Myth Busting

#1 Give Colicky Babies Tea
The other day I was asked if it was ok for a mother to give her  3 month old baby tea instead of one feeding. I was a little surprised, but did remember that in some cultures, if a baby has a bit of gas or lots of stomach cramps that giving the baby tea is considered a safe remedy. This is not recommended as a treatment from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
 
#2 In hot weather, give the baby water instead of a feeding
In other cultures, it’s common to substitute water for a feeding. Unless you live in a place where it’s over 105 degrees routinely, this is also not a good idea. Babies need more than just fluids.  They need the calcium, protein and other nutrients in breast milk or formula. So don’t substitute water for breast milk or formula.
 
#3 It’s ok to give the baby juice
No it’s not.  Until babies are over 1 year, giving an infant juice is  not a good idea. It’s loaded with fructose (fruit sugar), and is more likely to cause a child to develop a “taste” for sweets a little early.  Babies need all the nutrition in breast milk or formula, not empty calories in juice. When they are over 1, limit juice and mix it with water in this ratio:  1 part juice to 3 parts water.
 
#4 Colostrum is bad for babies
It’s hard to believe it, but some moms have been told, that their first milk, the colostrum is actually bad for the baby, and must be pumped and discarded.  Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many important immunities in the colostrums and it’s essential for moms to put the baby to the breast frequently so that the colostrum helps the baby pass their meconium and also to stimulate the milk to come in.
 
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