Newborn Care Myths vs Facts: 5 Common Mistakes Parents & Grandparents Make

Dr. Sandip Gupta

A Baby Health Podcast episode with Dr. Sandip Gupta, a pediatrician and child care expert with 13 years of experience, separating newborn care myths from facts — the traditional practices families follow that are actually unsafe, and what to do instead. Topics covered in this episode: 5 common mistakes seen in clinic Ghutti and honey after birth: honey is not allowed until 1 year of age because it can cause botulism, which can cause breathing problems. Ghutti and mishri water contain too much sugar and should not be given under 1 year. Kajal in a baby's eyes: kajal particles block the tear ducts causing watering eyes, and can cause allergy and kajal conjunctivitis, which can become serious. If there is a belief about warding off the evil eye, apply a tika on the head, cheek, behind the ear or sole of the foot — never inside the eyes. Putting oil in the baby's nose or ears during massage: increases chances of infection. Rough massage — hanging the baby upside down or pulling by the arms and legs to "strengthen" limbs: this does not work and can stretch or injure delicate parts with serious consequences. Cow's milk before 6 months: babies under 6 months cannot digest it; risks include cow milk protein allergy and iron deficiency. Also starting formula milk too early and stopping breast milk completely — formula should only be under a doctor's supervision, after fully trying to establish mother's milk through hydration, proper food, rest, medicines if needed, and frequent latching for the natural positive feedback of milk production. Breastfeeding when the mother is ill A mother with mild cold, cough or fever should not stop feeding — the infection does not pass through breast milk. Wear a mask, turn away when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands or sanitise before touching the baby, since spread happens through droplets and hands. Feeding at this time is actually better: the mother's body makes antibodies against the infection and these immune factors pass to the baby through her milk. If the mother is ill, see a doctor for breastfeeding-safe medicines; no over-the-counter medicines while feeding. Never stop breastfeeding unless the doctor says so. Mother's diet after delivery The boiled-food-only rule (only khichdi, dalia, no sour, no sweet, no fruits fearing the delivery wound will fester, or that milk taste will change) is a myth. A mother can eat almost all normal food and needs a balanced diet with adequate protein, plus about 500–600 extra kilocalories per day because she is eating for milk production too. Avoid very spicy food, fried and junk food, excess caffeinated drinks and outside food. If the mother's nutrition suffers, she may fall ill, milk supply drops, and the baby's nutrition, growth and weight gain are affected. Baby massage Massage is for bonding, moisturising the skin and relaxation — not for strengthening limbs. Any family member can do it (father, grandparents, relatives), not only the mother. Use clean hands, gentle stroking, no twisting. Use coconut oil; in winter it can be slightly warmed (in the sun or otherwise). No fixed timing — 15 minutes to half an hour, once or twice a day, based on the baby's comfort. Vitamin D and sunlight Sunlight does produce vitamin D, but practically it is not effective: UVB rays come between 10 am and 3 pm, which is harsh sun that can cause sunburn, and UVB does not pass through window glass, curtains or light shields. Every baby should be given daily vitamin D from birth to 1 year — drops of 400 IU per ml, 1 ml daily. Don't depend on sunlight; talk to your doctor. Overdressing the baby Babies feel heat and cold like adults. Caps, socks and mittens in hot weather cause discomfort, sweating, dirt buildup and possible skin infection. Use 100% cotton, light-coloured clothes (white, sky blue, light yellow) that reflect light, and keep the baby airy. Rule of thumb: one extra layer than what an adult is comfortable in. Caps, mittens and socks only when it is cold all around. Colostrum (first milk) Not a myth — it is very beneficial. It comes in the first 3 to 5 days, in small amounts, thick and yellowish, high in protein and packed with immune factors, antibodies and immune cells transferred from mother to baby. Whatever amount comes — 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml — must be given. It gives lifelong immunity, protects from infection and helps growth and development. Removing baby body hair with besan ubtan The hair on a newborn's body and face is natural baby hair, medically called lanugo. It is good for the baby and falls off on its own, mostly after about a month. Do not rub it off with besan ubtan, atta dough or thread — this causes distress, skin infection and possibly serious illness. Baby walker The concept that a walker teaches a baby to walk faster is totally wrong — it actually delays walking. Walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004, the USA has strict guidelines against them, and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends against them. A baby