, it is a fact that tv IS bad and LO should not be watching until they are 2 years+. Before that, they are too young to understand any of it, therefore it offers nothing.
I agree. The AAP has been saying for decades to limit, or eliminate, television exposure to children under the age of 2. It's been shown to language acquisition, it's directly linked to ADD/ADHD in children, and there has been research that there could even be a link with autism. Other issues early television exposure is linked to are kind of obvious, sleep problems, obesity, lack of activity, and poor academic performance later on.
We don't really watch a lot of TV to begin with so we're not having it on until our son is 2. Then we plan on being strategic and limiting his exposure to 10 hours per week. Interestingly, AAP says that shows like Sesame Street are beneficial to toddlers but harmful to infants.
But yeah I'd avoid ANY tv exposure before 2 years.
So, catching a glimpse of the news while I made dinner is going to make my baby hyper, fat, and nonverbal?
::takes notes::

That's not what I said at all. The OP asked for honest opinions and I shared mine, which apparently is different from yours. What's right for you and yours might not feel right for everyone, and believe it or not, that's totally ok

emolm · June 2013

mben1119:
Eh, we keep our TV on 24/7. DS barely notices it, even now, unless I put on a show for him Sesame Street, YGG, or Dora/Diego. When he was a newborn, I would have gone insane without TV/Netflix.Do what feels best for you and your family.

This. Except we're Chuggington, Oso, and Bubble Guppies fans.

sarahjulypsu · June 2013

Just a suggestion if you need background noise listento the radio? We listen to pandora children stations for dd who is 2. NPR for news/entertainment and baby Einstein cd's are also another one of dd's picks. I do watch tv and I do not think it's the devil. But all day seems odd to me? I'm not judging just my thoughts. Dd watches about an hour a day. On a bad day more to be be honest.

ap142193 · July 2013

No TV before two and I would limit toddlers to 30 to an hour a day, max.

MrsArrow · July 2013

Wow! So glad Im not alone. Our TV is on all the time too...I need to hear adults talking and some background noise. I dont think its a big deal....but apparently its really a hot topic with people. To each their own and do what you think is best for your family!

neener*neener* · July 2013

Ok, so totally lurking. I wanted to offer my two cents as a mom of a 3.5 year old.

I had the TV on a fair amount when I was on leave with DS for 6 months. We also have the TV on in the evenings now after work/preschool. I know his daycare has the tv on but I am not sure how much? My son LOVES to watch movies, Despicable Me, Monsters Inc, The incredibles etc.

That said, my son's FAVORITE toys are sticks (which he makes into robots), 2 Styrofoam pieces from Dell (his robot legs that he wears), and a couple metal Tonka trucks that he plays with in the dirt outside, digging holes and refilling them. He is obviously 1. Active 2. Creative and he has an astounding vocabulary.

My son has always seen/heard the TV and because of that IT IS NO BIG DEAL. Its not some elusive creature that he wonders about or hears about but isn't allowed to touch/see. He could care less if the tv is on but will watch his fav. movies when we have family movie/popcorn time.

Personally, I think it is more detrimental to kids to say ABSOLUTELY NO tv... candy.. etc. I believe in moderation and TEACHING KIDS HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE and use things appropriately. What will it teach your kids if you severely limit or do not allow them to watch tv but they hear you watching tv when they are in bed?!

I can personally say that having the tv on, caused NO damage with my son. He is a happy, intelligent, witty, hilarious, and well adjusted 3.5 year old.

costa2011 · July 2013

Definitely a lot of judgement happening in this post. We have the TV on in the background a lot of the time in our house too. My DD is 2 months now and she 95% of the time does not even notice it. The times she does notice is because my husband is watching Family Guy or the Today Show is on which usually has a lot of bright colors. I think it's the moving colors that catch their attention at this age. They are so young, they don't even understand the concept of what TV is. To them is a giant moving mobile in the room and they like to stare at it like they would any other moving colorful thing. I could walk by her wearing a red shirt and she'll follow me from one end of the room to the other. I truly believe they don't even make the connection that it's the TV making both the noise and the pictures at this point. They just see the colors and they like them. Yes, as they get older and begin to understand the concept of what television is, it's wise to really limit what kind of TV and how much they see. But now? No worries.

rockyrollgirl · July 2013

Honestly, I would just use your best judgement in this. If you think it is a problem then turn it off and have some quiet time with the baby a few times throughout the day.

capstone52501 · July 2013

WorkinWeezel said:

I watched Bravo and HGTV all through my mat leave with my son and it is n pretty much all the time when I'm home. Same now that I'm home again. FF three years later, my son is now gay, redecorating my entire house and having Mimosas for breakfast, and my 2 month old daughter is getting bikini waxes and asking about her first set of implants to fill out her bathing suit. It hasn't affected my kids at all.

