Pediatricians Debunk 16 Baby Myths

Summary

Dr. Blair Hammond, a pediatrician, and Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, debunk popular myths about babies in this engaging discussion. They address misconceptions like baby walkers helping babies walk, lullabies making babies sleep, and teething causing fevers. They explain why it’s okay to pick up a crying baby, that introducing peanuts early can reduce allergies, and why naps are essential for infants. They encourage parents to trust their instincts and seek reliable resources, including pediatricians, for questions about their child's development.

Takeaways

• 👶 Baby walkers do not help babies walk and can delay walking while posing safety risks.
• ❌ Picking up a crying baby will not spoil them; it teaches babies to calm down and is essential for their emotional development.
• 🌡 Teething should not cause fever or other major symptoms. If a baby has a fever, consult a pediatrician.
• 🎶 Lullabies can help soothe babies but are not a guaranteed solution for sleep.
• 🧸 Toys alone do not make babies smarter. Interaction between caregiver and baby during play is key for cognitive development.
• 💧 Newborns should not be given water, as it can disrupt their electrolytes. Breast milk or formula is sufficient for hydration.
• 🍯 Honey should never be given to babies under one year due to the risk of botulism.
• 🥜 Early introduction of peanuts, fish, and eggs can help prevent allergies, contrary to past recommendations.
• 😴 Naps are necessary for babies and young children, contributing to better learning and emotional regulation.
• 📏 A baby's final height is more strongly predicted by their parents' height and timing of puberty, not by their newborn length.

Q & A

Do baby walkers help babies learn to walk?

No, baby walkers do not help babies learn to walk. In fact, some studies show that babies who use walkers may walk later than those who don’t. Walkers can also be dangerous as babies may fall or reach unsafe items.

Is it true that picking up a crying baby will spoil them?

No, picking up a crying baby will not spoil them. Comforting a crying baby teaches them to calm down and is beneficial for their long-term emotional development.

Should you wake a sleeping baby to feed them?

Yes, in the first few weeks of life, it is recommended to wake newborns every three to four hours to feed. However, as babies grow older, you can let them sleep longer.

Can lullabies help babies sleep?

Lullabies can help calm both the parent and the baby, which can induce a sleepier state, but they are not a guaranteed method to make a baby fall asleep.

Are naps necessary for young children?

Yes, naps are essential for babies and young children. They help with learning, behavior control, and better nighttime sleep. Overly tired babies may have more trouble sleeping.

Can teething cause fevers in babies?

No, teething should not cause fevers. While teething may make a baby fussy or reduce their appetite, a fever likely indicates an infection or another issue, and you should contact a pediatrician.

Is it okay to give water to newborns during hot weather?

No, newborns should not be given water. Their kidneys are not developed enough to process it, and water can disrupt their electrolyte balance. Breast milk or formula provides sufficient hydration.

Does playing classical music make babies smarter?

Playing classical music alone won’t make babies smarter. The most important factor in cognitive development is the interaction between the caregiver and the baby, especially through language and responsive engagement.

Should you avoid giving foods like peanuts, fish, and eggs to infants to prevent allergies?

No, it is now recommended to introduce potential allergens like peanuts, fish, and eggs early (around 4-6 months) to help build tolerance and reduce the risk of food allergies.

Will a newborn's length predict how tall they will be as adults?

No, a newborn's length is not a reliable predictor of their adult height. Factors like parents' height and the timing of puberty are better indicators of final height.