Disney OKs full Baby Einstein refunds

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Walt Disney Co. has expanded its refunds to U.S. buyers of its "Baby Einstein" videos who thought they would make their babies smarter, advocates say.

Susan Linn, director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, says Disney has reached a settlement in which it will refund $15.99 for up to four "Baby Einstein" DVDs per household purchased between June 5, 2004, and Sept. 5, 2009, and returned to the makers, The New York Times reported Saturday.

The move comes after Disney's Baby Einstein Co. last month announced "enhanced consumer satisfaction guarantees" after lawyers had threatened a class-action suit for false advertising.

"The Walt Disney Company's entire Baby Einstein marketing regime is based on express and implied claims that their videos are educational and beneficial for early childhood development," a letter from the lawyers reportedly said.

"Disney was never held accountable, and parents were never given any compensation," Linn told the Times.

"We remain committed to providing a wide range of options to help parents create the most engaging and enriching experience for themselves and their babies," Susan McLain of The Baby Einstein Co. said in a statement.