Learn the Truth About These Popular Baby Care Advice

As parents, we want to give our baby the best: the best care possible, the best toys, the best food. But it can be pretty overwhelming when we get the “best” baby care tips from our moms, mothers-in-law, friends, and even neighbors. So most of the time, we have to ask ourselves, which do we believe in? And what do we do?

If you’re confused over all the advice you’re getting, we’re debunking the common ones for you.

Advice: Oil massages are good for baby.

Fact: Giving babies oil massages is an age-old practice that’s found in different cultures, and it’s one practice that parents can consider. Studies have found that oil massages can benefit babies, including newborns, allowing them to feel more relaxed, strengthen your bond, improve their sleep, and even promote healthy growth.

Advice: Carrying your baby for long periods will spoil him.

Fact: No studies back this claim, but some studies say how a parent’s touch and hugs are advantageous for babies. And carrying can be considered as well since to carry your baby is to touch and hug him. Studies have shown that a mother’s touch can help regulate babies’ body temperature, minimize crying, improve babies’ gut health and immunity, and establish a secure connection between mother and child. And no mention about babies getting spoiled.

Advice: Rice cereal and rice water (am) are healthy and can be given to babies.

Fact: Babies aged below 6 months should only be given breastmilk or formula milk. Rice cereals or any food should only be offered once complementary feeding starts at 6 months.

Advice: Babies should be given water.

Fact: Exclusively breastfed babies do not need additional water as breastmilk is 88% water and is considered sufficient for their needs. At the same time, formula-fed babies also do not need additional water unless the weather is hot or humid. Studies show that offering too much water to babies can put them at risk for oral water intoxication.

At the same time, studies have also shown that too much water can interfere with breastfeeding since water fills the baby up too much that he nurses less. Breast milk contains the right nutrients and calories that babies need to grow, and water does not contain these.

Advice: Breastfeeding moms should eat bland food.

Fact: Breastfeeding moms get a lot of advice about the food they should and shouldn’t eat. And this includes sticking to bland food. But the fact is, moms can eat any food they want, as doing so can help their baby develop a taste for various foods through their breast milk. However, moms should also be careful consuming food that might lead to allergies, such as nuts, dairy, soy, peanuts, shellfish, and fish among others.

Advice: Babies sleep better on their tummies.

Fact: Babies should always sleep on their backs. Sleeping on their tummies increases their risk for SIDS.

Advice: Moms will fall in love with their babies instantly.

Fact: For some moms, this might be true. But if you’re one of those moms who don’t have strong feelings of love for their babies right away, know that it’s also normal to feel this way. And rest easy in the fact that these feelings will develop over time and the more you bond with your new baby.