Watching TV
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15178
Printed Date: 14 September 2025 at 2:05am
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Topic: Watching TV
Posted By: oneplusone
Subject: Watching TV
Date Posted: 10 March 2008 at 2:47pm
| I took my 3month old to a Mums and Bubs movie last week and thought it was cute that he seemed to be watching it with me after a feed and a snooze. Since then if I've got the TV on at home, he seems to take a real interest in it. I don't have it on all day but sometimes for a particular programme while I'm feeding him. Should I be worried about him getting 'square eyes' already or is it OK for development because he likes the shapes and colours? |
Replies:
Posted By: arohanui
Date Posted: 10 March 2008 at 3:33pm
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At a baby and you course I went to, the lady there (from SPARC I think) said that the reason they recommend children don't watch TV is cos their eyes get used to focusing in one place, not going back and forth - like they do when you read. So they reckon that if kids/babies watch too much TV then when they get to school and learn to read, it's difficult for them cos their eyes are 'unfit' and aren't used to tracking across the page.
But then she also said it's unrealistic that they don't watch any TV at all, but you should try limit it. And do heaps of tracking exercises to help their eyes (watching bubbles, toys etc). Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with it in moderation  ------------- Mama to DS1 (5 years), DS2 (3 years) and... http://alterna-tickers.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: MyBelly
Date Posted: 10 March 2008 at 3:34pm
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my 14week old looooves tv as well, as in she will crane her neck to watch it if it isnt in her line of vision, i have been told by 1 person its bad for babies, as it can possibly cause ADHD due to the amount of colours and movements on it, and then they always expect that amount of colours etc in their every day life, or something like that.
but im sure if baby isnt watching too much tv then surely it cant be too bad for them? and to be honest, if it works for you, then i wouldnt be to worried about it! |
Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 10 March 2008 at 3:59pm
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Lily is only really showing interest now, so I have it off for a lot of her awake time now.
I think if the child is seeing it but then going off and playing with stuff, that is different to being parked in front of it not moving for ages - if you know what I mean. The one thing to watch is that they aren't seeing much before sleep time as it can overstimulate them and can take up to 20 minutes before the brain winds down - not what you want when you put theminto bed! -------------  
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Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 10 March 2008 at 4:40pm
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Well I don't think that you are a bad mother if you do let your child watch TV.
But like Miss said, I wouldn't encourage it before bed time. Even with Nyah (5) we have quiet time before bed where she has no TV.. just sits on the couch with us and talks or we read a book. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3) 
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