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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to let my 3 month old baby watch tv ...

45 replies

munkeychops · 19/09/2011 15:45

I wouldn't do it all the time obviously, but just discovered that she will happily watch a kids TV channel for 20min whilst I catch up on things. Does anyone else do this or am I an evil mum?!? She seems to very much enjoy it and makes cooing noises whilst watching it.

OP posts:

MorrisZapp · 19/09/2011 15:47

Nowt wrong with it. Carry on.

Paschaelina · 19/09/2011 15:48

I expect you will get two hundred replies telling you its bad and wrong.

The other sixty-odd million people in this country will laugh and say they all did it and stop worrying.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 19/09/2011 15:49

YANBU... And can I recommend Norman Wisdom? Babies love him :)

Poppyella · 19/09/2011 15:49

Evil?? Hardly.

Do what you need to do and don't let anyone criticise you. You're lucky to have a baby that will do that tbh!! Make the most of it.

BlueKangaroo22 · 19/09/2011 15:53

I can't stop my ten week old watching telly whilst I'm changing her bottom! I think she likes the moving colours, sounds etc, it's not going to do her any harm (its not like she's an inch from the screen!) Also when we go to IL's they have a 50 inch tv on the wall and she can't take her eyes off it! Judge away ladies :)

twilight3 · 19/09/2011 15:53

it's not bad, the problme potentially is that I've met a lot of parents who start with 20'and then because it's easy and they're "busy" before they notice it they have a 1yo that is glued on the tv for 2 hours a day.

It's a slippery slope but if you're careful with it then it's a fantastic opportunity for you to have a cuppa in peace. Not all babies will get amused by tv, you're lucky.

PS: the word "watching" reffering to a 3 month old made me giggle..

BizzeeBee · 19/09/2011 15:55

My 4 month old telly addict DS likes Countdown, Deal or No Deal, football, cricket and rugby. I found this out when I discovered him ignoring his toys and staring at the TV which was on in the background.

kblu · 19/09/2011 15:57

I let mine do it, it kept me sane to be honest! He's now a very well rounded 3 year old who likes a bit of TV but also likes doing tons of other things.

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 15:58

I have cbeebies on in the background today in the hope of getting some help entertaining as I feel pants (early pregnancy) and my 1 yr old is barely batting an eyelid. Every now and then something particularly bright catches her eye and she'll pause in her destruction of my living room, but it's a rarity.

So no, I don't think it is a prob! I wouldn't do it every day though, I wouldn't want it becoming a habit.

celebmum · 19/09/2011 16:00

I generally have tv on as background noise when DS (17m) and I are at home, he doesn't really pay much attention to be fair, might dance at the odd theme tune or point out a cat or a dog or a car!
A bit of tv won't do any harm IMO! Let little one watch away!

Original poster

munkeychops · 19/09/2011 16:01

Ah, some honest, non judgemental responses! I can take my name off the evil mum list and feel okay about myself then!! : - ) Was expecting a barrage of links to research showing the damage etc

Twilight - haha, yes, she was watching it with the remote in hand and slippers on!

OP posts:

BuckBuckMcFate · 19/09/2011 16:02

DS3 liked kerrang and Q channels at that age. He now watches baby tv (channel623) a few times a day, 10 min at a time while I get on with stuff.

I've found that middle 2 dc like a bit of baby tv when they're not feeling well and confined to the sofa too.

As long as you are doing other things through the day as well, which I'm sure you are or you wouldn't be questioning if this is ok, I don't see the problem with it.

LaWeasel · 19/09/2011 16:05

No it's fine, but save yourself the monotony and put something you like watching on until they are old enough to know different! It's just the moving colours/noises they like after all.

zukiecat · 19/09/2011 16:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lesley33 · 19/09/2011 16:09

No problem. Although I agree with other poster that you have to watch you don't gradually expand the amount of time he watches tv. And I know you haven't said this, but some others have said they have tv on in background all the time.

If the tv is on all the time with sound up, there is I think a higher risk of speech delay. Basically from what I have read the problem is where a baby can't easily hear the different sounds their mum or others are saying when they talk because of the tv. But this isn't an issue at all when putting a baby in front of a tv for a short while.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 19/09/2011 16:10

YANBU....unless she is munching on a Greggs Sausage Roll and drinking a fruit shoot at the same time

Go for it, anything that makes your life easier is a winner!

Lotkinsgonecurly · 19/09/2011 16:13

Exactly, mine loved it. If it means you get some peace then great. Friend of mines dd loved horse racing or formula 1 at about the same age. Would cry if it was something else!

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:16

Yes, and apparently if you have the tv or radio on in the background all the time it can lead to a lowered ability to concentrate as an older child/teen. One fact I remembered from teacher training!

ladyintheradiator · 19/09/2011 16:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SwingingBetty · 19/09/2011 16:20

my little lad used to watch countdown when he was about 2. I didnt realise at the time but he was teaching himself to read.

The nursery were astounded when he turned up fully able to read. I said I told you he could read, they said yes but we didnt realise you meant properly read!!

Just goes to show the power of telly eh

LaWeasel · 19/09/2011 16:20

I am always a bit sceptical about that conclusion. My sister and I were raised with 24hr radio (literally) and had no problem knuckling down and getting degrees. I think other factors are probably more important.

I also used to have the tv on loads when DD was 3mths old, but that's because she still spent most of her days either bf or napping in my arms, I'd've been bored stiff otherwise!

CaptainNancy · 19/09/2011 16:21

Have you thought about getting a sling instead?

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:24

I absolutely second a sling, I couldn't do without my stretchy when dd was that age, I still carry her in a woven wrap everyday now. I can't imagine how people manage without them.

squeakytoy · 19/09/2011 16:32

I dont see why you should get a sling at all.. that is just building up problems with a child who hates being put down.. and it isnt practical to be ironing, cooking, or many other things that need doing around the house with a child dangling on your chest.

Having the tv on for a short time will not do your child any harm at all, and if it means you can get on with a few things, then brilliant.

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:36

That's a bit of a cliched opinion, and quite incorrect...a secure child doesn't tend to be overly clingy. Dd is fiercely independent, but it is far more practical to have her strapped to my back while I cook dinner than have her scrambling around on our flagstone floor. It would also be irresponsible to leave her in a different room whilst carrying out chores, unless you've a tv in every room?

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