9 Totally Outdated Pieces of Baby Advice

Throughout history, parents have relied on an age-old supply of baby care advice, handed down from one generation to another.

Sometimes, these words of wisdom are steeped in sound, scientific truth.

Other times, however, they're rooted in outdated ideas, myths, or misinformation.

Let's debunk nine such pieces of baby advice that are no longer relevant in today's modern, informed society.

1. Let Babies 'Cry It Out'

The 'cry it out' method was once a prevalent philosophy in baby care.

The idea was that allowing a baby to cry themselves to sleep without any parental intervention could foster independence.

However, recent research indicates that prolonged periods of crying can cause heightened levels of stress for infants and possibly lead to an insecure attachment between parents and their baby.

Today, child psychologists advocate for a more responsive approach.

Parents are encouraged to soothe their crying infants and help them feel safe and secure.

2. Babies Should Sleep on Their Stomachs

In the past, parents were often advised to put their babies to sleep on their stomachs to prevent choking in case of spit-up.

However, this advice is not only outdated but also dangerous.

Numerous studies have linked stomach sleeping to a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that healthy infants should always be placed on their backs for sleep.

3. Stick to a Strict Feeding Schedule

• Babies have small stomachs and rapid growth rates, which means they often need to eat more frequently than a rigid schedule might allow.

• Therefore, the outdated advice to feed babies strictly every four hours is not practical or beneficial.

• Instead, current guidelines suggest feeding newborns on demand, or whenever they show signs of hunger, to ensure they get the nutrition they need.

4. Add Rice Cereal to Baby’s Bottle to Help Them Sleep Longer

This particular piece of advice was aimed at helping babies sleep longer by making their tiny tummies feel fuller.

However, research has shown that this isn't beneficial for the baby and can even lead to overfeeding and weight issues.

Moreover, introducing solids before 4 to 6 months can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues and food allergies.

5. Don't Hold Your Baby Too Much, or They'll Get Spoiled

The notion that you can 'spoil' a baby by holding them too much is a pervasive myth that doesn't hold up under scientific scrutiny.

Babies thrive on physical contact and emotional closeness.

Holding, cuddling, and responding to a baby's needs are essential for their emotional and psychological development, building a secure attachment with their caregivers, and can even help them self-soothe more effectively over time.

6. Never Wake a Sleeping Baby

This adage seems logical – if your baby is sleeping peacefully, why disturb them?

However, in the early weeks, it's essential to wake your baby for feeds every 2-3 hours to ensure they're getting enough nutrition and to help establish breastfeeding, if that's the chosen feeding method.

Once your pediatrician confirms the baby's steady weight gain, you can allow them to sleep for longer stretches without waking.

7. Teething Causes Fever

While it's true that teething can make a baby uncomfortable and cranky, it does not cause fever or diarrhea, contrary to the popular belief.

Any signs of high fever or prolonged diarrhea should not be dismissed as teething symptoms and should prompt a visit to the pediatrician to rule out any potential health issues.

8. Babies Need Water

Contrary to this outdated advice, newborns don't need additional water.

Their diet, whether it's formula or breast milk, already contains all the hydration they need.

Giving water to babies younger than six months can lead to water intoxication and displace the hunger for milk, leading to inadequate nutrition.

9. Sugar Water Will Calm a Fussy Baby

Sugar water was often touted as a quick fix for calming a fussy baby.

However, this advice is not only outdated but also harmful.

Giving sugar water to babies can lead to an unhealthy preference for sweet flavors, weight issues, and cavities.

Soothing techniques such as rocking, swaddling, or pacifier use are much safer and more effective.

Conclusion

While it's important to acknowledge the wisdom passed down through generations, we must filter it through the lens of contemporary knowledge and scientific research.

If in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional or trusted pediatrician to ensure your baby care practices are current, safe, and in the best interest of your child's development.