Some common myths busted, proper and conscious parenting encouraged. Read on.
Myth
A newborn baby should be massaged daily. This helps blood circulation.
Fact
A massage is only beneficial if done properly. In India, massage is usually left up to the bais, who could be unhygienic. Further, the child may be allergic to certain massage oils or other items like besan, malai etc.
Myth
Wrapping up the baby tight helps straighten out the limbs.
Fact
The fact is, your child's limbs will develop faster if they are loose and free to move around.
Myth
Sweets cause worms.
Fact
Worms are caused by poor hygiene. If your child doesn't wash her hands before eating, she can get worms even if she's eating karela! Sweets have little to do with it. However, too many sweets can cause itching between your child's buttocks.
Myth
Milk is a complete food for the child till she turns one.
Fact
Milk, though excellent and imperative for your child's growth, lacks certain essential minerals like iron and Vitamin C. So if your child is not weaned at around 6 months, she could become anemic.
Myth
If your child has fever, wrap her up in blankets so she starts sweating. The fever will then come down.
Fact
If your child is suffering from fever and you wrap her in a blanket, the fever will not come down. In fact, it may rise so high, it could result in convulsions. The child should be kept cool for the fever to go down. Dabbing the child's forehead with icy cold water helps bring the fever down if it is very high.
Myth
Coughs and colds require treatment.
Fact
Only if coughs are accompanied by wheezing, or if the child has an associated ear infection along with the cold, does either of these problems require treatment. No matter what you do, a cough and cold will take its own course.
Myth
If a child that is exclusively breast fed passes too many motions, mother's milk should be stopped.
Fact
Passing 5 to 6 large motions and many more small ones is completely normal in a child. Breast milk should be continued to be given to the child.
Myth
Putting your child in a walker makes her bow-legged.
Fact
Your child can become bow-legged in case of deficiency of certain vitamins like Vitamin D and calcium. Otherwise, a walker will not cause your child to become bow-legged.
