Newborn Care Myths Vs Facts: What A Neonatologist Wants Parents To Know

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The first few weeks with a newborn rarely pass in silence. Somewhere between the sleepless nights and the endless stream of visitors, advice starts arriving from every direction - a grandmother's remedy here, a neighbour's suggestion there, a video half-watched at 3 AM while rocking the baby back to sleep.

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Most of it comes from love. Not all of it comes from evidence, and in a country where tradition often travels faster than medical guidance, that gap can matter more than parents realise. We spoke to Dr Subhrajit Parida, Consultant - Paediatrics and Neonatology, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, who explained some of the most common newborn care myths Indian parents encounter, and what the actual medical evidence says instead.

Myth 1: Newborns need water in hot weather

Fact: Breast milk provides the fluid a newborn needs, including during hot weather. "Giving water to a young baby can reduce breast milk intake and may interfere with proper feeding. Parents should follow their paediatrician's advice, particularly if the baby is unwell or dehydrated," said Dr Parida.

Myth 2: Colostrum should be discarded

Fact: The thick, yellowish milk produced in the first few days after delivery is called colostrum. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies and is often called a baby's first protection. It should not be thrown away. The scale of this misconception in India is striking. A study conducted in Odisha found that 55, 50 and 86 percent of mothers in industrial, urban and rural communities respectively, discarded colostrum before breastfeeding began.

Myth 3: Applying kajal to a newborn's eyes is safe

Fact: "Kajal or homemade eye products can irritate the eyes and may introduce harmful substances or germs. There is no health benefit to applying kajal to a newborn's eyes," warned Dr Parida.

A cross-sectional study on newborn care beliefs in the Santhal Pargana region, published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, found that 95.6 percent of surveyed families were still applying kajal to a newborn's eyes, with similarly high numbers tying black threads and amulets around the baby's wrist and neck, practices rooted entirely in custom rather than clinical need.

Myth 4: A crying baby should not be picked up too often

Fact: Crying is one of the main ways newborns communicate. Hunger, discomfort, tiredness, a wet diaper or the need for comfort can all cause crying. Responding to a baby does not "spoil" them.

Myth 5: Newborns should sleep on their stomach

Fact: Babies should be placed on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface. Keeping pillows, loose blankets and soft toys out of the sleep area also helps create a safer sleep environment.

Myth 6: Every newborn needs traditional remedies for colic

Fact: Gripe water, herbal preparations and other home remedies should not be given to newborns without medical advice. If a baby cries excessively, feeds poorly, vomits repeatedly or appears unusually sleepy, parents should consult a doctor.

What Parents Should Remember

Dr Parida concluded, "Newborn care does not need to be complicated. Exclusive breastfeeding when possible, safe sleep, clean cord care, timely vaccinations and regular medical check-ups form the basics. When in doubt, parents should check with a paediatrician or neonatologist rather than relying on unverified advice."