There are numerous ideas and beliefs concerning the growth and development of a baby. While some of the myths suggest how to help a baby grow optimally, others point towards the obstacles that hamper the healthy development of a baby. But practically all these myths are unscientific. Let us demystify some of the whimsical myths about babies.
1. Myth: Early learners are ‘gifted’
Fact
The common myth indicates that kids who show a fast learning skill grow up to be gifted scholars. This myth is totally a false. There is no scientific explanation that hints at an improved level of intelligence of an individual right at his or her early childhood. The scientific evidence that is present in juxtaposition to it lay down a completely different picture. It suggests that kids who show a fast rate of learning, hint at symptoms of ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in their later stages. This is an alarming developmental problem in kids that impairs their ability to concentrate on one thing for a long time.
2. Myth: ‘Double’ food for two beings in one
Fact
People believe that when a mother carries a baby within her womb, she needs to eat double the quantity she usually eats. This is essential as she has to provide food to the growing baby inside her too. But the fact is, it is simply a myth. It is not the food that goes down the umbilical cord of the baby and fills up his stomach, but what is essential for the baby within are the nutrients extracted from the food that the mother consumes. So, during pregnancy, eating double the amount a woman eats usually will only add up to her body weight and complicate the process of child delivery.
3. Myth: Touching the soft spot on the babies head is harmful
Fact
Immediately after the birth of a baby, a close look at the head of the baby will show a soft spot right on the top of the head. This spot is even more noticeable if the baby is born premature. What is more alarming to see is that it sometimes pumps up and down. This apparently terrifying scene has probably given birth to the myth that touching the spot can be harmful for the baby. In reality there is no truth in the statement. Actually, it is a very common phenomenon for every baby and the soft spot gets gradually hardened as the baby grows. You can even hardly keep a track when the soft spot got hardened. There is absolutely no risk in touching the spot.
4. Myth: Baby doesn’t sleep because of hunger
Fact
Most of the people believe that a baby who cries throughout the night does so because he or she is hungry. But there is no substantial evidence behind this statement. So, it can be concluded that it is an absolute myth. Although hunger is definitely one reason that makes them cry but there are other reasons as well. So, everytime when the baby cries, if you intend to feed him, the result can be quite detrimental to his health. Moreover, generalizing the cause of this cry might also suppress other vital symptoms like stomach ache, ear pain, etc.
5. Myth: Middle children are resentful
Fact
Among the several myths that exist related to kids, the ones that concern the middle children are the maximum. This statement, middle children are resentful is among the prominent ones. Actually, the most common belief is that the first child is the most desired one of the parents. After marriage the couples long for a baby. This desire is fulfilled by the first issue. Similarly, the last kid is the dearest of all since he is the youngest. But the middle ones are mostly the outcome of the unplanned pregnancies. So, they suffer from sibling rivalry the most.
Thus, parents find them resentful, easily angered, moody, etc. Moreover, the issue of sibling rivalry can be prevalent in any of the kids. It is also true that parents have the same love for all their children. They can never segregate between their kids. So, pointing out only the middle child as resentful is nothing but a myth. Such a myth is damaging as it puts a question on the integrity of the parents towards each of their children and makes them appear partial.
