Common Myths About Newborns: Facts You Should Know

When a new baby arrives, family and friends often shower new parents with advice and experiences, some of which may be helpful, while others are simply myths and misconceptions that could harm the baby's health. In this blog post, we will shed light on some common myths about newborns and provide proven scientific facts to clarify the picture for new mothers.

Common Myths and Their Corrections

We will now review some common myths about newborn care and correct them with scientific facts:

1. Myth: Letting a baby cry strengthens their lungs.

   • Fact: A baby's cry is their only way to express their needs, whether they are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. Ignoring a baby's cries can cause them frustration and stress and does not strengthen their lungs in any way. It's important to respond to the baby's cries, try to understand the reason for their crying, and soothe them.

2. Myth: Don't hold the baby too much, or they will get used to being held.

   • Fact: Holding a baby helps strengthen the bond between mother and child and makes them feel safe and secure. There is no scientific evidence that holding a baby makes them "get used" to being held in a negative way. On the contrary, holding can help soothe the baby, relieve colic, and reduce crying.

3. Myth: Feed your baby every time they cry.

   • Fact: Crying is not always a sign of hunger. A baby may cry for other reasons, such as tiredness, needing a diaper change, feeling hot or cold. It's important to observe other signs of hunger, such as sucking on fingers or turning their head searching for the breast. Feeding on demand is important, but it's also important to understand other reasons for a baby's crying.

4. Myth: The baby's umbilical cord should be cleaned with antiseptic and alcohol.

   • Fact: Modern umbilical cord care recommends cleaning it with lukewarm water and mild soap and drying it well. Using alcohol and strong antiseptics may delay umbilical cord healing.

5. Myth: Herbal drinks relieve colic.

   • Fact: There is no conclusive scientific evidence of the effectiveness of herbal drinks in relieving colic. In some cases, these drinks may cause digestive problems for the baby. It's important to consult a doctor before giving any herbal drinks to an infant.

6. Myth: Newborns should be bathed daily.

   • Fact: Newborns do not need to be bathed daily. Bathing two or three times a week is sufficient. Over-bathing can dry out the baby's delicate skin.

7. Myth: Not all mothers have enough milk for breastfeeding.

   • Fact: The vast majority of mothers are capable of producing enough milk for breastfeeding. Proper support, healthy nutrition, and frequent breastfeeding help increase milk production.

8. Myth: Introducing solid foods after 3 months.

   • Fact: The World Health Organization recommends introducing solid foods after the baby completes six months of age. Introducing solid foods before that may cause digestive problems and allergies for the baby.

9. Myth: Let your baby sleep in their own room.

   • Fact: Experts recommend that the baby sleep in the same room as the parents (but not in the same bed) for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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10. Myth: Teething causes fever.

    • Fact: Teething may cause some discomfort for the baby, such as drooling and gum irritation, but it does not cause fever. If your baby has a fever, it's important to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

11. Myth: Putting honey on a pacifier helps with teething.

    • Fact: Honey is not recommended for children under one year of age, as it can cause serious botulism poisoning.

12. Myth: Baby walkers help them walk earlier.

    • Fact: Baby walkers do not help them walk earlier; they can delay the development of natural walking skills and increase the risk of accidents.

Conclusion:

It's always important to rely on accurate and reliable information from accredited medical sources when dealing with newborns. Always consult a pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.