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Whether it’s an important life decision or a random thought, your grandmother is that one person everyone goes to for advice, guidance and reassurance. This is no different when it comes to your baby. Even after you’ve become a mother, you can’t help but rely on your grandma for some tips on how to deal with your baby. But did you know that some of them may be making things worse for you and your baby? Although they may be well meaning, a mother doesn’t always know best. There are some old care tips that are not golden and you’d do better without. Want to know what they are? Read on to know them all.
1. Without Swaddling Your Baby, They Can Be Pigeon-toed
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Swaddling is a very common practice amongst parents of newborns, especially in the past. This is because they believed that a well swaddled baby wouldn’t be pigeon-toed. But did you know that swaddling your baby unnecessarily can actually be bad for your baby? Pediatricians insist that it can cause hip dysplasia (1). However, mothers who have babies with neurological disorders or who are severely colic may swaddle their baby in order to calm them down (2). But if your baby falls asleep without having to be wrapped up, there is no need for them to become a baby burrito every time they go down for a nap.
2. Keep The House As Warm As Possible
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You might’ve heard your mom or grandma crank up the heater when they come over or ask you to switch off the fan if your baby is in the room. This is because they truly believed that a home in which a baby lived should be kept toasty warm. Probably because they thought it would kill off germs and keep the baby healthy. But this couldn’t be furthest from the truth. Experts claim that this temperature also contributes to good sleep for the baby.
3. To Calm Your Baby, Dip Their Pacifier Into Something Sweet
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Dipping a baby pacifier in anything sweet before giving it to a child is not recommended for several important reasons. Firstly, it can lead to early and unnecessary exposure to sugary substances, which can contribute to tooth decay and dental issues in the long run. This practice may also instill a preference for sweet flavors in a child, potentially leading to poor dietary habits later in life.
Additionally, introducing sweet substances too early can disrupt a baby’s natural taste development and may lead to them rejecting the pacifier without any sweetening. To ensure a child’s oral and overall health, it’s best to use a clean pacifier without any sweeteners and maintain good dental hygiene practices from a young age, such as wiping the baby’s gums and later brushing their teeth as they grow.
4. Your Baby Absolutely Needs a Blanket And Pillow
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Many mothers in the past have made replicas of their own beds for their infant, which includes a pillow and a blanket. And although they may swear by it, pediatricians have reminded us time and time again that your baby does not need either of these things. There shouldn’t be any pillows, blankets or toys in your baby’s crib as it can cause asphyxia (3). If the room is a little cold, you can always put your baby in a pair of full-length, warm pajamas but don’t cover them up with a blanket. So as cuddly and cozy as your baby would look all wrapped up, toss the blankets and pillows aside for now.
5. Feeding Your Baby Based On A Schedule
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We admit that it can be both exhausting and taxing on new mothers to constantly breastfeed their babies every time they are hungry, but that’s just the way it is. In the earlier days, women waited around two to three hours between each feeding and put their babies on some sort of feeding schedule instead of catering to their hunger needs. You might find your mother telling you to wait for a bit while your baby is crying, but that’s because they think it’s better for you and your baby. But, make sure to feed your baby on demand. There are other ways you can make this easier for you. You could bottle feed your baby instead of exclusively breastfeeding. This way someone else can take over the feeding session while you get some much needed rest.
Taking care of your little one is never an easy task. But beware of the pitfalls that you can fall into just because you listened to granny. Happy parenting!
