5 Common Newborn Baby Care Myths Busted

check_icon Research-backed

Every parent wants the best for their baby. You start learning about taking care of your baby from when you find out that you’re pregnant because you don’t want to compromise on any care. You read books, magazines, and mommy blogs. You talk to the elders in your family and look up the internet to be the best for your baby. You leave no stone unturned and want to be the best parent for your infant when they arrive. While you gather essential knowledge from your research and learning, some of the things you’ve been told might be age-old myths that are followed without the backing of science. We, at MomJunction, are here to bust some of those myths and give you the truths behind them. Here are 5 common myths debunked about newborn baby care:

In This Article

Myth 1: Oil Massages Are Old-School

Image: Shutterstock

Apart from the various health benefits associated with infant oil massage, it is a great way to bond with the baby while they relax. Massaging your infant also helps them sleep better and reduce crying by decreasing stress levels. It nurtures your baby and might even help promote growth for premature babies, although minimal research has been done on this topic (1).

Myth 2: Holding The Baby Too Much Is Not Good For Them

Image: Shutterstock

Your grandmother and elderly aunts might have advised you not to hold your baby too much. But we are here to tell you why it’s good to maintain skin-to-skin contact with your baby as much as possible. Babies are meant to be in close physical contact with their caregivers. Therefore, holding your baby benefits them. They learn to relax, which helps them later in life. Studies show that babies who have not been held enough have underdeveloped receptors responsible for happiness. Their pain responses are also activated when they are physically separated from their caregivers (2).

Myth 3: Babies Who Are Bottle-Fed Are Healthier

Image: Shutterstock

Breast milk is the ultimate source of nutrition for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a newborn baby to be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of their life. While it is considered as the gold standard of nutrition for your baby, some women are unable to feed their little ones. In such cases, formula milk is recommended for your baby by your doctor. However, formula does not contain the immunity boosters that breast milk provides for your baby. Breast milk is also easier to digest than formula for most babies (3).

Myth 4: A Baby Should Not Be Taken Outdoors

Image: Shutterstock

Fresh air is good for your baby. Unless the weather conditions are harsh, taking your baby out for small strolls might be good for them. Ensure that they are covered and protected from dust and pollution. Your baby’s immune system is still developing and might not be ready to fight off infections. Therefore, it is best to avoid crowded spaces and choose serene open places with lots of greenery. (4).

Myth 5: Babies Should Be Given Water

Image: Shutterstock

In the first 6 months after birth, all your baby needs is breast milk or infant formula. Feeding your baby water might fill your baby’s stomach resulting in less intake of breast milk or formula. Not getting sufficient amounts of milk might interfere with your baby’s ability to grow and make them unwell. After 6 months, small doses of cooled boiled water can be given to your baby, but it should never replace breast milk or formula (5).

Parenting is an adventure, and you figure out what’s best for your baby as you live through the experience. However, before following advice, tips, and suggestions from relatives, friends, and the internet, always consult your doctor. They know what’s best for your baby and will recommend the right course of action.

Did you believe in some of these myths? Share this article with the new parents you know to spread the facts.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.