If you purchased a Baby Einstein DVD between June 5, 2004, and Sept. 5, 2009, the Walt Disney Company will issue a refund of $15.99 for up to four “Baby Einstein” DVDs per household. Find out the details on how to return the materials here.
In 2006, the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood filed a complaint against Baby Einstein for making false and deceptive claims about the educational value about the products. New studies in the Journal of Pediatrics show that the videos do not live up to the claim that the DVDs make babies smarter.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for babies before age 2; one study found that television exposure between the ages 1-3 can lead to attention problems at age 7.
Related information from Raising Arizona Kids archives:
Educators now know that a baby’s brain undergoes tremendous growth during the first years of life. In fact, by age 3, 75 to 90 percent of brain growth is complete. That’s why the first few years of development are crucial. To help build a strong foundation for learning, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and New Directions Institute, with sponsorship from Arizona Public Service, offer “Wired for Success,” a brain development workshop for parents and caregivers.
Jill Stamm, Ph.D., is an Arizona State University psychology professor and director of New Directions Institute. Listen to her talk about what parents can do to support health brain development in infants.
