For modern mothers navigating children’s complications, it can be heavy to distinguish the fact from imagination.
Maternity in the digital age: The purpose of internet myths about child health, cut through noise, removes general misconceptions and empowering parents, as Dr. Kushal Aggarwal, HOD, Department of Neonate and Pediatrics, KVR Hospital, Kashipur gave information about the good decision of their child.
1. Should I take a bath for my child daily so that they can be kept clean?
reality: In the initial weeks, it is enough for your child to bathe every 3-4 days. Preterum and newborns are at risk of losing body heat quickly. Sponge baths are less ideal than tub baths, which help maintain temperature. Use lukewarm water, and never forget: Cleanliness also comes from hand hygiene – not only your child
2. Can I put ends, oils or creams on the umbilical cord to help fix it fast?
reality: Absolutely not. The cord stump should be kept dry and exposed in the air. Fold the diaper under the stump and avoid applying any substance. Adding ghee, turmeric or powder can increase the risk of infection.
3. I think my child is cold. Should I bundle them with layers and cover their head all the time?
reality: Infants require warmth, but over-rapping can lead to overheating. Use soft cotton fabrics, caps, socks and mittens. Skin-to-screen contact (Kangaroo Mother Care) is one of the safest and most effective methods to regulate your child’s temperature.
4. My child cries a lot. Can it be caused by gas or ‘Nazar’ (evil eye)?
reality: Newborns cry to express basic needs – Hunger, discomfort, or simply need to be held. While the gas is a possibility, continuous or spicy cry can be a red flag. Look for signs such as feeding, lethargy or refusal to vomit. Always consult your pediatrician instead of resorting to water or home remedies.
5. My child was born a few weeks ago, but feels fine. Do I need to be extra careful?
reality: Late preterum infants (34–36 weeks) may look healthy but often struggle with feeding and temperature control. Extremely and very preceding infants (<34 weeks) require special NICU care. Preterum skin is delicate-using coconut oil to protect it, super-absorbing diapers to keep drought, and to reduce the bath.
6. I felt that KMC is only for children ahead of time.
reality: Kangaroo Mother Care benefits all infants, especially in low-resources settings. It helps regulate temperature, improves breastfeeding, strengthens immunity, and reduces maternal stress. Father and other carers can also practice KMC.
7. My child’s eyes sometimes roll back or tweets during sleep. Is this normal? ,
reality: While some twitch can normalize during active sleep, repeated abnormal movements, especially when waking up, or floppy organs, poor feeding, or fever are warning signs. Look for medical help immediately.
