Watching TV with a baby in the room?

[peanutbutter2409]

I've read a few things online that now make me feel like I've been neglecting and potentially harming my baby. My baby is now 18 weeks and I have tv on in the background most days whilst I'm getting on with housework, chatting and playing with him, breastfeeding, changing him etc. The articles I've read say that basically there should be no tv on until they're in bed or over 2 - this seems a little excessive or am I a terrible parent already?! We play lots, he loves his activity gym, I read to him and chat and sing etc all day too - we don't just sit in silence with come dine with me all day long!

I stuck my girls in front of the tv all the time, didn't wean properly or breastfeed and basically dragged them up. One is a very good chef and the other is at uni studying psychology. They need love, encouragement and positive support.
Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job, don't worry too much op x

If you have more than one child, the background noise is pretty constant anyway, even without the tv on so I'm not convinced on the whole it delays speech thing.

I've just had a look on pubmed (where published studies are listed) and there does seem to be a number of studies which associate television watching with language delays. However, these seem to be for television watching by older children, so I wouldn't worry about it for now.

Aw I expected better from this thread, lots of boosum hoiking and tales of classical music and language learning as soon as the gunk has been scraped off

Stop reading rubbish OP, you're doing alright man.

Too much background noise is supposed to affect language development BUT...parents don't constantly talk to children. If you did it would send you and the baby gaga. TV and radio is for parents as well as children. Parents need some adult entertainment during monotonous chores. A child should not be learning and listening 24/7. They need a break to actually digest learning. Variety is the spice of life - children need to play practically, creatively and imaginatively, chat with parents, listen to stories, dance, sing, have physical play...but sometimes they need downtime in the form of a screen.

I'm still worried that I have scarred DS for life by gorging on netflix in the early weeks. He saw a lot of inappropriate stuff (anyone watch Narcos? )

Once DS became more interactive and we got out and about more, I found I put the TV on less and less. You'll probably find the same will happen for you. Please don't stress about it!