SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Millions of parents have introduced their infants and toddlers to
Baby Einstein products but the videos have been the target of critics, who say the misrepresented themselves as educational tools.
It has been a public battle for several years but the company recently announced a refund offer if parents are dissatisfied.
Alexis Self has bought plenty of Baby Einstein videos for her kids now, if she wanted to, she could get all her money back.The company is offering a full refund for anyone who has bought a DVD in the past 5 years.
In 2006 Susan Linn’s group filed a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission, alleging that Baby Einstein was being sold as an educational
tool. The group pointed to testimonials and statements on Baby Einstein's
website that "developmental skills increased", that "your little one can
learn new words" by watching the videos.
But several academic studies have shown no educational benefit from these
type of videos
The American Academy of pediatrics goes so far to says children under two
should spend no time in front of a screen watching television or videos.
"The best thing parents can do is interact with their children, said pediatrician Liz Thornton, "talk one on
one with their children... Videos will not educate your child."
"We believe in this product 100%," said Baby Einstein General Manager Susan McLain, "we have not claimed we are
educational."
But Baby Einstein removed those statements on the website back in 2007.
Satisfied, the FTC dismissed the complaint but public interest lawyer
threatened a lawsuit against Disney, the parent company of Baby Einstein and
ABC News. Last month Disney issued the refund offer.
To see if you qualify for the recall visit Baby Einstein's website.
