Does Pressing a Baby's Nose Make It Sharper? Why This Massage Myth Is Harmful

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video busts a common myth: many dadis and nanis tell mothers that if you press and massage the baby's nose daily in a certain way, the baby's nose will become sharp (nukila). Points covered in the video: This is not true – pressing and massaging does not make a baby's nose sharp. The nose shape is genetic – a child's nose is shaped like their parents' — it depends on genetics. Why babies' noses look flat – in the beginning the nose is still developing and the cartilage is soft, so children's noses often look flat (chipti). By the age of five to seven years, the nose becomes sharp on its own. The harm in pressing – do not massage the child's nose by pressing it daily. Pressing this way can cause injury to the child's nose. Since their cartilage is soft, swelling can occur there and the child can even have difficulty in breathing. Conclusion – never make this mistake. The video also invites viewers to comment if they want to know about similar myths, and a video will be made on those. Relevant for: parents who massage or press their baby's nose to make it sharper; parents asking whether nose shape can be changed by massage; parents worried that their baby's nose looks flat; parents wanting to know at what age a child's nose becomes sharper naturally; parents being advised by elders on traditional baby massage practices; and parents concerned about nose injury, swelling, or breathing difficulty in babies. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician if your baby has nose swelling, injury, difficulty breathing, or any concern about their development.