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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:

squeakytoy · 19/09/2011 16:38

In which case I would get a playpen. Nice and safe from all the dangers of a kitchen.

worldgonecrazy · 19/09/2011 16:38

Different parents, different choice. My daughter watches very little TV and children's programmes are completely banned. Other parents see no problem with it. Your child, your choice. There are no rights or wrongs. It entirely depends what hope you have for your child and how YOU think you can get to that point/person you are hoping to raise.

usualsuspect · 19/09/2011 16:38

Sounds ok to me

LaWeasel · 19/09/2011 16:39

I liked bouncy chairs. Entertaining enough for 20mins cleaning/cooking and you can move them around so they can watch you. But I didn't have a screamer.

worldgonecrazy · 19/09/2011 16:42

p.s. carrying a child in a sling or your arms does not make them clingy unless they are already programmed to be a clingy child. My DD was permanently held for the first 3 months of her life, then mostly carried in a sling. She is outgoing, gregarious and about as far from clingy as a secure child can be.

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:43

But why when she could be safe and sound on my back? Joining in and having a snooze if she feels like it? I'm sure if someone didn't want a sling a playpen may be an option, but equally the OP may be interested in some form carrier so there is no need to be so dismissive.

Anyway, bouncy chairs are great too. When dd was smaller she'd happily sit in her's while I showered etc, she loved it. When she was teeny I watched sooo much tv as she seemed to feed forever, and would normally then have a really long sleep on my lap. Is make sure I had remotes, a snack, drink etc in arms reach before sitting...I was a little worried her first words would be a Horatio Caine quote or something!

squeakytoy · 19/09/2011 16:44

I loved my bouncy chair as a baby... and the one that hung from the door frame... there are plenty of photos to testify to that..

If my mum was in the kitchen, I was either strapped into my high chair, away from danger, or in my playpen.

Nothing was banned on the tv as I grew up though.. and I have never understood why people think television is such an evil source of entertainment.

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:46

I think it is more the flashing lights, artificial stimulation etc than the content at such a young age.

We do use high chairs etc in the kitchen, just find a sling easier all round. Each to their own and all that.

giveitago · 19/09/2011 16:48

Op - do it - no comparison between families who have no tv hence kids learm their family's (non existent) vocab) and those who let them watch cbbies.

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 16:51

Exactly, everything in moderation with a little common sense.

Moominsarescary · 19/09/2011 16:56

Ds3 6 months sits in his bouncy chair watching scooby doo in the mornings while I run round getting the others organised and I'm not even in the same room

Original poster

munkeychops · 19/09/2011 17:00

Thanks for all the replies!

We do have a sling actually (well a carrier - are they the same??), tried it for housework but tbh we didn't get on with it that well. Will prob come in handy when do a countryside walk though!

I do use swing chair, play gym etc etc to keep entertained but was just wondering what people thought about TV as another option for keeping baby entertained when needed. She isn't mobile yet so don't need a playpen but fully intend on getting one when she is. Also prob a bumbo chair so can plonk her in the kitchen and chat to her/let her watch me do whatever.

I agree, TV is flashing lights and artificial stimulation, but then again, I guess so are the lights and moving things on babies mobiles/projectors etc. Perhaps the main difference between these type of baby toys and the TV is our perception rather than anything else? I wouldn't want to leave her stuck under her play gym with the lights flashing hour upon hour either - guess it's al about variety and balance maybe??

Thanks again for everyones replies!

OP posts:

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 17:12

Have you got one of the buckled ones? We didn't like that either, DH has a version of one now that he uses but I use a woven wrap, like a great long piece of material. Can pm you links if you're interested.

ApocalypseCheeseToastie · 19/09/2011 17:16

If you have sky they have a babies tv channel.

TheGrassIsJewelled · 19/09/2011 17:23

7mth dd loves waybuloo - gets v v excited. I use that and the jumperoo to keep me sane. She hated being in the sling.

DontCallMeFrothyDragon · 19/09/2011 17:42

My DS used to enjoy watching BBC Parliament at that age...

CaptainNancy · 19/09/2011 17:46

Giveitago- I assume your post is a joke?

NinkyNonker · 19/09/2011 18:43

Oh, I thought she meant tv on all the time...but that isn't what the post says. My eyes must have read what they were expecting. I take back my exactly.

LifeIsButtercream · 19/09/2011 18:46

Nothing wrong with it at all - DD used to love watching my Blue Planet DVD at that age, and still calms down when she hears David Attenboroughs voice even now (then again who doesn't?)

LordOfTheFlies · 19/09/2011 18:50

When my DD was a baby, I used to put her in front of Kilroy while I got on with vital things after we'd dropped DH at work. (Coffee, breakfast, loo)

She was mesmerised by Robert Kilroy-Silks voice

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