Health and Me

Dr Mahesh Hiranandani

Busting Newborn Care Myths In India: What Every New Parent Needs To Know

The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion, accompanied by celebrations as well as well-meaning advice from friends and family. "Don't feed for 24 hours!" "Give honey first!" "Discard the first milk!" These traditional and generational beliefs leave new mothers confused about what is appropriate for their baby.

As a neonatologist with years of experience, I have seen how these myths can harm the delicate newborns. Let us separate fact from fiction with simple, but evidence-based truths.

Myth 1: Wait Before First Feed

Traditional Belief: Many families delay breastfeeding for hours—waiting for an auspicious time, a particular relative, or to follow traditions and customs.

Fact: Babies should be breastfed within the first hour of birth (Golden hour) right in the labor room! The yellowish first milk (colostrum) is packed with antibodies and nutrition. Early feeds can prevent low blood sugar levels, build immunity, increase the mother’s milk supply, and lead to bonding between the mother and the newborn.

Myth 2: Honey or Jaggery First

Traditional Belief: Elders give honey, jaggery, or butter at birth for strength and good virtues. 

Fact: Short-cuts are dangerous! Stick to mother's milk only. Anything else can cause infections (botulism with honey) and delay colostrum administration.

Myth 3: Throw Away Colostrum

Traditional Belief: "First milk is dirty—discard it!"

Fact: Colostrum is liquid gold! It is a natural vaccine, full of maternal antibodies and high in proteins. Discarding it deprives the baby of natural immunity.

Traditional Belief: Keep mother-baby indoors for 40 days to avoid colds. 

Fact: Fresh air and sunlight are rich sources of oxygen and vitamin D. Confining them in dark, stuffy rooms increases the risk of post-partum depression in the mother. Take short, safe outdoor trips, avoiding windy weather.

Myth 5: Gripe Water and Janam Ghutti

Traditional Belief: Essential for digestion, teething, and excessive crying. 

Fact: Avoid completely as the ingredients are not standardized or regulated. Contents vary wildly—many contain alcohol, opioid derivatives, or bacteria, causing loose stools and sedation. Breast milk is the panacea.

Myth 6: Kajal Makes the Eyes Beautiful

Traditional Belief: Surma/kajal improves eyesight and makes the eyes bigger 

Fact: May contain lead that causes eye infections, allergies, and lead poisoning if used excessively

Myth 7: Babies need water before 6 months.

Fact: Breast milk or formula is 88 percent water and meets the water requirement even in hot months. Early water intake increases the risk of sodium imbalance (hyponatremia). Start water in a sippy or cup, after 6 months, with complementary foods (150-250 ml water split into multiple times).

Myth 8: Sneezing = Cold

Traditional Belief: Any sneeze means an upcoming cold.

Fact: Newborns sneeze to clear mucus— a sign of healthy airways! Consult a doctor if it is accompanied by fever, cough, or runny nose.

Myth 9: Mother's 'Cold' Foods Harm The Baby

Traditional Belief: Curd, rice, and ice cream can cause cold or colic in the baby.

Fact: The temperature of the maternal diet does not influence the breast milk temperature or quality, so no cold food bans!

Myth 10: Teething Causes Fever/Diarrhea

Traditional Belief: Fever and loose stools indicate tooth eruption 

Fact: Red flag! These signals indicate infections from dirty objects that babies put into their mouths during the mouthing phase of development. See a doctor immediately.

Myth 11: Protruding Navel = Doctor Error

Traditional Belief: Caused by excessive pull on the cord during delivery. 

Fact: Commonly due to lax abdominal muscles. It usually resolves by one year of age. No tapes/coins are needed. Consult a doctor immediately if the swelling does not retract or becomes red.

Myth 12: Warm Head = Fever

Traditional Belief: A warm forehead means fever 

Fact: Normal newborn temp is 97.6-99.5°F. The head feels warmer due to increased blood flow. Check the armpit if concerned.

<ul><li>Embrace science over superstition. </li><li>Trust your pediatrician and not any advice. </li><li>Verify advice: Does it align with the guidelines of scientific bodies. </li><li>Join lactation support groups. </li><li>Be aware of red flags like fever, lethargy, poor feeding, and excessive irritability. </li><li>Seek expert opinion when in doubt. </li><li>Your baby's first 28 days are critical and determine their lifelong health, so get them right.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

busting-newborn-care-myths-in-india-what-every-new-parent-needs-to-know

breastfeeding

Newborn Care

alcohol

newborns

gripe water

honey

colostrum

late-joe-thompsons-wife-pregnant-via-frozen-embryo-how-egg-freezing-works

Late Joe Thompson’s Wife Pregnant Via Frozen Embryo: How Egg Freezing Works

american-author-annabelle-gurwitch-writes-new-memoir-on-stage-4-lung-cancer-diagnosis

