Sarah, she shouldn't have any problem hearing a dvd, Piper frequently watches movies while she vests. She also got hers at around 2, and did fine with the enticement of tv, lol. We started with shorter cycles, ie, 10 minutes and gradually built up to 15, etc. She overnights in it now, but even as a toddler there were times she would fall asleep with it going, I have numerous pics of that! It's just a matter of getting used to it, I think.