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Baby and tv

5 replies

MummaD161119 · 18/06/2020 12:01

I have a 7 month old baby, shes always struggled with sleep. Doesnt nap during the day unless on me or I go out with pram. Even then it's only once and not for long. She is breastfed and always around me always wants me which is lovely. But since my partner has gone back to work I am struggling doing activities with her. I used to do so much with her, reading singing playing, even create a beach experience for her beginning of lockdown. But lately I have relied on the telly to much and feel so so guilty that I cry. The only thing that calms her down other than boob and allows me a break is the Wiggles on Netflix. I can do housework get a cuppa and have a break. But tv is becoming more and more frequent and I think she expects it now. She babbles along and claps her hands at them and enjoys it, and I still interact with her during times of the day, when wiggles isnt on I will have my shows on like loose women in the background, even if I'm not really watching it, mainly to help with my loneliness. I'm so tired lately I do the majority of the parenting my partner works 12 hour shifts and has his own flat and is here 2-3 nights a week but even then cant do much as I breast feed. She is reaching her mile stones and is happy and healthy but I'm worried that to much screen time will affect her mental health or brain development. I always said no tv when I was pregnant. I feel like maybe I'm a lazy parent. My support network say im being to hard and I do more than most. And if the lock down was over we would be out more going to groups (which I've missed out on) going to parks, friends houses. But we mainly stuck in and I'm running out of ideas and I'm so tired.

Does anyone else put TV on for babies, or is it on in the background. Is there any evidence of poor brain development in babies that watch TV? Thanks for reading. From a very lonely tired new mum.
Xxx

OP posts:
PaulinePetrovaPosey · 18/06/2020 13:50

Oh love sorry you're lonely. This is so tough isn't it.

A bit of telly isn't going to do any harm, and if it keeps you sane it's a positively good thing.

Can you watch it with them? I've been putting the Sewing Bee on for me and 5 month old DD. She likes the bright colours and jaunty music, I can bare it more than actual baby tv.

ParadiseLaundry · 18/06/2020 14:08

If she'll happy sit and watch it crack I I say! Sounds like you can get a break and get some things done at the same time.

And the best thing for her brain development at that age is cuddles and responsive parenting which it sounds like you are doing a great job at providing Smile

BettyButtercup · 18/06/2020 14:31

Try not to be too hard on yourself OP - these are strange times we're living through. My DD has watched far too much Peppa Pig while we've been in lockdown as I've been working from home but her vocabulary has come on leaps and bounds so it's not all bad! If it gives you 5 minutes to yourself or allows you to get something done while your little one is safe and settled then embrace it. You deserve a break too.

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MummaD161119 · 18/06/2020 15:20

Oh I feel loads better!!! Thank you everyone.
I do watch it with her and sing along at times too. My daughter started making noises and doing baby talk in response to the tv and she will let me know when shes had enough and wants me. I feel I've missed out on so much because of lockdown, I just started going to baby groups. Stay safe everyone xxxx

OP posts:
forevercurious · 18/06/2020 18:10

I feel exactly the same, my DS is 6 months and as the weeks go by I’m finding I’m putting it on in the morning / late afternoon for an episode at a time. before lockdown we were out & about 5/6 days a week attending groups and classes, visiting family and friends so I’ve found the adjustment period really hard going.

DP works evenings and nights so I’m on my own from 4pm each day and then he usually gets up between 10/11am depending on what time his shift has finished so although he’s around for part of the day the vast majority I’m on my own with DS and the days can be long!

I try to tell myself there is no harm in it being on for a short amount of time in the morning and then maybe again later on.

We do one messy / sensory activity each day, go for a walk or play in the garden daily, he gets lots of interaction and stimulation throughout the day but I still feel guilty about it which I know is ridiculous!

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