must first bear body weight on the legs, stand with support, then stand alone, then walk with support, then walk — a walker does not fit anywhere in this process. US and UK emergency data show accidents, injuries and even deaths from walkers — falling down stairs, rolling into the kitchen with sharp objects, knives and fire, and head injuries. Do not buy a walker. "Godi" habit (holding the baby) Holding a baby does not stop it from learning to walk. Unlike animals, a human baby naturally needs about a year to walk. Babies under one year cannot move or protect themselves, so being held gives security, better sleep, less stress and relaxation. Skin-to-skin contact is done for very small babies for the same reason. Holding helps growth, development, bonding, speech development and brain development, and makes the child emotionally stable later. Once the baby walks at around a year, it will explore and play on its own and come to you only when it needs something. Mirror myths Showing a mirror does not cause crooked teeth or loose motions. Loose motions come from infection. After 6 months babies recognise their face and gesture at it; mirror play develops vision and hand-eye coordination and is good during tummy time. Just use a safe mirror that will not break and injure the baby. Teeth come as genetically determined. Mundan (head shaving) No practical benefit; it is a personal and cultural choice. Doctors advise against it at a very young age because of micro-cuts and infection, and because the soft spot on the head, needed for brain growth, can be injured. Generally safer after 2 years, when the skull bones are harder and immunity is developed. Shaving does not make hair thicker or better — the root stays under the skin. Birth scalp hair is temporary and falls off after about six months to a year, and the normal hair that follows is determined by genetics. In summer, shorter hair just allows air and reduces sweating and heat rash. Ear piercing No fixed rule, but wait until the primary tetanus vaccination at 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 months is complete, because piercing is a skin cut and carries tetanus risk. After 3 months it can be done — commonly between 3 to 6 months, or in children older than 5 years. Can be done by a doctor; at a jewellery shop insist on cleanliness and sterile equipment. Keep the stud in for 6 weeks so the tract forms and matures, and apply antiseptic cream two to three times a day for a week so it does not get infected. Use small compact studs, never dangling earrings — they catch in clothes and can tear the ear; the doctor has seen emergency cases needing surgical repair. Water play safety Babies are naturally attracted to water. Water in a baby bath tub should not be deeper than 1 foot, or the baby can drown. A parent or adult must always be present when the baby is near water — never leave the baby alone. Do not keep the baby immersed too long as the skin dries out. Limited exposure, more in summer, with strict safety. Final message: grandparents and relatives should support parents rather than force opinions; if in doubt, go directly to the child's pediatrician and ask. As a society we should slowly accept that not everything old is right, and adopt improvements — just as we moved from bulb to tubelight, from no fan to AC, from bullock cart to train to aeroplane. Questions this video answers: What are the most common mistakes parents make with a newborn? Can I give honey, ghutti or mishri water to my newborn? Is kajal safe in a baby's eyes? Where can I apply kajal instead? Should I put oil in my baby's nose or ears while massaging? Does pulling or hanging a baby during massage make limbs strong? Can I give cow's milk to a baby under 6 months? When should formula milk be started? Can a mother breastfeed when she has cold, cough or fever? Will my infection pass to the baby through breast milk? Which medicines are safe during breastfeeding? Does a new mother have to eat only boiled food? Can she eat sour, sweet, fruits, spices or non-veg? How many extra calories does a breastfeeding mother need? How should I massage my baby, for how long, and which oil? Should I put my baby in sunlight for vitamin D? How much vitamin D should a baby get? Should I wrap my baby in a cap and socks in summer? What clothes are best? Is colostrum (first yellow milk) beneficial? Should I remove my baby's body hair with besan ubtan? Is a baby walker safe? Does it help a baby walk sooner? Will holding my baby too much spoil it or delay walking? Does showing a mirror cause crooked teeth or loose motions? When should mundan be done? Does shaving make hair grow thicker? When should ear piercing be done for a baby girl and how do I care for it? How do I keep my baby safe around water and in the bath tub? Relevant for: new parents, mothers of newborns and infants, and especially grandparents and relatives involved in newborn care. Disclaimer: All information and suggestions given in this video are general health information. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please take your doctor's advice or consent before using any suggestion given here.