You can easily recognise new parents at the Breastfeeding Clinic at the Mater Dei Hospital. They are the ones looking exhausted, but with still enough energy to flash a beam of pride. This week, after having one of our own, we dispel some baby-related myths.

The first one is to not pick up a crying baby, as it will spoil them. This is false.  There is such a huge difference between spoiling your child when they are old enough to understand what it is even like to feel spoilt, and spoiling them when they are a newborn by holding and showing them affection all of the time. 

In the first few months of life, babies need a lot of skin-to-skin direct contact. This helps to soothe the baby and to better learn how to get their needs met. A parent who picks up their baby is a constant reassurance that when something is wrong, they will be there.

A second claim is that certain videos can help babies learn sooner. Research has shown that specially produced programmes can help young children learn, but those benefits only kick in at age two and older. 

In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its position discouraging the use of visual media for babies and toddlers.

Crib bumpers keep the baby from bumping their head. These bumpers are used as a cushion along the crib so the baby cannot hit their head against the side bars. While this is a legitimate concern, Sarah Denny from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, says babies really do not generate the force it would take to injure their heads in the way many people think.

Finally, a word of gratitude for all the hard-working team at the Delivery Suite and Obstetrics Wards at Mater Dei. Your invaluable help and soothing words help all new parents and babies find their feet in these exciting, and difficult first few days (and nights!).