Is Sports Training for 6-Month-Olds Realistic?

What was your baby doing at 6 months old? A typical activity would be lying in a crib marveling at the mobile of its head. Well, turns out babies are not so typical these days.

Gym teachers, accountants and former professional athletes are the brains behind training programs specifically targeted at babies and toddlers. The programs consists of videos that teach infants how to "play" sports. The videos star infant athletes, accompanied by parents, who jump, kick and teach the diaper set how to swing at a baseball.

"We hear all the time from families that have been with us, 'Our kids are superstars when they're in middle school, and they get into sports,'" a fitness coach in Grand Rapids, Mich., Doreen Bolhuis told The New York Times.

Programs that enforce competition, vigorous exercise and pressure to excel at such an early age seem to be a bit over the top, not to mention the fact that there isn't evidence that sport-specific coordination emerges at such an early age.

Find out what our readers had to say when asked if they'd consider enrolling their 6-month-olds in a sports training program.

Linda W.
At 6 MONTHS? Absolutely not. It sounds like an attempt for people to make some money off people. It sounds crazy to me.

Frankyne M.
I think this is a good idea. It is natural for children to want to play. That is how they learn. Sports training at an early age can help reinforce physical activity. It is especially a good idea for adults like me who grew up to be couch potatoes.

Michelle W.
This is amongst the stupidest things I have ever heard of.

Erin R.
Good grief, for who? Not for the kid, for heaven's sake. I've raised 3 to adulthood - no trainer

Bev C.
Totally crazy, way too young.required.

Jennifer E.
That's a little absurd!! And a little obsessive...Geez!!

Cindy R.
Stupid is, as stupid does.

Molly M.
No. Ridiculous.

Claire M.
No way!

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