TV Watching for 5 Month Old

I don't have a website for you to reference what I am going to say, but I'm sure if you google -- you can find a million.

Basically, under the age of 2, children should not watch television at all (American Pediatric Association).

Then over 2 years of age -- limiting t.v. watching is strongly recommended (no more than 2 hrs.).

Television at your baby's age (5 months) or under 2 years has an effect on the young developing brain. I have the Baby Einstein tapes & even those are not recommended. Some studies have even shown that those children incline for ADHD -- their conditions are exacerbated by television watching.

Put your baby in front of a window to watch outside -- it will be just (maybe more) interesting to her:)

Congrats on your new little one!

I'm going to guess she's not really "watching", just checking out the flashing colors and accompanying sounds-- heck, that's why it gets my attention! :)

I agree with the other moms who've said that TV *isn't* the devil. I can also understand why pediatricians would recommend no TV for babies-- I mean, how many more people would be upset if they *did*?

That being said, my 16 m/o daughter (an only) generally watches Noggin, which is a fairly commercial-free cable channel, or as they say, "It's like pre-school on TV!" She interacts vocally and dances along, so it's not totally sedentary, but I preach moderation. We tried the Baby Einstein videos when she was younger, and they totally BORED her-- they're very slow-paced.

I'd say there's a huge difference between watching something geared towards kids and watching a crime/drama show or an R-rated movie. (In case you were wondering, I don't recommend the latter.)

The best advice I can give is, USE YOUR JUDGMENT. You know your kid better than anyone. Stay strong, mama!

if she is interested in baby programs let her watch a few. watch them with her and point out things to her and show her the things in real life. most parents would say there is nothing wrong with a video a day, that's about 30minutes to an hour. as long as you are doing plenty of physical activities and other stimulating activities t.v. can be fine if limited.

I have to tell you that before I had children I said my kids were not going to be "babysat" by the TV. I have taken my words back SO many times. I have an 8 yr old & a 7 yr old. Children are going to be entertained by noise & movement. I don't beleive there is anything wrong with them being enteratined by something that allows you to be a person to & get stuff done around the house. As they get older, you just need to make sure that along with the TV they are also being active & learning things also. My 1st wasn't very intersted in the TV when she was a baby but my second was. They are both smart & well balanced. Don't be so hard on yourself!

TV is not "harmful" to babies. My daughter was soooo into Telltubbies and she is now in the gifted program at school. Tellitubbies didn't help her get into the program-- she just has the IQ for it-- but it certainly didn't harm her brain. I agree that you shouldn't plop your infant in front of the TV, but if you have it on it won't harm her

The American pediatrics association kids not watch TV until they are 2--which also includes just having it on passivelyw hen they are in the room. With that said, we watch a lot of TV in our house so our son was still exposed and by 18 months it was a necessity for long car trips. Moderation is the key though along with age-appropriate shows--I know some moms with colic babies that used the baby Einstein videos when they were trying to make dinner or do something for 20 min but I don't think they help the baby at all--just the parents.
A great book on TV and kids which compiles many years of research and is actually a good read is
The Elephant in the Living Room: Make Television Work for Your Kids
http://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Living-Room-Make-Televisio...