But really, my son doesn't watch tv, really. He does adore music and knows the words to songs on the radio. Sould I not listen to music in the car?

i totally respect other people's decisions, but it's really just that. Whatever works for each family. Do I think there is a ton of trash on tv? Definitely. But my kid would rather spend every waking moment outside than watching tv.

Pinot, I think you're fine

I love your sarcasm! Some people may not appreciate it but I do.

Our TV is on 24/7 except for school times. I homeschool our daughter and it has not affected her. She has no problems sitting still reading and doing book work. If I shut the TV off she doesn't go into meltdown mode. Like most have said do what is best for your family.

skio · July 2013

It's not a big deal for a young infant, IMO. Lights and sound, just like any mobile you'll find. Once they get to about 6m and are more cognizant and able to take in language and such, I'd limit.

TV will be on in our house often. H and I have the TV on in the evenings. DD1 watches educational shows in the mornings. FWIW, she has been watching particular shows since about 1.5 and it's amazing how much she has learned from them. I'm all for limiting screen time but I'm not militant about TV. Whatevs.

jlpev · July 2013

I have a 2.5 year old DS. He watches bubble guppies, Daniel tigers neighborhood and stuff like that when I'm nursing Dd or cooking . But once I mention anything about going outside, he's out the door!
We spend a lot of time outside. I'm not worried about him or DD. She hasn't even noticed. She's 2 months.

Shoecrazysarah · July 2013

I'm a lurker, but recently caught my LO looking at the TV and became interested in the topic. The obesity/adhd, etc warnings have more to do with excessive media exposure for older children, not young infants FWIW, studies show that when a telivision is on (even as background noise) parents speak less. Since our speech is one of the greatest influences in many facets for our LOs I could see how having the TV on all day could be problematic... Research also shows that a child playing in the same room as a TV that is on will look up at the screen every 20 seconds. Take from it what you will. . I certainly have the tv on at my house, but I have eliminated using it as background noise. Instead I just jibber jabber away to my DS. Such as when I am folding laundry and he is on his mat, "Mamas folding the green shirt now." IMO, a infant glancing at a TV occasionally has little difference then looking at a toy that has lights and sounds. The bottom line is infants should be provided with a variety of stimulation and lots of interaction with us. I feel that as long as the TV, computer, etc is not taking away from this then there is probably no issue. I have started making many changes in my home that are not necessary now, so I won't have to worry about it later and the transition can be gradual thus allowing for mistakes. TV usage is just one of many changes for our household.

Ashfann93 · August 2013

I keep it on for noise, especially when my husband is on his 24 hours shifts and I need SOME sort of noise in the house besides the ac turning on and off and the hum of baby's swing! And yes it catches his attention sometimes, but who cares? As long as you're helping him to develop by playing with him, and not sticking him in front of it, why does it matter? We need to do things for our sanity, too. Not everything is as toxic as some make it out to be.

ssemovsk · August 2013

I keep tv on for background noise because after talking to a 7 week old all day that can't respond verbally drives me a little crazy so I need some adult interaction and the tv is the only way I can get it till DH comes home from work. I noticed LO staring at it more now. I will try to not let her watch it now that I know the side effects

childtocherish · August 2013

Watching TV is really a interesting topic. What I have experienced that when you are living alone that time TV is of great help you cannot always sit and talk to with children. When children are growing they need someone to converse so that their vocabulary may increases when they are watching TV they learn new words.

HZ2012 · August 2013

My tv is on all day. I try to position him so he's facing away from it, and if he starts staring I just move him.

pinottoparenthood · August 2013

childtocherish said:

Watching TV is really a interesting topic. What I have experienced that when you are living alone that time TV is of great help you cannot always sit and talk to with children. When children are growing they need someone to converse so that their vocabulary may increases when they are watching TV they learn new words.

Wow. Just, wow. If you really believe that tv is the best teacher for your child, that is really sad. Particularly if we are talking about young infants.

ecoeducator · August 2013

Great question! More and more research and articles caution parents to limit TV exposure to children under the age of two. Even leaving the television on in the background can have a negative impact on a child's language acquisition, neurological development, and other areas of learning and development. Feel free to read some of the articles below for more information. Of course you can do whatever makes you happy and keeps you sane, but there is a substantial amount of literature that reports potential risks to your adorable youngster(s).

https://www.parents.com/advice/babies/baby-development/can-listening-to-the-tv-be-helpful-or-harmful-to-a-baby/

https://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/10/infant-tv-guidelines/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/236211.php

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/19/health/19babies.html?_r=0

https://healthland.time.com/2013/01/07/too-much-tv-fussy-infants-spend-more-time-in-front-of-the-tube/

https://www.healthychildren.org/english/family-life/media/pages/why-to-avoid-tv-before-age-2.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token

https://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/article-faq.html

https://www.whitedot.org/issue/iss_story.asp?slug=ADHD Toddlers

Watching tv with baby?

Re: Watching tv with baby?

LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:

"No one will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside." -Unknown

Choose Another Board

Search Boards