Turn up the volume

I never really understood that putting your baby in front of a TV thing. Maybe because Marielle was not that into it, other than a dose of Signing Time here and there which was really more for me than her. When she was a newborn, she would really rather stare out her window than watch Barney or Elmo.

I had read all about the dangers of TV for kids - Give them ADD! Turns them into serial killers! Well, OK, I didn't really read that closely. She just wasn't that into it.

But now she's older.

And mommy needs a break.

I can't just let her play by herself quietly, because before I know it she's halfway up the stairs with an electrical cord wrapper around her neck, drinking a cup of nuclear waste. (Kidding! She can't drink from a cup yet.)

Instead, I like to fire up the TV now and then and plop her in front of it. The thing is, she'll only sit still if it's something she really likes. Otherwise she's right back up those stairs again. (Raise your hand if you think we need more gates.)

It has to have interesting music for her to give a damn. I like it to be something that I enjoy too, preferably something that allow me to interact with her in some way, be it signing, dancing or singing. That lessens the guilt slightly.

Parent Bloggers sent me a copy of That Baby DVD to review. I fell in love from the first listen. It's a DVD you can enjoy just listening to, which I suppose is why they also made a CD. The graphics and video are not bad either. You can see previews here, or stop by my house around 4 pm one day.

Mari is in love with the curly haired girl that dances around. She goes nuts whenever she sees her on the screen or the DVD case. The puppets also make her howl with laughter. I love the song with the little boy in the garden, and of course the song from Free to Be.

Barry is a musician - as was I in a former life - so we won't listen to just anything. I adore the songs they chose, as well as the musicians. You would be amazed how many kids DVDs and CDs have musicians that can't sing in tune.

I was blown away by what I read on their website, including a “no questions asked” money back guarantee if you are not completely delighted and free replacement of scratched discs. WHO DOES THAT? That's incredible.

I think this is quite well done, and you won't find Raffi in my CD player anytime soon. Others agree. They offer free domestic shipping on orders over $25. Use coupon code "PBN" for 20% off. With a money back guarantee and free shipping, you have no excuse to be playing songs sung by a giant dinosaur any longer.