When a mother is trying to raise her child, there are few things more irritating than hearing someone tell her that she "shouldn't do that." Worse, hearing statements like " can cause this and that", or the baby will have X because of Y."
It's difficult enough to raise a child on its own — add to that the stress of parenting a child and you've got a recipe for disaster. So, what is it with baby myths that are so popular? We can't answer that question, but we can tell you which myths are genuine and which are really fascinating.
The majority of myths are just popular beliefs that have been passed down verbally and are thought to be genuine. Some of these are old wives' stories, while others... Let's just say we have no idea what happened.
There's so much information available, for example,
- There are a lot of baby myths that people like to spread around to new parents.
- Some of them are accurate, such as the lack of function previously in newborns.
- Others, like the claim that teething causes fever, are untrue.
This article denies some of the common baby myths you may have heard or read.
Myth: Mothers who are breastfeeding should eat bland foods.
Fact: You may be requested as a breastfeeding mother to avoid specific foods that can cause allergies, such as almonds, dairy, soy, peanuts, shellfish, and fish. Apart from that, you can eat whatever you want because breast milk helps your baby develop a taste for different things. However, you must avoid consuming alcohol, caffeinated beverages in excess, and other potentially dangerous substances. Avoid spicy foods for a few days, but you don't have to eat boring stuff.
Myth: Babies must be bathed every day.
Fact: Bathing your infant every day is acceptable if they enjoy it, but small infants do not require it. They only need to keep their face, neck, hands, and nappy area clean.
Myth: Taking a sobbing infant in your arms will spoil them.
Fact: A young baby cannot be spoiled. One way that babies communicate is by crying. Crying indicates that they require support, and it is important for parents to respond. Observing and learning your baby's clues can be really beneficial.
Myth: I may not have enough milk to feed my baby..
Fact: I may not have enough breast milk to feed my baby. 8 to 12 feeds are common in a 24-hour period, and it is normal for babies to need to eat often at particular periods of the day.
It may take up to 6 weeks for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed and maintain a breast milk supply.
Myth: Babies, like grownups, should be offered a drink.
Water should not be provided to babies under the age of six months since breast milk contains enough water to satisfy the baby's thirst and appetite.
Myth: Oil massages are outdated or out of style.
Fact: Oil massages have been a part of Indian tradition for a long time, but that does not mean they should be replaced or that they may be avoided. Massaging a newborn with oil is recommended because it improves blood circulation in the baby's body and provides sound sleep.
Myth: For a baby's delicate skin, gram flour and turmeric powder are safer to soaps.
Fact: Natural ingredients are unquestionably superior; however, these natural components may cause allergic reactions in infants. The products recommended by a doctor are the safest option for a baby. You should use hypoallergenic items that have been thoroughly tested and are suitable for a baby's delicate skin.
Myth: Teething leads to a fever.
Fact: Many parents believe that teething causes fever, however, this is not the case. Teething usually begins between the ages of 6 and 24, which is also when babies are more susceptible to infections due to weak immune systems. If parents confuse a fever with teething, they risk overlooking an illness that requires medical treatment.
If your baby has a fever, don't dismiss it as a teething sign; instead, take him to the doctor, who will advise you on the best course of action.
Myth: Babies that are bottle-fed are healthier.
Fact: For the first six months of a baby's development, his primary source of nutrition should be his mother's milk. If you are unable to nurse your baby for any reason, you will be advised to give your baby formula milk. It may be nutritious, but it is not as nutritious as mother's milk. Breastmilk is nutrient-dense and high in antibodies, whereas formula milk lacks.
Myth: Using kajal on a baby's eyes will make them healthier and more attractive.
Fact: Kajal, or any other type of cosmetic, should never be used on a baby. Applying kajal to a baby's eyes will not make them healthier or more attractive. Because a baby's eyes and skin are so delicate, it's better not to use any cosmetics on them. Even homemade kajal should be avoided in a baby because it might cause allergic responses or infections.
Myth: For prolonged, undisturbed sleep, rice cereal must be introduced to the bedtime bottle meal.
