BabyFirst Launches BabyU: the First of Its Kind Online Destination Specifically For Babies and Toddlers

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BabyFirst, the leading cable and satellite channel dedicated to providing innovative and inspiring content for babies, toddlers and their families, announces the launch of BabyU, the most comprehensive online learning destination for babies and toddlers under age three.

BabyU can be found on www.babyfirsttv.com beginning February 9, 2011.  Designed by child development and educational psychology experts, BabyU was created to instill the idea that computers are useful for more than just entertainment for babies and toddlers. BabyU aims to 1) inspire children's curiosity through introductions to numbers, language, art and music, 2) provide entry into the exciting world of computers, and 3) explore critical thinking skills.

"We created BabyU as a safe, online destination for young children, designed to enhance the relationship between toddlers and their parents," said Sharon Rechter, Co- Founder of BabyFirst.  "As our culture becomes more intertwined with digital media, even the youngest of children are logging on, and we wanted to give these children - and their parents - a destination that engages and inspires in an age-appropriate manner."

BabyU's play-based activities focus on introducing important building blocks in: Numbers and Math, Language and Vocabulary, and Art and Music.  The activities are constructed in a way that meets a child's abilities and limited attention span. Each activity, 5-7 minutes long, is comprised of a series of progressive components: introduction to the theme, exercise, video clip, another exercise and a rhymed summary.

"Part of our content, such as the 'I Can Sign' show, has already been shown by an independent university research study to contribute to the learning experience of young children and is age-appropriate to the toddlers of today," said BabyFirst's educational psychologist  Dr. Todd Eller, Ph.D. "With BabyU, BabyFirst is making its content even more interactive.  I believe this content can help get kids preschool-ready and enhance their learning experiences outside of the home."

BabyU is a subscription-based service with an introductory price of $3.99 or an annual fee of $19.99, which includes two free BabyFirstTV DVDs (for North American residents).  Existing BabyFirstTV channel subscribers pay only $1.99 per month.

About BabyFirst

BabyFirst is the leading, commercial-free, 24/7 network for young children and their parents.  Working closely with an extensive network of renowned authorities in every area of early childhood psychology and education, BabyFirst is a trusted, age-appropriate network throughout the world.  In February, 2011, BabyFirst launched BabyU, the first interactive online site designed for babies and toddlers 18 months - 3 years.  BabyFirst is currently available to more than 50 million households in 35 countries including the top five U.S. satellite and cable operators. BabyFirst is included in the basic package on Dish Network and available as a premium service via DIRECTV, Time-Warner, Comcast and Charter. BabyFirst is committed to creating a commercial-free, nurturing and interactive environment by offering an ever-changing lineup of quality content.  For more info: www.babyfirsttv.com.

SOURCE BabyFirst