Sitting in front of TV with baby...

[shoppingtrolley]

Sometimes I will sit and watch TV in the evenings, holding and feeding my 3 month old. But is this bad for the baby? I would never put my baby in front of specifically 'baby' TV, but this is just me watching TV/films while cluster feeding.

Opinions and facts appreciated!

[Ambi]

How is it bad for baby?

[Ambi]

Personally I think you are being a little precious but then we are a TV centric house. I don't go out much on Mat leave as its cold and lack of money so apart from cleaning the house and MN, chilling in front of the shiny box is better than being at work.

[fairylightsinthesnow]

its absolutely fine. At 3 months it wouldn't matter in the slightest what TV was one, its just moving shapes and colours. What are you supposed to do for company when home with a young one? My TV was ALWAYS on in my year ML. Now they're older (3 & 21m) they have Nick Jr or Cbeebies a fair bit but are also slowly learning that it can be mummy or daddy's turn also and we have other things on (nothing unsuitable or upsetting though as they're now old enought o pick up on it)

[waterrat]

honestly....it really doesnt matter to your small baby if there is some noise/ colour in the room.

[plipplops]

I think it's fine, the only thing I would add (which might not be relevant at all) is that when DD1 was about that age she would be up with us in the evening, crying or feeding. Then we sort of realised she was actually crying, feeding and yawning and just needed to be in bed instead! It was a real revelation to put her to bed in the evenings and have a bit of time to ourselves...

[KnittedCharacter]

My 5 month old ds loves the tv. I think its good stimulation for them. Cbeebies do age relevent programs too. but saying that any noise or colours can attract their attention. football is a good one as they can focus on all the figures on the screen. My ds favorite show is The Hoobs. His face lights up as soon as the blue monster (hubba hubba) comes on the screen!!

Like other people have said the house wud be very lonely and quiet with no background noise.

[paperclips]

It's not going to do any harm. He's so young, you need something like tv when you're cluster feeding. Even if you are anti-tv for children, for a 3 month old its just lights and colours and sounds.

In years to come you'll miss being snuggled up on the sofa with a feeding baby, enjoy it!

[DancesWithBabies]

Agree with other posters that what you're doing is absolutely fine. In the whole TV or no TV debate, typically relating to older kids, I think quality of TV watched is what parents should monitor (age appropriate and not brain numbing) and the actual fact of TV watching is just fine as long as the child also does other things like playing with toys, playing with others, etc. Moderation and perspective, like in all things kid-related.

[robyn2]

I put baby tv nursery rhymes on the tv via you tube when I need to re-energise! Bit of silly singing and dancing with baby does wonders if your feeling a bit worn down and grizley.

DD glances at the tv from time to time and def likes the colours.

gigglebellies.com is very mood enhancing too.