BabyFirstTV channel was launched yesterday in America. The channel aims to provide 24/7 programming for babies aged between 6 months and 3 years. The channel is expected to be launched in Britain by Christmas this year.

Customers will have to shell out $9.99 per month to access the channel. Though as part of a promotional drive, the channel is giving a month's free subscription.

Studies suggest that a large percentage of infants watch TV or videos daily. The channel is justifying its existence by saying that as babies watch TV anyway, they should at least watch educational programs.

The channel also claims that their shows will have subtitles that instruct parents how to participate, thus engendering greater bonding between parents and children.

Many question this wisdom arguing that it is extremely unlikely that parents will watch these programs with their children. They are more likely to dump their children in front of the TV so that they can carry out chores. Saying that the channel is educational and will help the child is just an attempt to lure parents and give them an excuse so they do not feel guilty.

However, mothers who previewed the program along with their babies gave a thumbs up to the channel, according to Times Online. Says one such mother, “The first time he saw it he learnt the shape of a triangle, which was very impressive. It really helped me. I could get housework done.”

The programs will include Sandman, that aims to put babies to sleep, Hide and Seek, where two animated squirrels take turns hiding an acorn, and Black and White, which has monochrome shapes moving slowly across the screen.