e-reader for babies?

newinhouston · August 2010

My sister came to visit last week and she brought her iPad. She had downloaded a few Dr. Seuss' books which she read to Elena several times. The books have the same text and illustrations as the traditional Dr. Seuss books. However, one can choose to have the iPad read out loud.

My husband thinks that this is the way of the future and that we don't need to teach Elena to love books, but to love reading. In his view, we should get an e-reader for DD because that's the medium through which most people will get books in the near future.

I think we should get her traditional books.

What do you think?

KKMMex · August 2010

I'm mulling this one over too. I just finished reading Beezus and Ramona to Sarah via my Kindle. We did one chapter each night 'til we finished. I just downloaded Ramona the Pest and was wondering if I should buy a boxed set of Beverly Cleary's books, rather than do it via Kindle. The Kindle version did have wonderful illustrations and Sarah didn't seem to mind that it wasn't an actual book.

I don't know. The important thing is that we're reading together and she's entranced by the characters and the story. We still give her books to read and we still go to the library. Maybe a combination of different mediums is what will work best. I do think children need to learn their way around technology, but actual books might be more appealing in some instances.

ETA: with a baby, I'd definitely go with real books!

aprilprincess · August 2010

with a baby I'd definitely go with real books too. especially if you don't want them chewing up an ipad! I think there's more to books for babies then just the story. They learn how to turn pages, see words upside down vs right way, etc.

And lots of drs don't recommend computers and electronic stuff for under 3 (or very limited). They are seeing a lot more eye problems from kids being on computers at a young age. (my SIL is an eye dr and is always pulling DD and my neice/nephews far back from the tv-literally).

I think pp is right that a mix may be best, but honestly I would hold off on the technical side for a while. I don't think books will be extinct for quite a while though.

rayskit10 · August 2010

aprilprincess:
with a baby I'd definitely go with real books too. especially if you don't want them chewing up an ipad! I think there's more to books for babies then just the story. They learn how to turn pages, see words upside down vs right way, etc.
And lots of drs don't recommend computers and electronic stuff for under 3 (or very limited). They are seeing a lot more eye problems from kids being on computers at a young age. (my SIL is an eye dr and is always pulling DD and my neice/nephews far back from the tv-literally).
I think pp is right that a mix may be best, but honestly I would hold off on the technical side for a while. I don't think books will be extinct for quite a while though.

+1

saturdaynightdoubletree · August 2010

the teacher in me definitely thinks traditional books are best - like pp's have said, a book teaches so much. Maybe re-visit the idea when LO is 5 or 6, and start mixing it up a bit. Technology is important... but the basics need to be established first. All just my opinion though.

Suzi-G- · August 2010

rayskit10:
aprilprincess:
with a baby I'd definitely go with real books too. especially if you don't want them chewing up an ipad! I think there's more to books for babies then just the story. They learn how to turn pages, see words upside down vs right way, etc.
And lots of drs don't recommend computers and electronic stuff for under 3 (or very limited). They are seeing a lot more eye problems from kids being on computers at a young age. (my SIL is an eye dr and is always pulling DD and my neice/nephews far back from the tv-literally).
I think pp is right that a mix may be best, but honestly I would hold off on the technical side for a while. I don't think books will be extinct for quite a while though.
+1

I agree with this. Also, not ALL books will be available on ereaders. Anyone doing real research will have to get their hands dusty w/ the real deal, sorry. Publishing houses don't have the money to go back and digitize everything (this is an on-going battle w/ our publisher at work).

Quizzle · August 2010

I certainly have no problem with introducing kids to electronics and computers. It's important and is a big part of our home.

However, so are physical books. I can't imagine not teaching a love of books themselves. Granted, I think DH and I have an illness, given how many books we own. I think handling a book, the tactile feel of it, the ability to easily flip back and forth several pages and examine words and pictures, the smell of paper, the texture of paper versus cover... all of those are indeliable to books and are something I, personally, would miss a great deal if the printed medium when wholly electronic. I like the physical mass of a book in my hand, and I think there's satisfaction in that. Not to mention just understanding finding things in them.

starlettedir · August 2010

Quizzle:

However, so are physical books. I can't imagine not teaching a love of books themselves. Granted, I think DH and I have an illness, given how many books we own. I think handling a book, the tactile feel of it, the ability to easily flip back and forth several pages and examine words and pictures, the smell of paper, the texture of paper versus cover... all of those are indeliable to books and are something I, personally, would miss a great deal if the printed medium when wholly electronic. I like the physical mass of a book in my hand, and I think there's satisfaction in that. Not to mention just understanding finding things in them.

I read SO much and these are the reasons I haven't gone to an electronic book type thing. Nothing beats a physical book to me

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