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Comment by mapster | Hacker News Reader

Something from Baby Einstein

I'm personally not a fan of Baby Einstein. There's too much research that supports that it's not making babies any smarter, and possibly making them dumber.

https://www.google.com/search?q=baby+einstein+research

Not true at all. In fact, the source your provided clearly states: "Research examining the specific effects of baby DVDs and other infant programming is limited." There's TOO LITTLE research on the matter. Everything in moderation - I wouldn't subject a child to more than 30-45 mins a day of DVD programs mingled with play and reading etc.

I agree that everything should be done in moderation, and we do let our 1 year old watch a kids show one in awhile, but there is evidence against it. Here's a specific study: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/03/03/does-baby-e...

Every study I read says about the same thing, any kinds under 2 shouldn't be watching much TV, because it can actually bring their speech level down.

We are not really a "leave-the-TV-on" household, and we believe that you shouldn't completely substitute parent-child learning with TV shows.

While I think that the Baby Einstein videos and toys are great (my daughter loves the both), I wouldn't say these are specifically programmer oriented.

Creativity, engagement, problem solving - however rudimentary are all good - nothing more complicated. I would also emphasize language - having the child hear the spoken word - whether sits mamma or daddy or baby Einstein cd.

Yeah, but what is "specifically programmer oriented" that is also appropriate to 1yos? Nothing!

True, but that doesn't make "something" the correct answer.

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