Is Watching Television Ok For My Infant?
|
|
You are probably aware of all the different television programs, games, DVDs, and the like that are available for your infant. However, this makes lots of parents nervous because as convenient as it is to pop in a movie or game to occupy their infants attention they worry if it is ok for their infant. The following discussion will help you determine if watching television is ok for your infant or not.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two years of age not watch TV. The reason why is there have been many studies that show that television may have a negative impact on how the baby brain develops since it over-stimulates them. Using the television as a babysitter simply because you need a break is not worth over stimulating your child and risking developmental problems down the road.
However, what does this mean? Does it mean that if your toddler is watching a favorite program once a day and the baby happens to be in the same room that you are allowing irreparable harm to your babys development? Or, what if you are watching your favorite show and holding or nursing your baby at the same time? Basically moderation is key here. If your infant is exposed once and a while to television it more than likely will not cause any lasting harm. But, if you turn the television on and plop your infant right in front of the screen to occupy her and to free up her hands then yes, you just might be causing harm.
Being a parent is hard and knowing the right thing to do is not always easy. Especially when you see commercials talking about how wonderful a new DVD is that is designed specifically for infants and toddlers or when you are reading your favorite magazine and see similar advertisements. What is a parent to do who is trying to do the best he/she can to raise their child and give him all the best opportunities in life? The answer is to not believe commercials and marketing targeting television and over stimulation to infants and toddlers. Do some research, check out what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends and talk to your pediatrician. These are the best sources for information and they will allow you to care for your child in the best way possible.
Related Articles:
if you have any questions or comments!