Dealing with Old Fashioned Baby Advice

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

08 Jul 2008 05:33 AM

When you have a baby, the advice comes out of the woodwork. Some of it is much welcomed, such as when someone gives you the perfect trick for soothing your baby, while other advice can be old fashioned and even dangerous if not useless, such as binding a belly button to ensure an "outie."

The important thing when getting any kind of advice is to understand that you aren't obligated to follow it. Make sure that you do your own research, such as reading current baby books and checking with your pediatrician. A lot of advice that has been handed down through the ages can be good. But much of it has been overturned or debunked by more modern scientific research. Think about how medical advice pushed baby formula as the healthiest way to feed a baby just a few decades ago. We now know that breastmilk is recommended.

Don't forget about the power of mother's or father's intuition. If it doesn't feel right then don't follow it! Whether it has to do with soothing teething or letting a baby cry it out. Only you (and your pediatrician) know what is best for your baby and family.

If someone gives you some advice, thank them for taking the time and concern, and then do your own thing based on what you know.

Here are some of the most common old fashioned advice that I have seen. All of these practice as either not effective or dangerous.

Placing a baby to sleep on her tummy so she won't accidentally inhale vomit

Picking up a fussy child while in a moving car

Placing rum or other alcohol on the gums to relieve teething

Ignoring a crying baby because picking up a child can spoil her

Scheduled feedings (most pediatricians recommend feeding on demand)

Giving vegetables before fruit when introducing solids (we are programmed to love sweet, not matter which food is introduced first)

Binding the belly button with a strap or a quarter and tape to ensure an "innie."

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Baby's Smile Acts Like a Drug

Fluoride and Infants

My Favorite Baby Books: In My House

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger