Myth: It is beneficial/important for babies to watch Baby Genius/Baby Einstein DVDS and educational TV programs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently "does not recommend television for children two and younger." For older children, the AAP "recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of educational, non-violent programs." (Source: AAP)
Whatever your decision as a parent, it is safe to say that babies and children benefit most from interactions with real people rather than on-screen characters. Thus, be sure that your child has plenty of time to play, sing, read, dance, listen to music, draw, paint, color, and go outside - before plopping him or her in front of the boob tube.
Ahhh I can't believe I found this post tonight - I don't know how I got here but... my husband and I were debating what to do with the (very cute) Baby Einstein DVDs we got as gifts for the baby... we have huge misgivings about TV for baby but we weren't sure if there was an "age" at which it starts to become a little bit more "okay" - thanks for this b/c I had initally said 1 year but now I'll wait longer! :)
We waited until (almost) age 2 with our oldest. It actually wasn't very difficult because Tim and I are not TV-watchers.
Then, I got pregnant with baby #2 and had horrible morning sickness...and so we turned on the TV from time-to-time.
Now, we watch TV w/ moderation. More in the summer (Arizona summers are HOT). Almost never during the rest of the year (We'd rather be outside). :)