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Common myths about children's health
Children's health requires to be dedicated and specialized care. It is in childhood where health problems that will affect growth are manifested for the first time.
However, many parents make the mistake of treating their children with unorthodox or unproven methods. That's when they fall into the famous "myths" about childhood health care.
Childhood stages
Childhood is that age period that the newborn goes through until the beginning of adolescence. According to medical criteria, it can be subdivided into stages such as:
Newborn: a baby less than 28 days old.
Minor infant: age between 29 days to 11 months with 29 days.
Older infant: age ranging from 12 months to 23 months with 29 days.
Preschool: between 2 and 6 years of age.
School: part from 6 years of age to 9 years 11 months and 29 days.
It is considered that from the age of 10, early adolescence begins, where childhood is left behind. However, based on society's criteria, it can be extended up to 12 years.
5 most common and erroneous myths applied to childhood health
Childhood stages are susceptible to important risk factors that may be biologically, environmentally, or socially present. But what is most worrying are the beliefs of family members who are devoted to methods or "myths" that can be counterproductive:
"Breastfeeding doesn't fill you up"
The main myths and bad practices revolve around breastfeeding and feeding in the first year of life. Many mothers make the mistake of leaving this process in the background, when it should be essential in the first semester of life.
This is when the introduction of other dairy products such as cow's, goat's or "full" milk comes. Likewise, they show off "maternity formulas" without prior indication from a pediatrician.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding should be exclusive in the first 6 months of life.
It is proven that this secretion is good enough to provide vitamins, minerals, calories and essential nutrients for the survival of the baby.
Breastfeeding is unsuccessful when you do not have a good breastfeeding technique. Also, when the composition of the milk changes towards the end of 6 months, producing a flavor that is not well tolerated by the infant.
However, they are inconveniences that can be solved with the guidance of a specialist in pediatrics and childcare. Unless there is some other complication or eventuality, the complementation of exclusive breastfeeding will not be necessary.
Give infants water to avoid dehydration
Another common myth related to breastfeeding is giving the infant water to drink.
A large percentage of families still firmly believe that the baby can become dehydrated if he does not consume water, regardless of whether he is breastfeeding.
The truth is that the gastric capacity of newborns and infants is limited.
In the first scenario, it is only capable of holding between 30 and 60 ml of liquid volume. Therefore, providing water may contribute to fullness without reaping the benefits of breastfeeding.
In another order of ideas, it is ignored that when the baby is breastfed not only nutrients are provided. Approximately 80 to 85% of breast milk is made up of water.
In short, with a good breastfeeding technique, it will be difficult for you to become dehydrated.
"I cured my son only with teas, infusions and herbal remedies"
Not all organisms are the same and the same fate will not always run.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that between the ages of 0-5, the only healthy drinks are water and plain milk.
Ignoring any specific case related to complementary feeding, it is advisable not to leave this pattern of action. Above all, if it is a health condition that requires treatment, going to infusions or herbal treatments is a contraindicated route.
Furthermore, the digestive system of babies is not fully related, especially the liver.
The combination or overdose of certain herbal components can trigger fulminant liver failure and even death in severe cases.
It is only necessary to take care of dental hygiene when the first tooth comes out
Teething is the process in which the first teeth begin to emerge from the gums. They commonly make their presence felt between 4 and 7 months of age.
Time in which, erroneously, parents are just beginning to worry about oral health.
In retrospect, the care of the gums prior to the emergence of the initial tooth is essential. With water and a soft-bristled baby brush, clean the mouth at least twice a day.
As another method, the use of aseptic wipes will also work.
The baby cannot wake up while asleep
When a baby is asleep, it generates a whole atmosphere of tension in the family. It is well known how difficult it is for some mothers to try to fall asleep, so they take care of that precise moment.
But waking the baby up when the sleep is too long or morning predemon will be beneficial. Although it may not seem like it, it will help regulate your circadian sleep cycle.
In short, you will progress to a more normal stage of sleep that is not interrupted by other factors.
You'll sleep more at night and decrease the time you spend drowsy during the day. Although it is a cumbersome process, in the long run the mother will appreciate it.
These are the myths or erroneous beliefs that you must get rid of, to maintain the good development of your little ones.
