Baby Health Myths: In one of our podcasts, Dr. Anuj Yadav, Pediatrician and Neonatologist from Saket Hospital, educated us on the most common myths and facts related to baby care in the first years. New parents receive so much advice that it can be confusing, and Dr. Yadav’s advice offers what is really helpful and healthy for the baby. Here, we delve deeper into the five myths and facts he discussed:
Where do these baby health myths come from?
These are myths because many of them are rooted in cultural perceptions, personal anecdotes, and past practices that have not been proven scientifically or empirically.
Myth: Yellow thick milk produced by mothers in the first few days shouldn’t be given to babies as it’s dirty milk.
Fact: The yellow thick milk known as colostrum is produced immediately after birth within the first three days of motherhood. Although it appears to go against the myth, colostrum can prove to be advantageous for newborns. It contains antibodies especially Immunoglobulin A (IgA) that are essential to preventing the baby from infections. This milk also has increased levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals than the normal breast milk for a baby. This nutrient-containing milk also assists in the formation of the baby’s bowel movement system as well as assists in building a proper immune system for the baby.
Myth: Jaundice which happens in newborns is very serious and mothers should avoid eating or wearing yellow things to reduce jaundice.
Fact: Newborn jaundice is a condition that is also known as physiological jaundice, which literally refers to the yellowing of the skin and sclera, and is a result of the underdevelopment of the liver in a newborn baby. It is a misconception that mothers should not engage in yellow foods or wear anything yellow. The condition is not caused by the diet taken by the mother or the kind of dress she wears. Parents should be observant of the baby’s condition and seek help from their pediatrician if the condition of jaundice worsens or the duration is long.
Also Read: Dr Anuj Yadav Pediatrician Revels Challenges In Current Healthcare System
Myth: Kajal should be applied to babies as it increases the size of the eyes.
Fact: It is a social custom to put kajal or kohl around the eyes of a baby, so their eyes will be more open to show that evil will not affect them. However, Dr. Anuj Yadav personally does not encourage this practice at all. Commercial kajal products are produced using hazardous chemicals such as lead which is hazardous to the skin of infants and may lead to some pathological conditions such as eye infections and even blindness.
Myth: Gripe water helps baby in colic and digestion
Fact: It is not recommended to have the babies take gripe water. It is said that most of the grip water contains alcohol, sugar, and other chemicals that are dangerous to the health of infants. It is better to avoid such substances because they may rather harm a baby’s sensitive body. Instead, the parents should consult their pediatrician and ask for safer and more effective strategies to calm a colicky baby other than shaking him, for instance, through rocking, burping, or changing feeding practices.
Myth: If baby listens to or watches poems, they will start speaking early
Fact: Though parents may think that exposing babies to education on screens is effective, any screen time for a child under two years of age slows the process of speech development. Kids who spend long hours on screen are also more likely to develop behavioral problems like aggression and inattention. Dr. Anuj Yadav states that direct verbal communication, reading, and interactive play are beneficial for speaking and thinking abilities. These events are useful not only in language development processes but also in emotionally attaching the baby to the parents.
Watch exclusive interview with Dr. Anuj Yadav (Neonatologist) here:
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