Has he had a chance to handle the eye patch and figure out what it's all about? I have a 19-month old, and it seems like he'd do better with something like that if he got his curiousity out of the way first. Or maybe played with one while wearing one? It does seem like setting up a pattern matters, so the first time might be crying/screaming but it could be better the next time if he takes that as the precedent that no matter what, the eye patch will stay on.

Can I also suggest feeding him a favorite snack VERY SLOWLY. Like, goldfish or a few mini chocolate chips. I realize it's not healthy, but it might get him to associate the patch with a treat, which could be a good thing.

The BBC has some nice things on their kid's channel Cbeebies. In the night garden is good for 16 months.

They animated The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and a few of the author's other books. They're on Netflix and are lovely, really nice music too.

What? These revs are for age 3 and up. I'd do Signing Time.

Curious George!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The eye doctor must usually have older patients. That advice doesn't make sense for a 16 mo old who could be distracted by all kids of things.

Is the suggestion intended to keep your toddler from trying to remove the patch or is there some visual reason why watching a screen is advised?

Don't listen to these people. The doctor knows what he's talking about, and this is a special situation where you'll need the child to hold still. I'm one of the PPs who advised the LittleBabyBum videos - they are great for keeping my 16-month-old's attention. Also, not all doctors subscribe to the "no TV ever" before 2 thing, including my pediatrician. As with all things, moderation is key.

I posed the question. I'm not anti-tv at all, but I do have an active toddler who might stop playing for a couple minutes, but is no way sitting for an hour.

OP here - if I can get a 1/2 hour out of it, I'm happy. Tried to do the eye patch without TV and it was an exhausting, screaming, crying, throwing a fit, ripping eye patch off kinda situation. There is no way I am doing THAT everyday. I'm hoping that the TV will be a huge novelty that he can just zone out and forget about the patch.

Elmo. But it still might be hard to keep him entertained with that for an hour. My DD loves Elmo, but at 16 months she'd often lose interest after 5 minutes.

Anonymous wrote:How about a stroller walk?

during which he would probably grab and pull at the patch, no?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The eye doctor must usually have older patients. That advice doesn't make sense for a 16 mo old who could be distracted by all kids of things.

Is the suggestion intended to keep your toddler from trying to remove the patch or is there some visual reason why watching a screen is advised?

Don't listen to these people. The doctor knows what he's talking about, and this is a special situation where you'll need the child to hold still. I'm one of the PPs who advised the LittleBabyBum videos - they are great for keeping my 16-month-old's attention. Also, not all doctors subscribe to the "no TV ever" before 2 thing, including my pediatrician. As with all things, moderation is key.

I posed the question. I'm not anti-tv at all, but I do have an active toddler who might stop playing for a couple minutes, but is no way sitting for an hour.

Anonymous wrote:The eye doctor must usually have older patients. That advice doesn't make sense for a 16 mo old who could be distracted by all kids of things.

Is the suggestion intended to keep your toddler from trying to remove the patch or is there some visual reason why watching a screen is advised?

Don't listen to these people. The doctor knows what he's talking about, and this is a special situation where you'll need the child to hold still. I'm one of the PPs who advised the LittleBabyBum videos - they are great for keeping my 16-month-old's attention. Also, not all doctors subscribe to the "no TV ever" before 2 thing, including my pediatrician. As with all things, moderation is key.

Daniel Tiger

Mother Goose Club on Netflix. It is all my 18 mo old will sit still for. Lots of singing/dancing.

Peppa Pig, Curious George, Mickey Mouse. All on Youtube OR download PBS app. It is free and awesome - has all the good shows.

Anonymous wrote:The eye doctor must usually have older patients. That advice doesn't make sense for a 16 mo old who could be distracted by all kids of things.

Is the suggestion intended to keep your toddler from trying to remove the patch or is there some visual reason why watching a screen is advised?

Are you effing serious? Nothing would have made my 16 month old distracted for a whole hour like a TV/computer would. Especially if that's the only time you let him have screen time.

Anonymous wrote:The eye doctor must usually have older patients. That advice doesn't make sense for a 16 mo old who could be distracted by all kids of things.

Is the suggestion intended to keep your toddler from trying to remove the patch or is there some visual reason why watching a screen is advised?

all **kinds** of things