Well-meaning family members and friends tend to flood all new parents with advice from their years of parenting experience.
Though, how do you know if there’s any truth in them?
Believe it or not, some of these advices that may seem harmless could actually threaten the life of your child.
Here, we debunked three health myths that every parent must be aware of.
Myth 1: Vaccination causes autism
Till this very day, scientists have not found a positive link between vaccines and austism.
Hence, making the argument that ‘vaccinations could potentially cause autism’, a baseless one.
So, why put your child’s life at risk because of hearsay?
Ensuring that your child receives his vaccination according to the immunisation plan, protects your child from harmful and life threatening diseases that could easily be prevented.
Plus, immunizing your child also makes you a responsible member of the community, as you’re protecting others such as individuals whose health and immune system could be easily compromised.
Myth 2: Honey is as nutritious for babies just as for adults
Could Winnie The Pooh’s staple food cause any health damage?
Honey comes from a natural source, it’s nutritious and probably one of the least processed packaged food. So, how could it be dangerous for a child?
See also: 3 Surprising Pregnancy Myths - Debunked!
Well, here’s why this sweet treat could turn into a bitter ending if given to babies…
Honey can sometimes contain a spore of the clostridium botulinum bacterium that can cause a rare form of food poisoning in babies. Hence, it’s best that parents avoid feeding babies any form of honey before the age of one. No, not even a teaspoon to help relieve cough!
Plus, honey, which is also a form of sugar, could also encourage a sweet tooth. If you would like to add more flavor to your child’s food and boost his immunity, there are many other natural food options for you to choose from such as pureed fruits which are also delicious and packed with nutrients.
Myth 3: Baby walkers are harmless and a great walking tool
If you learnt to walk with the aid of a baby walker, you must be wondering, “I turned out fine… So, what’s the issue?”
Well, health experts are now recommending against the use of a walker as it could not only potentially delay a baby’s muscle control which could result in your child learning to walk later, it could also cause hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a medical condition whereby the hip positioning of the child is affected. Although this condition is painless during infancy (which is why many cases go under detected at an early stage), it could cause a series of health conditions as the child grows older such as difficulties walking and arthritis.
Sometimes, differentiating between myths and facts could get a little tricky. The best way to receive accurate confirmation is to check with your child’s pediatrician. Remember, never to make rash decisions as this could put your child’s health at risk.