TV on in background--OK for baby?

[MarylandGirl]

So I'm someone who likes to have either the TV or music on in the background during most of my waking hours (partly due to tinnitus--need some sort of background noise or else I hear the ringing). I've continued this since the baby arrived. But this book I'm reading (Becoming a Calm Mom) mentions that it's not good for babies to be in front of the TV for hours a day. I assume that means plopping the baby down in front of the TV and using that to entertain them.

But what if I just have it on in the background, while, say, I'm BF-ing baby, while she's sleeping, maybe while I'm playing with her on the floor. Is that also bad for the baby? (She's 5 weeks, so she can't even see the screen, let alone know what's going on.) What if it's programs I'd normally watch, like the news, House, Law & Order, etc. (but nothing super-violent or loud)? I assume Jeopardy is OK since it's educational! She just seems to like having some sort of background noise (use a white noise machine at night.) Or if I play music, but not so much baby music/lullabies, just what I normally listen to (classic rock, alternative, pop)?

Of course when she's older, I'll put on some things like Sesame Street, Dora, educational programming for her, but just wondering for now? What do you all do?

 

[LucyluvsPoppy]

its fine!!! As long as she gets stimulation from elsewhere too. My TV is on Junior Disney almost all day but Evie doesnt moan if it isnt on and she has a more active social life than me!!! My sister and I were bought up by just our dad and he couldnt read or write and we were in front of tv all day BUT he was a brilliant dad taking us to the park and days out - we both went on to have good jobs and it didnt harm us.
Being a mum is following your instinct - books are good for a bit of guidance but dont take all that they say to heart xx

 

[aragornlover8]

I just watch tv like I normally would before. Like your LO, Alex is barely paying attention to the tv. I put on Baby Einstein for her every now and then, and she'll watch it for a minute or two before getting bored and staring at something she deems more interesting (like the cat or... for some reason, the ceiling or floor ). I do think I will be more diligent about limiting her tv time once she actually starts actively watching it and make sure she gets more stimulation from other sources.

 

[Seity]

I've heard that having the TV on in the background can delay their language development. https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/310510.../even-background-tv-may-delay-infants-speech/

 

[Breezy]

I usually have it on all day as I hate the quiet now that DH is deployed. Especially at night- I hear things......... probably just the house settling but still scary in a house all alone!

 

[Surprise]

I've heard that having the TV on in the background can delay their language development. https://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/310510.../even-background-tv-may-delay-infants-speech/

I've read this too in a few places. But I've got tinnitus sometimes too, so I know how uncomfortable that can become when your surroundings are silent. Maybe instrumental music would be better than constant TV?

 

[LucyluvsPoppy]

I dont agree with the language development theory as all babies are different, Evie babbles at me, the dog, the tv, the sofa...... if anything, she responds to the tv by shouting at it rather than sitting in silence watching it and she still plays with her toys while watching tv.
The link states that the tv can distract parents, this isnt the case for me, if Evie 'talks' i always respond (unlike her dad who IS distracted!!!) so its down to the parents as well as the tv being on.
When little einsteins or special agent oso comes on she laughs and shrieks. its all about balance in their lives and giving them time to communicate with you and other babies as well as the tv and cartoons xx

 

[Cookie1979]

Personally I think its fine, as long as you don't spend all day watching it and ignoring your baby I dont see how it can delay speech. I have my tv on alot, I like background noise, sometimes I have music channels on and I sing and dance with him, he enjoys it. Once he wants to watch tv I will let him watch a little...not loads, but a little.

 

[charlotte-xo]

No aslong as your not 'plonking' them in front of it all day and are interacting with them then i personally dont think it would harm them.

 

[Katt]

I read a study that said constant background noise stops babies from developing an internal monologue which hinders development of problem solving skills. They need time to think quietly on things.

However, in the early days I had the telly on a lot! Now lo is more aware of it I have it turned off most of the time. If it is on, she stares blankly at it with her mouth hanging open and brain disengaged!

It is also a very useful tool to grab a few minutes if you need to get something done. But as with all things, overuse it and lo it stops working.

If you are worrying about it, and considering how much time lo should spend, then you are clearly not using it as a substitue bab sitter and it is probably ok!

 

[Tacey]

I think I'd be concerned if it was all day everyday, but you have to weigh it up against your comfort. If you're stressed out by the tinnitus, you'll be less able to respond well to her. Maybe have periods of quiet for her, and put it on when it gets too much for you. Music might be better than words too. If I was learning a foreign language, I'd find it easier with music in the background than the TV.

 

[shellie82]

tbh my lo prefers the tv to me most of the time lol

ill talk and interact with him while its on and always make sure we have quiet time (ie no tv) we sit on the bed and play but when he is really whiney he stops as soon as i put him on the bed with whinnie the pooh and start talking and laughing at the tv

i think in moderation its fine, i wouldnt worry too much about it

 

[kellis]

I have tv on all day, not actually watching it, and lo hardly pays attention to it unless i put mickey mouse clubhouse on lol. I did the same with my son and if anything he was very advanced and intelligent and still is. I think the impact on language skills comes when people are actively watching tv all of the time and not interacting/conversing which surely is common sense.

 

[nicole_]

i have it on all day. LO will sit and stare at it but i know hes just following the shapes and things. i still talk to him and things, its just sometimes he likes to stare at it and its fine with me, he seems happy enough

 

[NuKe]

I think it's fine! We have baby tv or nick jr on pretty much all day here, always have. She's starting to talk now, said her first proper word with intent @ around 10 months, so no delay here!

 

[aimee-lou]

I had/have the TV on most of the time but mainly things like the news channels or even the radio on through the sky box (don't have a standalone radio). Earl watches CBeebies for about 1 hour a day in total (about half an hour at each end of the day) and the rest of the time he's up and doing, running around after the dog, playing with his 'colours' as he calls them, getting his toys out and creatinga second carpet of plastic and wood, and generally chatting to anyone who will listen.

Actually getting him to sit down and watch a programme is like pulling teeth (unless it's one of either Thomas, Chuggington, Mr Maker or Mr Tumble lol) - much easier to get him to sit down with a book or a puzzle.

Personally I don't see a problem with having background noise on, and the TV was just that for me as I was (and still am sometimes) at home on my own for 12 hours per day with LO. We do plenty of other things to counteract the bad effects it may or may not have, and the only time I will ever plonk him down in front of the tv is if I really really have to get something done (normally washing up) but most of the time he's happy to potter around rather than be sat still.

 

[MarylandGirl]

Thanks for all your comments! I feel better about having the TV on now, but I'll be sure that I'm talking frequently to my LO. And also mix it up with some music and silence.

I really need to stop following infant care books so closely, especially as they often contradict each other. They're useful to provide guidance and suggestions, but not to take as gospel. Need to trust my/my DH's instincts and her pediatrician!

 

[Gemz01]

Do you have a radio station channel on your TV? I usually stick that on cos its a blank screen (or non movement) but you have something to listen to. x