The impact of infant-directed videos on parent–child interaction

This study assessed whether infant-directed videos designed to promote parent–child interactions actually support such engagement. Parents watched videos from the Baby Einstein or the Sesame Beginnings series for 2 weeks at home with their 12- or 18-month-old infants. Baby Einstein encourages parents to label objects and actions; Sesame Beginnings models activities in which parents can engage with their children. A control group was not provided videos for home viewing. In laboratory sessions, parent–child interactions were recorded during free play without TV, during the presentation of one of the videos, and immediately after watching. During viewing, interactions decreased in quantity and quality across groups; however, parents used video content as a basis for interaction. Coviewing Sesame Beginnings at home was positively associated with quantity of parent–child interaction during the initial free-play session. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of interactions were greater immediately following viewing of Sesame Beginnings than with Baby Einstein.

Research highlights
► Coviewing Sesame Beginnings was positively associated with parent–child interaction.
► Interactions were greater immediately following viewing of Sesame Beginnings.
► Parents used video content as a basis for interaction with their infant.
► Interactions decreased in quantity and quality while the video was playing.