American Author Annabelle Gurwitch Writes New Memoir On Stage-4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Parenting

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion, accompanied by celebrations as well as well-meaning advice from friends and family. "Don't feed for 24 hours!" "Give honey first!" "Discard the first milk!" These traditional and generational beliefs leave new mothers confused about what is appropriate for their baby. As a neonatologist with years of experience, I have seen how these myths can harm the delicate newborns. Let us separate fact from fiction with simple, but evidence-based truths. Myth 1: Wait Before First FeedTraditional Belief: Many families delay breastfeeding for hours—waiting for an auspicious time, a particular relative, or to follow traditions and customs.Fact: Babies should be breastfed within the first hour of birth (Golden hour) right in the labor room! The yellowish first milk (colostrum) is packed with antibodies and nutrition. Early feeds can prevent low blood sugar levels, build immunity, increase the mother’s milk supply, and lead to bonding between the mother and the newborn.Myth 2: Honey or Jaggery FirstTraditional Belief: Elders give honey, jaggery, or butter at birth for strength and good virtues. Fact: Short-cuts are dangerous! Stick to mother's milk only. Anything else can cause infections (botulism with honey) and delay colostrum administration. Myth 3: Throw Away Colostrum Traditional Belief: "First milk is dirty—discard it!"Fact: Colostrum is liquid gold! It is a natural vaccine, full of maternal antibodies and high in proteins. Discarding it deprives the baby of natural immunity. Myth 4: 40-Day LockdownTraditional Belief: Keep mother-baby indoors for 40 days to avoid colds. Fact: Fresh air and sunlight are rich sources of oxygen and vitamin D. Confining them in dark, stuffy rooms increases the risk of post-partum depression in the mother. Take short, safe outdoor trips, avoiding windy weather. Myth 5: Gripe Water and Janam Ghutti Traditional Belief: Essential for digestion, teething, and excessive crying. Fact: Avoid completely as the ingredients are not standardized or regulated. Contents vary wildly—many contain alcohol, opioid derivatives, or bacteria, causing loose stools and sedation. Breast milk is the panacea. Myth 6: Kajal Makes the Eyes Beautiful Traditional Belief: Surma/kajal improves eyesight and makes the eyes bigger Fact: May contain lead that causes eye infections, allergies, and lead poisoning if used excessively Myth 7: Babies need water before 6 months. Fact: Breast milk or formula is 88 percent water and meets the water requirement even in hot months. Early water intake increases the risk of sodium imbalance (hyponatremia). Start water in a sippy or cup, after 6 months, with complementary foods (150-250 ml water split into multiple times). Myth 8: Sneezing = Cold Traditional Belief: Any sneeze means an upcoming cold.Fact: Newborns sneeze to clear mucus— a sign of healthy airways! Consult a doctor if it is accompanied by fever, cough, or runny nose. Myth 9: Mother's 'Cold' Foods Harm The Baby Traditional Belief: Curd, rice, and ice cream can cause cold or colic in the baby. Fact: The temperature of the maternal diet does not influence the breast milk temperature or quality, so no cold food bans! Myth 10: Teething Causes Fever/Diarrhea Traditional Belief: Fever and loose stools indicate tooth eruption Fact: Red flag! These signals indicate infections from dirty objects that babies put into their mouths during the mouthing phase of development. See a doctor immediately. Myth 11: Protruding Navel = Doctor Error Traditional Belief: Caused by excessive pull on the cord during delivery. Fact: Commonly due to lax abdominal muscles. It usually resolves by one year of age. No tapes/coins are needed. Consult a doctor immediately if the swelling does not retract or becomes red.Myth 12: Warm Head = FeverTraditional Belief: A warm forehead means fever Fact: Normal newborn temp is 97.6-99.5°F. The head feels warmer due to increased blood flow. Check the armpit if concerned. What to Do? Tips For Parents: Embrace science over superstition. Trust your pediatrician and not any advice. Verify advice: Does it align with the guidelines of scientific bodies. Join lactation support groups. Be aware of red flags like fever, lethargy, poor feeding, and excessive irritability. Seek expert opinion when in doubt. Your baby's first 28 days are critical and determine their lifelong health, so get them right.

busting newborn care myths in india: what every new parent needs to know

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Busting Newborn Care Myths In India: What Every New Parent Needs To Know

Late Joe Thompson’s Wife Pregnant Via Frozen Embryo: How Egg Freezing Works

Vaping Becomes Major Nicotine Threat Among Children Under 5 in US, Warns Study

Why Miscarriage Needs Emotional Care At Par with Medical Treatment: Doctors Explain

Health Conditions A-Z

Busting Newborn Care Myths In India: What Every New Parent Needs To Know

Late Joe Thompson’s Wife Pregnant Via Frozen Embryo: How Egg Freezing Works

American Author Annabelle Gurwitch Writes New Memoir On Stage-4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis