It’s amazing how many “Old Wives’ Tales” there are about babies. Many are passed down from generation to generation, but just because Grandma says so doesn’t mean it’s true. Here are some:
“A fat baby is a healthy baby.” Not true. The fact is that fat babies often turn out to be fat adults.
“Solid foods will help a baby sleep through the night.” There is no proof that this is true. Even if solid foods do help a baby sleep, they shouldn’t be started before your doctor tells you to.
“Flashbulbs are dangerous and should not be used.” Not so. Taking flashbulb pictures is perfectly safe.
“Air conditioning is harmful for a baby.” Ridiculous. Most hospital nurseries are now air conditioned.
“Teething causes high fever.” This is just not so. Any temperature above 101 degrees is not due to teething.
“Wearing shoes will help a baby walk sooner.” No. As a matter of fact, just the opposite is true. Keeping your baby barefoot will strengthen his muscles and help him to learn to walk more quickly.
“Getting teeth late means there’s something wrong.” Absolutely not true. There’s no relationship between the time that teeth come in and physical or mental development.
“It’s bad luck to give a baby a haircut before one year of age.” I don’t know where that one came from, but it certainly makes no sense at all.
” A baby frightened by strangers, at about four to six months, is insecure and unloved.” Not at all. This fear of strangers is normal at this age.
“If a baby stands too soon, it will cause him to be bowlegged.” No, no, no! If your baby is happy standing, let him do so.
Dr. Alvin Eden is chairman of the department of pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights Hospital in Brooklyn and associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Cornell University Medical Center. Dr. Eden has authored several books including “Positive Parenting” and “Healthy Kids”.