Fact: Breastmilk should be given primarily to an infant, and bottle feeding should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If you're giving your infant formula milk, however, you should wait at least four to five months before adding any cereals to his or her diet, as it may cause medical concerns such as obesity and other medical issues.
Myth: Putting honey on a dummy would make teething go away.
Fact: Honey should not be given to children under the age of 12 months since it can cause botulism. Avoid utilizing dummies that have been smeared with food or drink. Teething does not impact all newborns, therefore you may not need to interfere. For babies, alcohol and sugary substances are harmful.
Myth: Using a baby walker will help them walk more quickly.
Fact: There is no proof that walkers assist babies in walking more quickly. In fact, because walkers impair muscle development, they can make it more difficult for newborns to learn to walk.
Myth: You must use antiseptic and alcohol to clean the baby's cord.
Fact: There's no need to scrub your baby's cord stump with antiseptic or alcohol; simply clean it as part of his or her regular wash or bath and gently dry it. If there is wee or poo on the stump, a mild soap can be used to get it off.
Myth: Newborn do not have the ability to see.
Fact: This is a strange misconception because a newborn can see immediately after birth. His vision may be blurry or hazy, yet he can see clearly. And as he gets older, his vision will improve. So, don't trust this old myth.
Myth: Babies must poop on a daily basis.
Fact: Babies can go many days or even a week without pooping. Even if your baby hasn't pooed in a few days, if their poo is soft, they are not constipated. Constipation is less likely in fully breastfed babies.
Myth: Babies who achieve developmental stages at a young age are gifted.
Fact: Every baby is unique, and they will develop at various speeds and in different ways. There is no evidence that a child's early developmental stages indicate that he or she is gifted or special.
Myth: It is best to keep a newborn baby inside the house.
Fact: Because a newborn baby is delicate and requires additional care and attention, it is recommended that you do not take him out. However, unless the weather is particularly severe, there is no danger in taking your baby outside and allowing him to breathe fresh air. Taking your infant outside is another excellent approach to boost their immunity.
Myth: Babies must be in a routine from the beginning.
Fact: No matter how many books claim to teach you how, forcing a newborn baby into a schedule is difficult. A young baby's sleep patterns and cycles differ from those of an adult. Young babies only sleep for a few hours at a time, and some will demand multiple feeding in a short amount of time.
Myth: Babies are usually a joy to behold.
Fact: Babies scream, vomit, and poo a lot. Being a parent may be challenging, especially in the beginning.
Myth: Mothers who are reunited with their babies as soon as they are born have stronger bonds with them.
Fact: A baby needs to experience a mother's warmth and touch right after birth; however, this may not be possible if the infant is born prematurely or via c-section. However, you need not be concerned because a few days or hours of separation will not impact your long-term link with your child, and you will have a great opportunity to develop your bond with your child.
Myth: Gripe water, also known as Janam ghutti, is beneficial to newborns' digestion and colic.
Fact: Newborn babies' digestive systems are fragile, and the only thing that can help them is their mother's milk. Many people assume that gripe water can be given to babies after a month, but it is recommended to wait until they are six months old before giving them anything external.
Myth: Babies that are laid on their stomachs sleep better.
Fact: Babies should never be put to sleep on their stomachs and should always be put to sleep on their backs. When a baby is forced to sleep on his stomach, he is at risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. As a result, always make him sleep on his back.
Summary
We hope we were able to reject them to your satisfaction. Now that you know there's a reason for everything, don't believe in anything that doesn't have one.
This is one myth that we're glad to remove. It's not simply a rumour that a mother and her child are connected on a level that extends beyond blood relations; these connections can even extend to matching heartbeats. Within seconds of looking into each other's eyes, a mother's and child's heartbeats can be synchronized. This is fascinating since a newborn's heart rate at birth is around 180 BPM, and by the time they're a year old, it will have dropped to 115 BPM. It's a thing of beauty when a child recognizes his or her mother and has a strong bond with her that even their heart rate can match their mother's.