Take babies off TV, say experts
The US version of 'The Baby Borrowers', based on the UK reality television programme, has been criticised by American medical experts who want it taken off air.
The programme, which separates babies from their parents and places them in the care of unfamiliar teenage couples for three days, has been condemned by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). The Academy said that it could cause the children stress and anxiety and make them distrust their primary caregiver.
The AACAP, which represents over 8,000 psychiatrists, also warned that the programme promotes 'baby borrowing' as an acceptable parenting practice and may be imitated by the public.
Member Anne Glowinski, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, said, 'Should this practice be emulated without the benefit of the observing camera, it is important to note that teenagers may be more likely than adult strangers to abuse or neglect infants and toddlers.'
The backlash follows similar criticism of reality programmes in the UK for 'experimenting' on children.
