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Parents warned against TV for babies
New research has shown that television, even educational DVDs aimed specifically at babies, may do more harm than good.
A study from the Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington examined the effect of television on children's language and cognitive skills.
It found that there is little evidence that DVDs such as Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby actually boost brain power.
Instead, the researchers said that play and interaction with parents and others is a much better source of mental stimulation.
As many as nine in ten babies under the age of two watch TV regularly, while some spend as much as 40 per cent of their waking hours in front of the TV, the research found.
Professor Dimitri Christakis, the review's author, said: "The weight of existing evidence suggests the potential for harm and I believe that parents should exercise due caution in exposing infants to excessive media.
"We believe TV exposes children to flashing lights, scene changes, quick edits and auditory cuts which may be over stimulating to developing brains, while TV also replaces other more important and appropriate activities like playing or interacting with parents."
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A study from the Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington examined the effect of television on children's language and cognitive skills.
It found that there is little evidence that DVDs such as Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby actually boost brain power.
Instead, the researchers said that play and interaction with parents and others is a much better source of mental stimulation.
As many as nine in ten babies under the age of two watch TV regularly, while some spend as much as 40 per cent of their waking hours in front of the TV, the research found.
Professor Dimitri Christakis, the review's author, said: "The weight of existing evidence suggests the potential for harm and I believe that parents should exercise due caution in exposing infants to excessive media.
"We believe TV exposes children to flashing lights, scene changes, quick edits and auditory cuts which may be over stimulating to developing brains, while TV also replaces other more important and appropriate activities like playing or interacting with parents."
To meet other single parents, search for your perfect date!
This story was brought to you by DatingforParents - Making dating that little bit easier.