Human life is mostly governed by beliefs. We have beliefs guiding every aspect of our life and while some are true, a few have no connection with the real world. They have been with us from years and we are following them blindly. Such beliefs are defined in the dictionary as 'Myth'.
They are generally passed on to generations ahead and stay in existence until they are busted or replaced by real facts. And these myths can linger onto anything around; be it your health, religion, your way of parenting etc.
Today we have debunked for you 15 common baby myths, which most of the parents either might have followed or, are still following. So, here check out the myths and their reality:
Myth 1: Ripe bananas must be baby's first solid food
The Fact: This is not compulsory rule. You can even give the baby a cereal made with the ground rice. It's quite rich in iron and is also easy to digest.
Myth 2: A baby should never be bathed if he has fever
The Fact: Bathing the baby under minor cold or fever does no harm. But you should protect the baby from cold wind. In case of high fever, a sponge bath is ideal.
Myth 3: Natural products like haldi and besan are better than baby soaps and shampoos
The Fact: These natural products are that mild, especially for a baby's skin. Besan can even cause skin dryness and rashes on your baby's skin. It's better to stick with mild baby products.
Myth 4: Teething causes fever
The Fact: Teething may cause a fever if, baby is not given clean and sterilize teethers. Fever caused due to teething will never cause fever more then 101 degrees. So don't blame your child's extreme fever on teething. It would be better to get him diagnosed.
Myth 5: Hiccups in babies indicate they are thirsty
The Fact : Hiccups are absolutely normal. For the first few months, the baby should only be breast fed. No extra water is required.
Myth 6: Sneeze in baby is indicative of fever
The Fact: Babies can't blow their nose like us. Sneezing apparently there way of clearing the nose. Don't mistake it for a fever unless it occurs frequently in a day.
Myth 7: Aspirin for babies is best to treat fevers in them
The Fact: Babies are no more advised to be given a dose of aspirin in case of fever. It has been known to develop grave medical issues.
Myth 8: Giving milk to a baby during cold can increase the mucus production
The Fact: Until and unless the child has any sort of allergy from milk, it can never affect the respiratory tract mucus in case of a cold. Thus, giving milk to the child when he has cold is absolutely safe.
Myth 9: Rubbing alcohol on the skin can bring down the fever in a baby
The Fact: It can instead make the child sicker. Alcohol tends to evaporate very fast and can bring down chills because of which body increases the temperature to higher level.
Myth 10: Vaccination shouldn't be given in case of fever, cold and also cough
The Fact: Health experts totally disagree of it. Kids can be easily vaccinated during cold or fever. Precaution has to be taken only if it's a severe one.
Myth 11: Walkers teach the baby to walk sooner.
The Fact: Walkers are more likely to delay the walking process as they don't activate the walking muscles in the child. Moreover, it can be dangerous for the kids.
Myth 12: Lack of bowel movement once in a day can constipate the child
The Fact: Infrequent bowel movement is common in the breast-fed babies. It's not necessary for the child to have it every day. And it certainly not means that the child is constipated.
Myth 13: Baby's limbs straighten up if the baby is wrapped up tight
The Fact: The fact is complete opposite of the myth. The limbs will develop faster if set loose and free for making movements.
Myth 14: 'Baby Talk' is the best way to communicate
The Fact: Talking in 'Baby Language' can hamper your child's language skills. Always use the best of vocabulary and clear language so that the child learns the correct basics.
Myth 15: Brain is completely developed at birth
The Fact: Brain happens to be the last organ to develop fully. Most brain development takes place during the first three years of life. 75% of it is finalized by age seven.
If you have been following any of these myths, it's time to mend the way. Stay connected with the real facts and knowledge so that no myth can disturb your life!