I never really noticed until last week, that our 5 month old son was hooked on "In the Night Garden". One evening whilst getting him ready for bed and all the inevitable crying and tantrums, we put him in his bouncy chair in front of the TV screen when this program just happened to be on. I noticed him laughing, smiling, cooing and so on, and took notice of what/who/why this was happening. So, now, between 6.20pm and 7pm we put him in his small chair and watch as he is absolutely mesmerised by the show.
One only has to look at the programme as an adult to admire the abstract creativity and sheer quality and attention to detail to appreciate what a wonderful new tiny tots program this is. It also reminds me of the BBC's "Watch With Mother" programs in the 60's/70's with the similar tales played out daily by The Woodentops, and Trumpton.
I have read many other parents saying the same thing, although most will refer to their children's ages as between 2 and 3 yrs, and not many as young as 5 months, but there must be others surely ! The program is like a remote control for our son. If he throws a wobbly before or after normal bedtime, all we have to do is put a Night Garden DVD, or Youtube clip, on the screen and within 2 seconds he's staring at the screen in wonder. He reacts most to the Upsy Daisy character, but we have no idea why ! The programs all feature soft gentle themes, catchy tunes and sound effects, with a subtle elementary message about colours, sounds, simple choices, even elements of safety for when they are a little older.
If you are one of the few people who's pre-school children haven't seen this, then I totally recommend you try them out in front of The Night Garden.
This is brilliant stuff for tiny tots.
