From pregnancy to childbirth, it appears that everyone knows what to do and has plenty of advice to offer. Even those who are expecting their second child are being hounded by people who offer unsolicited advice. Unfortunately, some of this parenting advice is out of date and false. Continue reading to find out which ones are outdated and can be ignored.
Listening to Classical Music Will Make Your Baby Smarter
Contrary to popular belief, classical music will not improve your child's IQ. Do you know what the Mozart Effect is? Psychologist Frances Rauscher who conducted the study on 35 college students expressed surprise that her work on these students was somehow linked to children and fetuses. She says, “I think parents are very desperate to give their own children every single enhancement that they can.” Her work is more frequently quoted on classical CDs than that of other scientists. In 2007, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany published another research study stating that the phenomenon does not exist. The Mozart Effect on children and fetuses is simply a myth and does not have any scientific evidence, according to Rauscher.
Picking Up Your Baby When They’re Crying Will Spoil Them
This is another common myth that leads to many mothers leaving their babies to cry for extended periods of time. Simply put, a baby cannot be spoiled! It’s okay to pick up your crying baby. Infants require constant care. And your attention to them is the foundation for them to grow up emotionally, physically, and intellectually fit. Your baby must feel secure and aware that you are nearby. Babies cry because they require the comfort of their mothers.
Babies Have to be Bathed Everyday
Our little ones do not smell bad from sweating like older children and adults do, so it’s absolutely fine to bathe them every two or three days. Except, of course, if they had a massive diaper explosion. Bathing frequently can dry out your baby’s skin and aggravate skin conditions like eczema. It’s also fine to give them a bath every day, but you must apply moisturizer afterwards. We just want to avoid lathering too much stuff on their sensitive skin.
Our Little Ones Need Total Silence to Sleep
It's common for new parents to live in complete silence for the first few months after their baby is born, fearing that any noise will wake their child up. Many new parents overlook the fact that their baby spent 9 months sleeping inside their mother's womb, sleeping through the noise. White noise is acceptable, and you can even vacuum in the next room, talk at normal volume levels, or watch TV in the same room as your baby. Just don't make any loud noises, such as screaming while watching a football game. Anyone, including babies, can wake up to that kind of commotion.
Finally, there is no correct way to care for a baby. Everyone you know or meet, even at the grocery store, will have some sort of baby advice for you. At the end of the day, it's critical to trust your instincts and do what's best for your child. What other baby advice do you believe is out of date? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.