The Channel 46

5 Baby Care Myths For Worried New Moms

As a new mom, it is obvious to be continuously exposed to several pieces of advice like how to take care of your baby or things you need to keep. The new parents often end up searching for these myths on the Internet and sometimes miss the correct advice. And the list of such myths that can even prove to be harmful, is endless. From hilarious misconceptions to downright weird traditions, there are several myths surrounding baby care that can confuse new moms.

Myth 1: Your baby should be walking by the age of 1 Most babies take their first steps between the ages of 9 and 12 months, and by the time they’re 14 or 15 months old, they’re walking confidently. However, don’t be concerned if your child takes a little longer. It’s completely natural for some children to not walk until they’re 16 or 17 months old. Your baby is busy learning balance and muscle strength in every part of her body during her first year. At about 9 months, she’ll learn to sit, turn over, and crawl before moving on to pulling up and standing.

Myth 2: You will instantly feel attached to your baby Often the connection is instantaneous, and parents fall in love with their child the moment they see him or her. Bonding with the baby can take a long time at times. According to studies, about 20% of new moms and dads have no emotional connection to their newborn in the hours following birth. It can take weeks or even months to feel the connection. Don’t be concerned or guilty if you haven’t started bonding with your baby yet; it will come with time.

Myth 3: Pumped breast milk is inferior to fresh breast milk Pumping is a perfect way to give your child breast milk without having to breastfeed them. It can be rewarding to pump your breast milk for your kids, but it can also be time-consuming and demanding. Fatigue and tension can make you reconsider pumping, and both can reduce the amount of breast milk you produce. As a result, it’s important to look after yourself.

Myth 4: A baby must be given an oil massage every single day to straighten the bones The frequency with which you massage your baby is determined by both you and your child. Some parents offer their babies massages on a regular basis, while others do so every other day. You can massage your baby in the morning to get the day started or before bedtime to help your baby fall asleep.

Myth 5: Babies who aren’t breastfed develop slower While each baby develops at his or her own pace, there is a reasonably clear trend to baby weight gain. During the first five days of life, breastfed newborns will lose up to 10% of their birth weight. Then, by the time they’re 10 to 2 weeks old, they should have regained their weight. Breastfed babies gain about an ounce a day for the next three months or so. Of course, each infant is unique, and some children develop at a slower rate than others. A slower weight gain might not be a problem if your baby is breastfeeding well and their health exams are on track.

The Channel 46

5 Baby Care Myths For Worried New Moms