Common Misconceptions About Infant Care
Being a mother is a learning experience. The maternal instinct is a proven scientific fact, but that does not mean that a new mother knows, from day 1, exactly how to care for her child. Just as the child on being born, enters a new and unfamiliar environment, so too does the woman enter the new world of motherhood. It is a learning process for both the mother and the child, but because the mother is the adult, the responsibility of caring for the child falls upon her. Being a mother is natural, and much of what needs to be done to care for the child is instinctive. However, the uncertainty of new motherhood may cause some degree of insecurity in the mother and she may search for information and advice on what she needs to do. There is a vast amount of information available on parenting and baby care but as a new mother, it is essential to separate the facts from the many myths that new mothers fall prey to.
Common Myths About Babies
Most myths about baby care are well-intentioned, but many of them are not just of no use, but they could also be dangerous and pose a risk to the health of the baby. Among the most common are:
A baby must be bathed every day.
Keeping a baby clean and fresh is important, but that does not always mean bathing it every day. In a hot climate, a baby will usually enjoy a refreshing bath. However, if the baby is not happy with bathing every day, or if the climate does not require it, there is no need for a daily bath. As long as the face, neck, hands and nappy area are clean, a daily bath is not essential.
Picking up a crying baby will spoil it.
Crying is a baby’s way of communicating. When a baby cries, it is a sign that it needs attention. It could be any kind of requirement - discomfort, feeling cold or hot, needing to be changed, hunger or any other need or emotion. Responding to a crying baby and picking it up to attend to its needs or provide comfort will not spoil it. It is a myth that a young baby can be spoiled. It does not happen.
Teething always causes fever and is not a cause for concern.
Teething may cause a slight fever of up to 38 degrees Centigrade. However, this is not always the case and teething with no fever and little discomfort may also happen. That said, a fever higher than 38 degrees may be an indication of an illness or infection. Teething typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 24 months which is when babies are most prone to infections and sickness. With children, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If your baby has a fever or shows other signs of unusual discomfort, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician.
Putting honey on a pacifier makes a baby more comfortable during teething.
While honey is the nearest thing to a “wonder food”, it is not safe for babies under the age of 12 months. It can contain a small amount of a toxin that is normally harmless but in babies can cause botulism which is a disease that affects the nerves and muscles. Avoid using honey without the pediatrician’s approval.
Also Read: Boosting Your Child’s Natural Ability to Fight Sickness
The more breastmilk the baby consumes, the better.
Your baby will tell you when it is hungry and wants to feed. For most babies, 8 to 10 feedings in a 24-hour period is typical. However, this can vary. Trying to force the baby to consume more breastmilk than it wants will cause discomfort to the baby and this can lead to digestion problems. It can take up to 6 weeks for a baby to establish a regular feeding pattern or schedule.
A baby must have a daily bowel movement.
It takes weeks and often months for a regular bowel movement pattern to be established. With newborns, not having a bowel movement for a few days is not uncommon. If the baby's stool is soft, even if there has been no bowel movement for a few days, then it is not constipated. However, hard stools may be a sign of digestive distress and your pediatrician should be consulted. Fully breastfed babies are less likely to develop constipation.
A baby walker will enable a child to start walking sooner.
This is a controversial topic. While in the past, the use of walkers was accepted, today, many doctors think that they can be dangerous and could actually delay the development of walking abilities. The use of walkers is not recommended in many countries. When deciding on the use of a baby walker, always obtain the advice of your pediatrician.
Also Read: Paediatric Care – Choosing the Right Hospital
It is good to get a baby into a routine from the very beginning.
It is not possible to force a newborn into a routine. A young baby’s metabolic cycle and sleep patterns are different from an adult's and will change as the baby grows. Some babies naturally sleep for just a few hours at a time and others may want frequent feeding in the day or night. Trying to force a baby into a routine is not advisable and it may affect its overall development. That said, doing things to encourage the baby to eat, sleep or play at the times the baby wants to will slowly result in more regular patterns emerging.
A mother will go to any length to provide her child with the best possible care and protection. To do that, she needs the support of a pediatrician. The pediatrician will examine the newborn child and if any issues are found will provide the treatment and care the baby needs. He/She will also guide and advise the parents on how to care for their child and the mistakes and myths to avoid. The pediatrics department of the best multispecialty hospital is where you will find experienced and skilled pediatric specialists along with state-of-the-art treatment and care technologies. This is also where you will have quick and convenient access to other world-class medical specializations that may be required to ensure the good health of the baby from infancy to childhood and onwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I bathe my newborn?
Newborns don't need daily baths. Cleaning their face, neck, hands, and diaper area is sufficient unless they enjoy daily baths or it's necessary due to hot weather.
2. Will holding my baby too often spoil them?
No, holding a crying baby provides comfort and meets their emotional and physical needs. It won't spoil them; it's an essential part of their development.
3. Is it normal for teething to cause fever?
Teething may cause a slight fever, but anything above 38°C could indicate an infection or illness. Always consult your pediatrician if you're concerned.
4. Can I use honey to soothe my baby's teething discomfort?
No, honey isn't safe for babies under 12 months as it may cause infant botulism. Always consult your pediatrician for safe remedies.
5. Does a baby need a daily bowel movement?
No, irregular bowel movements are common in newborns. As long as the stool is soft, there's usually no cause for concern.
6. Will using a baby walker help my child walk sooner?
Baby walkers are not recommended as they may delay walking development and pose safety risks. Check with your pediatrician before use.
- Jan 20, 2025