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Baby Boob Tube

After watching Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby delude anxious parents for years, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) has managed to call the companies' bluff. The nonprofit group has filed a complaint with the FTC accusing the video makers of false advertising. To wit:

Baby Einstein promises to "foster the development of your toddler's speech and language skills." ...which I suppose is true if you keep the control group tykes locked in a closet. (Hey, even the wire monkey mother is better than nothing.) 

Brainy Baby's claims are more outrageous still: "[Peek-A-Boo video] helps nurture such important skills as object permanence, communication skills, cause and effect..."  Because nothing teaches communication skills like solitary, sedentary watching.

What amazes me most about these videos is their success among parents of all stripes, despite the American Academy of Paediatrics's recommendation against television for children under 2. I even know of two famous, lefty media critics who'd prop their 1-year-olds up in front of the tube while they worked. When you ask these affluent, educated types why they do it, they'll acknowledge using videos as a babysitter. But even parents who can recognize ad claims as farce are unconsciously hoping there's some truth there. So fire up for CCFC and show 'em some love for crushing that hope.