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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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23

Disney Offers Refunds for Failed Baby Einsteins

Videos may mesmerize kids, but they don't prompt development

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(Newser) – Parents disappointed that junior isn't a prodigy can get now get a refund from Disney. Threatened with a class-action lawsuit, the makers of Baby Einstein products have withdrawn claims that the ubiquitous videos are beneficial to childhood development, and offered to refund the $15.99 parents shelled out if they return DVDs bought between June, 2004, and September, 2009.

Language suggesting educational benefits was stripped from the line of DVDs, books, cards and flashcards in 2006, the New York Times notes. A 2003 study showed that a third of all American babies from 6 months to 2 years had been exposed to Baby Einstein, despite the fact that pediatricians recommend no TV viewing for children under 2.

Actress Melissa Joan Hart, left, holds up her son Braydon Wilkerson at the
Actress Melissa Joan Hart, left, holds up her son Braydon Wilkerson at the "Baby Einstein 10th Anniversary Celebration" at the Walt Disney Concert Call in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
A Baby Einstein Baby's Photo Book is displayed during a news conference by WashPIRG about hazardous children's toys Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in Seattle. According to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released Tuesday by the Washington Public Interest Research Group, hazardous toys are still sold in stores across the...
A Baby Einstein Baby's Photo Book is displayed during a news conference by WashPIRG about hazardous children's toys Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in Seattle. According to the 22nd annual toy safety survey released...   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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23 comments
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Ucantusethatname
Oct 24, 09 6:32 AM CDT
For parents to pay $15.99 for their stupidity is a small price to pay. They must learn not to believe everything they read. Reply
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
npkimmey
Oct 24, 09 6:57 AM CDT
The parents never had Baby Einstein as children, so they're too dumb to learn anything.
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
my-name-here
Oct 24, 09 8:38 AM CDT
Especially when it's marketing...
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0
IN RESPONSE:
BoZo
Oct 26, 09 4:36 AM CDT
Sounded too good to be true. I enjoyed it more than barney or backyardigans.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Oct 26, 09 7:41 AM CDT
So who is actually going to admit their kid is stupid so they could get a refund?
Vote up! Vote down!
0

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