Outdated Baby Care Advice That New Mothers Should Ignore

The new mother usually gets enough advice on feeding, sleeping, bathing, and taking care of her baby. Such advice may be offered by parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends who intend to help. However, some of these traditions may have become outdated as scientific research about babies’ health has been developing. 

It does not mean that all the advice offered according to old traditions is bad. It only implies that a parent should be sure that old advice is consistent with modern healthcare guidelines.

Feeding a Baby Cereal to Make Them Sleep Longer

One of the many old pieces of advice that people still give out about babies is adding some cereal to the baby’s bottle so that the baby gets fuller and will sleep longer. That is not advised for very young infants unless suggested by a medical practitioner.

In their first few months, babies require certain nutrition which is provided by breast milk or infant formula. Feeding babies solids too soon is a problem.

Parents should feed babies according to age-based instructions and not use food to control sleeping patterns.

Giving Water to a Newborn

Some parents think that the baby requires more water, especially when the weather is hot. Nevertheless, babies at such an age obtain all the required fluids from breastfeeding and formula feeding that is correctly done.

Early introduction of water may result in reduction of the amount of milk consumed by the baby and will have an influence on their nutrition. In case a baby demonstrates signs of increased thirst and decreased urine output, parents need to consult doctors.

Keeping the Baby Awake During the Day

The other popular recommendation is to keep the baby awake during the daytime so that she sleeps well at night. The problem with this recommendation is that it may backfire on you.

Very young babies require lots of sleep and getting overly tired will make it difficult for them to sleep. Rather than forcing your baby to stay up late, you need to watch out for the signs of her being ready for sleep – yawns, decreased activity, gazing around, and fussing.

Following a Strict Feeding Schedule

In older literature, recommendations are often given to feed babies at regular intervals during the day. Even though a routine will be useful eventually, babies do not tend to have a regular schedule at all.

Babies will let their parents know when they want to eat. Rooting, sucking motions, bringing their hands to their mouth, and increased alertness are some ways to signal this need.

With time, parents can establish a schedule according to the baby’s unique needs.

Using Heavy Blankets for Better Sleep

It is also usual for the family to swaddle the baby in thick blankets or add additional layers of bedding to keep him/her warm. But excessive use of loose bedding or overheating may make sleep dangerous.

The sleep environment of a baby must be comfortable without any unwanted objects. The parents should keep up-to-date about the guidelines of safe sleep and think about room temperature and baby’s clothes instead of using thick blankets.

Trying to Keep the Home Completely Germ-Free

It is essential that the environment be kept clean, but an environment totally devoid of germs is unrealistic. Young couples may experience some pressure at times to sterilize everything. 

Hygiene is much more practical. It includes hand washing before touching the baby, thorough cleansing of utensils, keeping the sleeping area clean, and staying away from those who are sick.

Ask Questions Instead of Following Every Tradition

New mothers are not obliged to dismiss all the family advice. Instead, it would help if they questioned the sources of this advice and whether this advice is still medically advisable.

Each baby is unique, and what has worked for one child may not work for another. The issues of feeding, sleeping, vaccination, hygiene, and development should be addressed by a healthcare expert if in doubt.

It does not mean that the proper care for a baby is either to blindly follow outdated norms or to disregard the family experience. It means that practice and up-to-date information should go hand in hand. If you are new parents who require professional assistance in caring for your newborns, mothers, and at home as well, you can always turn to Swaasaa Healthcare.