What if Einstein Watched Television as a Baby?

Every new mom wants the best for their baby. I was no exception. Thirteen years ago when my first son was born, I planned on nursing for at least a year, making my own baby food, really connecting and nurturing my baby, and not plopping him in front of the television.  Well, Chris wasn’t getting enough food, I weaned him at seven months, and I know I didn’t make all my baby food. In fact, I remember relying on chicken nuggets from McDonald’s several days a week. And the television did get used as a baby sitter more than once (of course I was right there doing laundry!) I just wish I had known about the Baby Einstein videos early on.

Julie Aigner-Clark, a former literature and art teacher, and founder of The Baby Einstein Company developed the first Baby Einstein video for her newborn daughter, in her basement. Her desire was to create an interactive, hands-free way to play with her baby. She wanted to bring a board book to life, and that’s just what she did.

I just had the privilege of watching the Baby’s First Moves DVD. It’s an interactive board book with dynamic visuals, motion and sound all set to classical music.  The moms and babies and puppets demonstrated things like rocking, rolling, sitting up, jumping, etc. Seeing all the moms interacting with their babies almost made me wish for another one! 🙂 My baby is five years old, but she really enjoyed watching the puppets on the video. I was impressed with the simplicity, yet educational and mesmerizing power the images had on me a thirty-something year old.

But the most impressive thing about the video was the Bonus Material which featured things like Discovery Cards (interactive flash cards), Let’s Pretend (engaging video and images of frogs jumping, babies rocking and sitting up, etc,) Puppet Shows (Octopus Tap and the Oliver Twist, etc,) The Toy Chest (where you can see explanations and links to all the toys used in the video,) and my favorite part, Move with Me, (where a mom and pilates instructor demonstrates exercises you can do with your child to help strengthen your post-baby body while engaging in play with your infant.) She also gives tips on how to properly lift your baby and baby carrier. The entire video can be played in English, Spanish and French, and I had great fun watching Move with Me in Spanish and French. The translators were very enthusiastic in their performance.

I’m sure the old debate of whether or not a child should watch television under the age of two is still raging in certain circles, but the bottom line is, moms do need a break and often times use the television to stimulate and entertain their babies. Why not give them something educational and beneficial to watch while bouncing in that chair or exersaucer? And of course, when you have a free hand, grab your baby and play along with the video. After all, that’s what the founder had in mind when she created the first video!

Recently the Baby Einstein Company has taken a closer look at  how moms actually use their products, and how to get back to the original vision of the videos -to provide moms with an interactive tool with a connective, hands-free way to engage their baby and create moments of discovery together. I believe congratulations is in order because Baby’s First Moves DVD does just that.

If you would like to buy it for yourself or as a gift go here.  I’m keeping my copy so I can give it to my little sister who’s expecting her first child.

The Baby Einstein Company believes that when used properly, developmentally appropriate video content can be a useful tool for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

“Key to our perspective is our belief that parents/caregivers play a critical role in defining the ‘appropriate use of television.’ Alternatively, we believe in the power of parents/caregivers to make decisions on what they feel is appropriate for their children – and that includes whether or not they choose to use television, how much television their child is allowed to watch, what they are allowed to watch, etc.”

For the Baby Einstein Company’s official perspective on the issue of children and television go to www.babyeinstein.com.

To better aid parents in the most effective use of their products, Baby Einstein is kicking off a Parent-Child Interaction campaign. The initiative will engage parents and provide them with tips and insights on how to turn everyday moments into meaningful moments full of interaction and discovery with their baby.

And isn’t that one of the things every mom wants for their baby!