If you had a baby in the last four years you are probably familiar with Baby Einstein DVD’s. These are DVDs that were marketed as educational for infants 9 months or younger. Well, it seems that I was not the only one who thought babies this age should not be in front of a TV (The American Academy recommends zero TV for children 2 years and younger). Fearing a class action lawsuit brought on by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, Baby Einstein DVD makers have agreed to issue a refund or provide an exchange to those who bought these DVDs under the pretense that they were educational.
If you have any of these DVDs, you can read the details here on how to get a $15.99 refund for each DVD you mail back to Disney, the makers of these DVDs. You can return up to 4 DVDs for a total possible of almost $64 refunded back to you. OR you could request an exchange for Baby Einstein books or music CDs or a promotional discount good at the DisneyStore.com.
Thanks Kelly!
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I’m sorry, this just doesn’t sit right with me. Did people really think that their babies would become geniuses by watching these videos? I don’t think so. I think it’s ridiculous of them to offer a refund.
My oldest is 12 and we have VHS of Baby Einstien as they included as well???
Susan,
They are also taking the VHS tapes…
Jennifer, I dont believe that these made the babies more intelligent. I received some for my baby shower and my child doesnt watch them. They are just sitting on a shelf because I felt like I had ADD when I watched them. LOL
Thanks CSWM for letting me know about this.
I have a couple of the DVDs but my kids were never really that interested in them. Requesting a refund doesn’t sit well with me – it just seems like I’m being greedy. I mean, really, there is nothing wrong with the videos…
I agree, this is just another sad example of how ridiculous our country has become. Instead of making an educated decision about whether or not these videos would really make their children the next Einstein, they go and file a lawsuit against Disney (the maker of these videos) because their children didn’t become the next Einstein. Pure stupidity if you ask me! Why not just chalk it up to “It entertained my little one and gave me a much needed break” and be appreciative of all the Disney company does to make our little one’s lives magical!
Well said, Bonnie!
I think this refund sets up a very weird situation. It has a date range. So does that mean that the marketing magically changed on Sep. 5 (and later) when purchases are ineligible? I have never been a fan of Baby Einstein so I wouldn’t be able to tell if their advertising has changed. I don’t really care, just think it’s weird.
Also, I hope that most people would disagree that “Baby Einstein will educate my baby” or “will make my baby smarter” regardless of marketing. However, I wonder if people would agree with softer feel-good phrases such as “stimulates brain activity.” Disney’s marketing has probably relied on more indirect wording like that to create the mania that is Baby Einstein.
If you purchased Sept 5th or later you are covered under their regular 60 day money back guarantee http://babyeinstein.com/parentsguide/promise.aspx
Perhaps it is not so much as people thinking their kids would be thte next Einstein but rather the marketing done to infants. Marketing towards children is near criminal if you ask me. Parents and children are susceptible to these types of messages. Granted, these are geared towards babies. However, most, but not all, parents know that children under 2 shouldn’t watch TV. Some blame should be placed on companies that market to young audiences. Even adults fall prey to marketing, hello, diet pills anyone, magic exercise equipment to shrink your back side, etc. Some blame and fault definitely lies with the companies.
Has any1 recieved anything from Baby Einstein, i mailed back my dvds back in November and still haven’t heard anything from them?