New advice for bringing up babies
A group of Pediatrician scientists have discovered better ways to help bring up children.
So now the manual has been rewritten instead of following a set of rules we have to read the baby’s signs.
Years ago scientists, doctors and professionals carried out research and then gave advice on how to raise a child but now with new research they have discovered new ways that contradict the old ways.
Read the following list and see which you think is better the old way or the new way.
1. Potty Training
Old Way;
It was recommended to have your child out of nappies and toilet trained before the child reached two years old.
New Way;
Now they are saying it is normal and acceptable to allow your child to remain in nappies up to the age of 4.
2. Mouth Hygiene
Old Way;
We were told to clean the babies teeth as the teeth start to grow.
New Way;
They are now saying we have to clean the babies gums before any teeth start to show because the babies saliva mixes with milk and creates bacteria in the mouth which can affect the new teeth.
3. Baby’s weight
Old Way;
When the child reaches two the ideal weight was 12.7 Kg (28.13 Ibs). Scientists used to believe that a fat baby was a sign of a healthy baby.
New Way;
Now they are saying the ideal weight is 11.6 kg (25.57 Ibs) because they are now worrying about obesity in infants.
For example: out of 100 babies overweight 75 will end up being fat when they get older.
4. Feeding
Old way;
It was recommended to give plenty of eggs to infants after they reach 6 months because eggs are rich in proteins.
New Way;
Now its not recommended until the child is over 1 year old because eggs are also rich in Albumin which is a protein that can provoke allergies. Infants under one year old don’t have a fully developed immune system and so are vulnerable to this protein.
5. Colic
Old Way;
Before scientist used to believe colic was related to poor indigestion that caused gases and used to recommend medicine.
New Way;
Colic is more related to stomach contractions. It is not possible to eliminate colic but you can reduce the affects by massaging the abdominal area or placing a hot water bottle on their belly.
6. Sleeping Position
Old Way;
For years doctors and scientists have been telling us to sleep the baby on the side to prevent cot death.
New Way;
Now they are saying they were wrong all these years and the baby should sleep belly up and the head slightly elevated so that it is higher than the rest of the body. The reason for this is that babies can suffocate more easily on their side than on their backs.
7. Breast Feeding
Old Way;
It wasn’t a problem if you breast fed or bottle fed your new born baby.
New Way;
It is strongly recommended to breast feed the baby until they 6 months old because breast milk is high in nutrients. There is more than 250 beneficial nutrients in breast milk and also it increases the bond between mother and child. The baby should be fed when and how often they so desire and not at regular hourly intervals.
8. Crying
Old Way;
It was thought that when a healthy baby cried it was just for attention and so we were told it was ok to leave them cry.
New Way;
A baby that cries must never be ignored, you have to make sure they are not hungry, too hot, too cold, need a nappy change and so on. 90% of the time if a baby is crying it is for a reason.
If it is for a attention it is because the baby needs to feel safe and secure and a little cuddle does that.
Another thing that these scientists are recommending is not to force your child to learn to read and write under the age of five. Doing this can cause them to develop learning difficulties in the future.
It is ok to teach them if they show an interest but never force them to learn.
