Understanding traditions with science from a Lactation Professional & IYCF Expert

Every culture has its own food beliefs, rituals, and traditions around feeding babies.
Some are harmless, some are beautiful, and some can unintentionally delay growth or create feeding challenges.

As a lactation and IYCF professional, I always tell parents:

Respect your culture but follow science when it comes to your baby’s nutrition.

Let’s gently debunk the most common cultural myths, especially seen in Indian households.

🌼 Myth 1: “Giving honey to newborns makes them healthy.”

Truth:

This is one of the MOST dangerous myths.

Babies under 1 year must never consume honey.
It can cause infant botulism, a serious, life-threatening condition.

Breastmilk is the only safe early food.

🌼 Myth 2: “Water must be given from birth or after 40 days.”

Truth:

No babies under 6 months need zero water.

Even in hot climates, breastmilk provides perfect hydration.

Giving water can cause:
❌ electrolyte imbalance
❌ decreased weight gain
❌ infections

It also reduces breastmilk intake.

🌼 Myth 3: “Ghutti / Janam ghutti helps digestion.”

Truth:

There is no scientific evidence that ghutti helps digestion.
Many preparations include herbs, sugar, or alcohol unsafe for infants.

The baby’s gut matures naturally; no tonics are needed.

🌼 Myth 4: “Rasam water, rice water, dal water are perfect first foods.”

Truth:

These are low-calorie, low-nutrient liquids.
They fill the stomach but do not nourish.

First foods should be:
✔ mashed fruits
✔ soft vegetables
✔ khichdi
✔ porridge
✔ egg yolk (after 6 months)

Not diluted “waters.”

🌼 Myth 5: “Banana causes cold, curd causes cough.”

Truth:

No food causes cold viruses do.

Banana, curd, and fruits are wonderful for digestion and micronutrients.

If the baby tolerates it well, it is safe.

🌼 Myth 6: “Mothers must avoid certain foods because the baby will get gas.”

Truth:

Gas in your stomach does NOT reach breastmilk.

Onions, chana, cabbage, rajma all are safe unless you feel discomfort.

🌼 Myth 7: “Feeding babies on a strict schedule is better.”

Truth:

Cultural advice often pushes fixed timings (“feed every 2 hours”).

But babies thrive on cue-based feeding, not strict clocks.

Following a schedule can cause:
❌ frustration
❌ poor weight gain
❌ reduced milk supply

Responsive feeding is natural and healthier.

🌼 Myth 8: “Cerelac is the best first food because everyone uses it.”

Truth:

Cerelac is not harmful, but it’s not necessary.

Babies thrive on fresh homemade meals.
Commercial foods should not replace real food.

🌼 Myth 9: “Oil massage and sun exposure before feeding improves milk digestion.”

Truth:

Massage is beneficial for bonding and sleep,
but food digestion doesn’t depend on oil or sunlight.

Feed based on hunger cues not rituals.

🌼 Myth 10: “Egg, fish, peanuts must be avoided for 1–2 years.”

Truth:

This is outdated cultural advice.

WHO now recommends introducing allergenic foods after 6 months.
Early exposure actually reduces allergy risk.

Avoid only if there is a family history of severe allergies.

🌼 Myth 11: “Adding jaggery or sugar helps baby accept solids.”

Truth:

Sugar creates early sweet cravings, increasing risk of:
❌ early tooth decay
❌ overeating
❌ picky eating

Babies naturally enjoy the mild sweetness of fruits and vegetables.

🌼 Myth 12: “Force-feeding shows the baby is eating enough.”

Truth:

Many cultures believe:
“Full tummy = healthy baby.”

But force-feeding leads to:

• food fear
• vomiting
• refusal
• long-term aversion

Babies know their own appetite.
Your job is to offer, not force.

🌼 Myth 13: “You must introduce cow’s milk early for strength.”

Truth:

Cow’s milk is unsafe under 1 year.
It can cause:
❌ anemia
❌ kidney stress
❌ allergies

Breastmilk or formula is the only milk infants need.

🌼 Myth 14: “Boys must be fed more than girls.”

Truth:

A heartbreaking cultural myth.
All babies boys and girls require equal nutrition, care, and respect.

🌼 Myth 15: “If the baby eats less, they will become weak or dull.”

Truth:

Appetite changes daily.
Growth charts, not relatives’ comments, determine health.

A baby’s eating pattern is not the measure of intelligence or strength.

💛 A Gentle Closing Message

Culture shapes us beautifully
the stories, rituals, and wisdom passed down through generations are precious.

But when it comes to feeding your baby,
science and safety must guide your decisions.

You do NOT need to follow fearful rules.
You do NOT need to compare.
You do NOT need to worry about every bite.

Feed with love.
Feed with confidence.
Feed with trust in your baby and in yourself.

You’re doing an amazing job, mama. 🤍

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.