OT- Baby einstein DVD

[KristyMum]

here's some reviews that might help
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/...pic=158625&hl= (tv/vid - not so positive)
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/...pic=190297&hl= (all fairly positive)
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/...&#entry1964661
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/...owtopic=199344 (all positive, not on Einstein ones but similar)
http://members.essentialbaby.com.au/...owtopic=201279 (mixed bag)
I realise they're from another forum, but there's some good/diverse views, some good links and I am just about to do a search on the other forums

I *personally* don't 'get' why parents feel their babies (especially) and/or children need tv/vid/DVD - I mean, yes they may learn things, but the flip side to that is, well is there a better, more real way to learn those same things, that involves all the senses? (and yes, I've held this view long before we chose the school we did, so it's not that)
anyhoo - hope the reviews help

[monique]

willow is just getting into them all now she s 2 she loved neighbour hood animals the best from 12 months on but really gtes into them now loves all the animals...

[Linds]

I found it captured Evans attention for awhile when he was smaller (around 3-6mo). It was the only thing that would amuse him for a few mins before he could crawl that didn't involve me (literally). So i put it on when i had to do something like cooking or ironing that he couldn't be attached to me for! The jolly jumper worked the same way! I found that the simple shapes and things moving in time with the music was what made it attractive to Evan at that age (the other kids shows were way to stimulating). Plus the thing i liked about it was that it is actually quite pleasant to have on in the house (no annoying voices and silly songs!). I know he'll get into all of those shows later probably but now he's more interested in looking out the window, or playing with a saucepan and wooden spoon!! I'm happy to go with what he's interested in at the time, but feel quite strongly about not having the tv on all day and making sure he's active and won't be glued to the telly all day! But that is in no way an issue at the moment - if only he would sit still for a few minutes!! LOL!!

[FionaK]

we have quite a few of them and find them good. Agree re not too much telly, but there are days when you need some, and I'd rather use things like this than some of the other stuff, and I have to say, that I think my kids have learnt stuff from them. I mostly used them as part of a settling routine though - dinner, bath, cuddle and brainy baby or babyeinstein type video, story, bed. This was when they were older though, and still if they've had a hectic day I'll tell them they can chose a baby video and that's all they're allowed, and they're 3 and 4 now!

Fiona

[~*Rebecca*~]

To be honest we have the telly on all day.

Mind you no one is watching it half the time they are too busy doing other things.

I thought if the TV was gonna be one then at least it is something for his age.

You are probably all saying "just turn it off" but i like it one otherwise it doens't seem normal. the background noise I like and I guess the vision for him would be better than the news or something else violent.

Shot me down now for admitting the TV is on all day.LOL

[staress]

Alex LOVES Baby Galileo! Everytime the puppet Kangaroos come onto the screen he makes an excited wheeze and waves his arms. Very cute! I only put them on if i need to cook dinner and DH isn't home yet.

Jo.

[susumama]

LOL Wonder if Mrs Einstein had a baby einstein dvd???? What does it do? Flash up E=mc2???

[tikki]

Lily really likes the neighbourhood animals one! we're not big on tv but occasionally she is allowed to watch this and she watches standing up and dances if there is any music.

My next door neighbour who is 5 really like the mozart one

I am aware that there is quite a bit of subtle product placement in them which annoys me a bit, but nothing compared to commercial tv!

BTW, how funny is this FIL was carrying on about how he doesn't watch any tv, particularly not commercial. MIL says "yes you do, you watch foxtel", and i said "that's commercial", but nooooooooo Mr I'm Always Right wouldn't have a bar of it!! Hello, there's commercials on there, it's owned by Murdoch, you pay for it; ain't that worse than commercial tv!!!

[lindys]

Rebecca- I have a couple of these and my boys do like them (they are only 10 months though). They are great for times when they are unsettled at the same time, or when you need to give one a bath and the other one needs amusing, etc. I have the Baby Shakespeare and Old Macdonalds Farm. I much rather they take in some music, poetry and fun shapes/colours than ad's for junk food. Sometimes Target have them on special (mine were about $15), or keep an eye out on ebay!

[Dragonfly]

My little one was entranced by them (it was actually a bit scary), but personally I can't see how they are more educational than other kids programs on TV. It's just toys and interesting looking things set to music. We usually listen to the radio or a CD instead.
I wish I thought up the idea though, they must be making a packet with very little production costs!