Myths-Busted!

Myth Feeding your baby more milk at night or putting cereal in her bottle will help her sleep longer.

Truth In studies, babies fed rice cereal in their bottle slept no better or longer than those who did not, reports pediatrician William Sears, MD. In Fact, a common cause of night waking is indigestion.

"If you put babies to bed with a too-full-tummy, they are going  to feel bloated and gassy and sleep poorly," Dr. Sears says.

Better Bet Try adding extra feedings during the late afternoon and early evening. Your goal is still to feed, but more nourishment during the day can gently encourage better sleep at night.

Myth If you keep your baby up late, he will nod off faster and sleep better.

Truth When babies stay up late, their stress hormones kick in and they enter a hyperalert state. "They cannot easily wind down, which makes it harder to fall asleep and can lead to frequent night waking," Dr. Sears says.

Better Bet Get your baby on a predictable nap and bedtime schedule and try to stick to it. To find baby's optimal bedtime, look for signs such yawing, rubbing eyes, and getting cranky, which mean baby is overdue for sleep.

Myth Some babies do not need to nap.

Truth While nap length varies, all babies under 1 need a daytime snooze. "If they do not nap, they get overtired and cranky and sleep restlessly," says Dr. Karp.

Better Bet Give baby a nap at the same time each day, using a mini bedtime routine to set the tone. You might lower the blinds and turn on soft music or white noise. If baby refuses to sleep, have some quiet time-seat her on you lap and read books or sing lullabies.

Myth Never let baby fall asleep in you arms or he won't learn to sleep alone.

Truth "Babies are built to relax and fall asleep after they eat, especially since being cuddled makes them feel confident and secure" says Dr. Karp.

Better Bet It is fine to let newborns drift off in your arms, but once they are 6 weeks old, jostle them before placing them in the crib. "Rousing them just enough so they open their eyes will babies the experience of putting themselves back to sleep." he says.

American Baby. August 2005. Page 46

Fact or Fable?

Yogurt can prevent and treat diarrhea

Fact- if it's the right kind, says Jennifer Margolis, M.D., a pediatrician at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio. For yogurt to help treat diarrhea, it must have "active cultures," or "lactobacillus," a good bacteria that the digestive system uses to absorb food (poor absorption is what causes diarrhea). Yogurt also helps if your baby is on antibiotics, which may cause loose stools.

*Baby talk, February 2006, page 17

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