As soon as you announce your pregnancy, it's unavoidable that you will be bombarded with tons of advice. From the parenting books you read or just receiving unsolicited parenting tips from everyone in your life. And all that information can definitely overwhelm you.
But, the question is, how do you decide what parenting advice is relevant and what advice you can leave in the past? Here are five outdated parenting tips or advice that you can ignore.
1. Babies should sleep face down
The old advice was to let your baby sleep facing down to prevent your baby from choking on inhaled mucus or vomit while sleeping. However, this doesn't apply anymore as many studies have proven that sleeping face down actually puts your baby at higher risk for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Putting your baby to sleep face down places pressure on the diaphragm, which consequently cuts down their oxygen intake. Hence, putting your baby to sleep on their back is the safest way to go.
2. Put cereals in your baby's bottle to help them sleep
You might have heard of this to keep your baby's tummy full so they sleep through the night. But these days this is an absolute no-no as adding any thickening agent to their drinks, particularly at bedtime, can lead to choking. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises that babies below six months should be exclusively fed with milk - breast milk or formula milk.
3. Baby walkers help infants learn to walk more quickly
Although it may seem that a baby walker would help your little one to learn to walk more quickly, it actually does the opposite. Mobile baby walkers may increase the risk of injury for your baby and make them too mobile before they are ready. If you are thinking of getting something for them to practice standing and balance without hurting them, do opt for stationary walkers, activity centers, or play yards to keep your baby safe while learning to walk.
4. Give baby honey to help with teething pain
It might hurt you to see your uneasy baby but dipping a pacifier in honey and giving them to soothe the teething pain is dangerous. Even a taste of honey is not safe for children under 12 months old. It can cause botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious illness that causes paralysis. Hence, keep the honey away for much later. Instead, try a vibrating teether or cold washcloth to soothe your baby's gums.
5. Babies need total silence to sleep
Many households live in the 'silent mode' for the first few months of a baby's life fearing waking up a sleeping baby. But, it shouldn't be that way! Your baby spends nine months in the womb which has already exposed them to all sorts of noise and movements. It's good for babies to sleep through some noise such as vacuuming in the other room, some side conversation, or some music on the radio.
