I have to admit, when I first heard about the new Baby Einstein Discovery Kits, I was unmoved. "Great," I thought, "they added a little book or some cards and a CD to the DVD, big deal." When I actually had the chance to review Neptune's Oceans (a Level 2 Discovery Kit), though, I felt that the little cards and CD really did create a more enriching experience.
True, it's nothing groundbreaking, but the cards are really well done, and each one contains a list of facts about the pictured animals or scenes that are from the DVD. The cards allow parents and caregivers to extend the viewing experience and create some interactive play time through showing the pictures and talking about them. Children who are old enough not to eat the cards can play with them and begin learning the names of the animals and other fun facts. Also, the CD is really nice to have for some soothing music in the car or at bed time.
The Discovery Kits are divided into three different levels that allow for different types of interaction and learning. The idea is that the kits can "grow with your baby." For the first time in a long time, I don't have an actual baby in the house, but my three-year-old loved the DVD and the cards. She thoroughly enjoyed looking at the pictures and talking about each one. I was even inspired to take her to the pet store so she could look at some real fish swimming around.
READ MORE about Baby Einstein Discovery Kits
In light of the AAP recommendation that children under two should not watch any TV, I spoke with Dr. Karen Hill-Scott, a nationally recognized expert in childcare and development and consultant for The Baby Einstein Company. Read my interview with Dr. Hill-Scott to find out what she has to say about the issues surrounding babies and toddlers and TV viewing. Also, since I get asked the question a lot, I finally sat down and wrote my own personal views on babies and TV time.
Share your comments, beliefs, experiences on babies and TV or the new Discovery Kits using the "comments" link below...
(Photo courtesy The Baby Einstein Company)
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