DR. RAJIV CHHABRA

Common Myths

Myth: A newborn should not wear yellow clothes as it results in jaundice.

FACT
Most newborns do develop jaundice which doesn’t reach significant levels. It happens because fetal hemoglobin red blood cells rupture liberating a chemical called as bilirubin which gives yellow color to the baby.

Myth: Passing green colored stools suggests that child has been exposed to cold.

FACT
The color of the stools bear no correlation to cold.

Myth: Passing green colored stools is not healthy.

FACT
It only suggests that there is an intestinal hurry and a portion of bile is coming.

Myth: Mother should not be given difficult to digest food as it may result in colic to the baby.

FACT
There is no significant correlation; colic may still develop if mother is not eating anything. Therefore, mother needs to eat a balanced diet.

Myth: Use atta/besan to remove villus hair in newborns.

FACT
Atta/Besan are not good for baby’s skin and may result in severe allergic reactions.

Myth: Vaccination/Immunisation causes more harm than good.

FACT
There may be some unacceptable side effects of few vaccines but they are much more useful as compared to the side effects.

Myth: Putting oil into baby’s nostrils keep the nostrils patent.

FACT
Doing so may result in pneumonia. There are no kown advantages.

Myth: Giving brandy to a child during cold weather is good to keep him warm.

FACT
You will intoxicate the child.

Myth: Gripe water is good for digestion.

FACT
It is not recommended at all.

Myth: Fever/Loose motions in a child of teething age group is attributed to teething.

FACT
Because of irritation over gums kids tend to take non specific things inside the mouth resulting in infection.

Myth: Travelling for newborns is not good.

FACT
Babies can travel with you if you have the feed handy.

Myth: Giving some sedation before flight travel will calm the child down.

FACT
If the child does not sleep, he may become much more irritable and make your journey a nightmare.

Myth: Giving banana/rice to a child during cough will aggravate the cough.

FACT
There is no relation between these foods and cough.

Myth: Giving Limca to a child with loose motions is good.

FACT
child should not be given excessive sugary drinks or fizzy drinks as they may worsen diarrhea.

Myth: Eating too much sweets may result in Diabetes.

FACT
Eating sugar does not lead to diabetes.

Myth: Giving lots of milk to a child in growing age is ideal.

FACT
Excessive milk intake increases constipation, causes iron deficiency and fills the tummy with less calories.

Myth: A newborn should be given water/honey/janam ghutti as per rituals to make intestine healthy.

FACT
Avoid all of these.

Myth: Teeth grinding in a child suggests worm infestation.

FACT
Teeth grinding/Bruxism is considered a normal phenomena which has no correlation to worms.

Myth: White patches over cheeks/face suggests worm infestation.

FACT
The patches suggest superficial fungal infection for which a pediatrician is to be consulted.

Myth: White dots over nails suggests calcium deficiency.

FACT
These are normally found in children and are not a cause of concern.

Myth: Put blankets over a febrile child to bring the temperature down

FACT
It reduces heat dissipation resulting in increase in body temperature.

Myth: Sponging should be done with ice cold water in a child with high fever.

FACT
It should be done with tap water.

Myth: If there is fever with shivering it suggests malaria.

FACT
Shivering is a phenomena whereby brain asks body to increase the temperature by contracting the muscles. It may happen with any infection and it suggests that fever is about to rise.