9-Baby-Feeding-Myths-Every-Parent-Must-Be-Aware-Of

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When you have a string of doubts as to what foods your baby should ingest or not ingest, plus the advice that comes from all directions, you are shrouded in myths. While some of the grandma’s tales can quietly be given a pass, the rest might carry some weight. However, you will need to ask your pediatrician as to what is best for you baby. Having said that it might be good that you catch up with these myth-busters:

In This Article

1. That your child is allergic to your milk

There can’t be a bigger myth than this one. Babies are never allergic to their mother’s milk. But if your baby is showing allergic reactions, it is due to the foods that its mother must be consuming during breastfeeding, including cow’s milk. It is biologically impossible for a baby to be allergic to mother’s milk. Babies show signs of allergy regarding spitting up.

2. That breastfed infants need water too

The reality is that breastmilk is the only fluid your baby requires. It is an established and known fact that breastmilk is the best milk. Supplements with water do not match up with mother’s milk and should be taken a resort to only under medical conditions when recommended by you, pediatrician. Water must be introduced to your baby between the 4th and the 6th month, especially around the time when your baby starts eating solid foods.

3. That bottle-feeding leads to constipation in your baby, you should switch over to low-iron formula:

The truth is the iron content in formula milk does not influence your baby’s bowel functions. By opting for low-iron formula, you might only put your baby at the risk of anemia which in turn could also slow down the learning process in your child. Although iron-content in mother’s milk is also low, the small quantities get absorbed more quickly in baby’s digestive tract. When it comes to formula milk, iron is not readily absorbed, and therefore more quantities of formula must be added. In case of constipation, you might want to talk to your pediatrician or introduce tiny amounts of fruit juice in consultation with the doctor.

4. That jarred food is healthier for your baby

Once your baby six months or over, you might start solid foods. If you consider jarred foods, we understand that it sounds convenient and healthy, but it does no magic on your child in nutritional terms. Homemade purees with fruits (apples, pears, bananas, avocados and peaches) and vegetables (corn, carrots, potatoes, green beans or peas) make good options. However, avoid canned soups, frozen foods or processed meats for children under 1 because the high sodium content makes it hard for them to digest the same.

5. That you can’t get pregnant as a nursing mom

The truth is that breastfeeding can’t be a birth control measure. As nursing moms, it might be a little improbable to conceive in the first few months following delivery, but as soon as a mother’s menstrual cycles resume, she quite susceptible to getting pregnant again.

6. That low-fat milk is not good for children under 2

If you had been told or if you believe that your child cannot switch between low-fat or skim milk and whole milk until the school-goer age, you are wrong. Your child can switch from whole milk to skimmed milk. Earlier there used to be no restriction for toddlers to have whole milk. But with an increased risk of obesity, it is being recommended to feed your baby on 2% milk after its first year and by the second year, they should be fed on 1% milk. If there is a family history of obesity, cholesterol problems or heart disease, one should check with their pediatrician. However, cow’s milk is not advised until a child’s first birthday.

7. That your baby will have food allergy if you have them

The foods that cause allergy in you might not elicit a reaction in your baby. A few food allergies can be hereditary. Some of the these allergies might not be passed on by parents. But one must closely watch what foods trigger allergies in your child.

8. That sugar is equivalent to hyperactivity

The reality is that all those sugars that you can’t avoid among kids don’t make your baby hyperactive. Your child is hyperactive simply because it is excited. Sugars could cause dental carries, or alter your child’s appetite, but it won’t cause hyperactivity in your child.

9. That serving red meat and eggs to your child regularly is not healthy

They are rich in proteins, iron, zince and essential nutrients, therefore you don’t have cut down on them for you child. You might however want to avoid egg-whiltes until your baby’s first birthday.