15 Common Newborn Baby Care Myths Busted

Every parent wants to provide the greatest care for their child. When it comes to taking care of your infant, you listen to every suggestion made by your family elders or friends. As a result, you begin to believe in age-old beliefs propagated by elders, believing that it is beneficial to your child. However, you must understand the truth underlying all of our society’s age-old myths and customs. Read this article if you wish to learn about the origins of various beliefs. This post will supply you with information on frequent newborn baby care myths as well as the actual facts.

Neonatal Care Myths and Facts

Everyone starts giving you recommendations and suggestions as soon as you start your pregnant journey in order to ensure a healthy and stress-free pregnancy. The focus switches from you to your baby once the baby is born. It may, however, cause you to question whether you should follow your emotions or your head. There’s no need to put on your critical thinking caps since in the next part, we’ll debunk several well-known fallacies about newborn care:

1. Myth

Oil massages are old school or old-fashioned.

Fact: Oil massages have been a part of Indian tradition for a long time, but that does not imply 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 aids in sleep induction.

2. Myth

Teething in babies may cause fever.

Fact: The teething process in babies begins at the age of six months and lasts until they are 24 months old. Because younger newborns have a weakened immune system, they are more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. If your kid has a fever and starts teething at the same time, it doesn’t indicate he’s suffering from teething fever. If your infant is teething, you may notice a modest rise in his temperature owing to gum inflammation. 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.

3. Myth

Carrying or holding a baby for longer durations may spoil the baby.

Fact: Crying is a baby’s only means of communication. Crying is a baby’s way of attracting the attention of his parents and requesting that his needs be met. A baby also need more skin-to-skin contact and continual reassuring during the early months. So, if you’re holding your infant in your arms, there’s nothing wrong with it, and you’re not spoiling him. You do not, however, have to keep him in your arms all of the time.

4. 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 acquire a taste for different things. However, you must abstain from 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.

5. 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 plenty opportunity to develop your bond with your child.

6. Myth

Babies who are breastfed are healthier than those who are bottle fed.

Fact: For the first six months of a baby’s existence, 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.

7. Myth

A baby’s eyes will be healthier and more lovely if he wears kajal.

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.

8. Myth

Gripe water, also known as janam ghutti, is beneficial to newborns’ digestion and colic.

Fact: Newborn newborns’ 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.

9. Myth

It is best to keep a newborn baby inside the house.

Fact: Because a newborn baby is fragile and requires additional care and attention, many people advise against taking 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.

10. Myth

To ensure lengthy periods of unbroken sleep, rice cereal should be included to the bedtime bottle feed.

Fact: Breastmilk should be given exclusively 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.

11. Myth

Water should be given to babies as well.

Fact: 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.

12. Myth

Gram flour and turmeric powder are healthier for a baby’s sensitive skin than soaps.

Fact: Natural substances 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.

13. Myth

When babies are placed on their stomachs, they 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, force him to sleep on his back at all times.

14. Myth

Your infant will make you fall in love with him or her right away.

Fact: If you don’t feel overwhelming feelings of love for your newborn the moment you see him, you may feel guilty. But the truth is that feeling this way is quite natural. It’s possible that just a few women will experience an instant connection with their newborns, but that’s okay because love and connection will deepen over time.

15. Myth

Newborn newborns are unable to see.

Fact: This is a strange misconception because a newborn can sight immediately after delivery. 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 urban legend.

These were some prevalent misconceptions about caring for newborn babies. We hope we were able to refute them to your satisfaction. Now that you know there’s a reason for everything, don’t believe in anything that doesn’t have one.

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