6 month old watching television

[merrynelly]

For probably an hour a day in total. In 15 minute increments in the high chair whilst I get things done. Is this really that detrimental to them? I'm reading that it leads to reduced self esteem and all sorts!

Careful - this is Mumsnet! Unless you wear your baby strapped to your chest for 12 hours straight whilst roasting a chicken to last a week and playing Mozart on Alexa your child will become a coke snorting arsonist with a tendency towards violent porn.

I wouldn’t! Just give it something to play with! 6 month olds are learning about the world around them from picking things up, shaking things, putting things in their mouths. Why do you need tv when it’s literally simple things they want to explore? This age is amazing put them on a blanket with some things to explore and get on with what you need to do. Scarves an old biscuit tin and a wooden spoon job done.

See!

Because clearly as TV is all you have mentioned then TV is all you do with your DC.

Perfectly fine! Get your jobs done.

@byvirtue she’ll do all of this, it’s for 15mins odd times day to get stuff done. Don’t pretend you haven’t

You might want to delete because you’ll get a hammering!

It's absolutely fine, don't stress! It will NOT lead to low self esteem or anything else for that matter. And if it helps you be less stressed because you are getting things done, then even better because less stressed mum = less stressed baby!

And regardless of 1h of TV a day or not, the baby will still grow into a screen obsessed teen who communicates in grunts and burbs. So ..... meh.

baby will still grow into a screen obsessed teen who communicates in grunts and burbs.

Ha yeah, at least I think grumpy teenagers predate screens

I used to think the sky would fall if DC caught a glimpse of the TV, he’s isn’t one bit interested when we have it on though 😬. Would rather cause havoc.

Some days I’m full of energy and the TVs rarely on and some days I am zonked and it’s my saving grace putting him in his little chair with dangly toys and tv on and either getting a few things done or just having a bit of time to sit and have a hot drink...as a kid I would literally watch tv 24/7 around school and I turned out fine. Those who are questioning why you need tv and saying they will sit and play with things must have a golden child because mine gets bored easily but nothing transfixes him like a few dancing veg or hey dougee

You’ll not worry when you have second 😂

I limited TV loads for my first until she turned 12/18 months & then frankly, realised I was being silly & TV was fine. She watches a fair bit TV to no harm. She has excellent language, always has & is meeting and exceeding EYFS expectations. She’s really well behaved on the whole too. Usual tantrums here & there. When not in lockdown, we do also have a busy social life, we get out & about all the time so that naturally dictates how much is watched. But it’s FAB in the car on my phone to stop danger naps, never fails 😂

My second is 13 months & has grown up through lockdown. She’s had the TV on for HOURS a day as we juggled kids, work & no support.. to be honest, she’s not fussed about it. She watches it for 5/10 minutes & goes off to play. She’s nowhere near as interested as my eldest was at this age. Probably cos it’s just something that’s always been in the background..

TV isn’t the devil. I roll my eyes at the non TV mums.

Nanny CBeebies is great. They have some wonderful programmes aimed at babies and toddlers.

The baby club kept me sane in lockdown 1. Colours and tik tak are wonderful sensory programmes.

Shove that TV and don't overthink it

My first didn't watch any TV until she was one. I was so sanctimonious about it. The second came along when she was three and it's a whole new ball game 😂 I wouldn't stress - as long as you're doing other things and stimulating your child and helping them learn they will be fine!