Questions Parents Ask

Question
When I’m watching TV, my baby plays with the controls or bangs the
screen. I tell her to stop, but she won’t. What can I do?

Answer
At this age, babies are curious and want to try
out everything. They also have short attention
spans. They quickly lose interest in one thing
and move to something else.

A TV is interesting to a baby. The controls are
just the right size for tiny fingers. She can
push or turn them. The screen is a dancing
display of light and color. And the TV makes
lots of noise.

A TV can also be a safety hazard. Some knobs can come off. If she puts a
small one in her mouth, she might choke. Some TV sets are also top-heavy.
If she bangs against the screen, the TV might topple over on her.

Telling her “No, no” again and again doesn’t work. She’s just starting to
develop memory. So it’s hard for her to remember that she is not allowed to
play with the TV. And it’s too interesting for her to ignore.

For safety, make sure the TV is sturdy and out of reach. You might put it on
a high shelf or in a cabinet.
Often you can tell when she is about to play with the TV. She might start
crawling toward it. Try to distract her before she gets there. Give her something else to play with. You know she is curious about controls, so
give her a safe substitute.

Give her a “busy box.” This is a toy with knobs, dials and other things she
can move. Or you can make one from a cardboard box. Cut out large circles,
squares and other shapes from cardboard. Attach them to the box with brads that spread out on the inside. Tape the box closed. Show her how to turn the
shapes on the outside. Tape a clear plastic folder on one side of the box.
Insert colorful pictures. Talk to your baby about the pictures.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your-Ten-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

Note: For info on sex after delivery, subscribe now to the GreatDad newsletter for new dads.

Previous / Next: Guard Against Poisons