I thought that I’d heard of every specialty television channel imaginable, but this takes the cake. Both Bell ExpressVu Digital TV and Rogers PersonalTV have just launched 24/7 commercial free programming for infants and toddlers. Called BabyFirstTV, it is presently being offered free as an introduction. After the trial period it will be available with a monthly fee which will depend on your existing package.

Those who are used to playing the Baby Einstein DVDs for their infants and toddlers probably don’t find this as absurd as I do. A major study presently being conducted at DePauw University in Indiana has already shown that the average baby is exposed to more than 500 hours television before their first birthdays. This research project which is due to be completed in 2009 is studying the impact of television on baby development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any television for children under 2, and will stay with that position until there is research that proves otherwise. The Canadian Pediatric Society is currently reviewing their position and until then has nothing to say on children under the age of 2 years watching television. Parents seem to be quite divided on the issue. What are your views?