I was shopping at BJs the other day and saw the cutest set of Baby Einstein stuff. They didn't make this stuff when I had kids, is it any good? An employee told me they also have CDs and DVDs as well. Do they encourage watching TV just to sell their product to increase intelligence?

I've looked at these for my nieces as well, but have usually settled for more mainstream gifts. I'd really like to get the youngest something to help learn though as the other two were behind when they hit kindergarten and I don't want the baby to have the same issues....someone must have bought these things...

I havn't bought them because everyone has said they don't do any more than regular tv and toys. I also read that because the pictures and scenes change so quickly, meant to keep baby's attention, it lowers their attention span. I'm more for mainstream toys than these brand name ones.

Studies have shown that Baby Einstein has the opposite effect than intended. It is not good to sit your infant in front of the tv-if you want them to be learning about that kind of thing then read a book to them with pictures on the page. Not something that could lead to all kinds of attention problems when they grow up.

We have several Baby Einstein DVD's and a few CD's. I love the CD's because they exposed my son to classical music at an early age. One is a lullaby CD that he still listens to at night.
As far as the DVD's, most are anywhere from 20-35 minutes and I've been pleased with the content. The scenes do not change quickly and in general the movies have a slow pace that do encourage learning. oviously, no mom wants to sit their 9 month old in front of the tv all day, but sometimes you just need a 30 minute break and these DVD's provide that opportunity.

I agree that the CDs can be quite excellent but if that is what you are looking for there are many classical CDs out there-you do not need to buy over priced brand names such as this.

I wouldn't bother. Many studies over and over again show that infants and toddlers should not be put in front of the tv to watch these shows. They will learn more from being played with and read to and having educational and interesting toys.