Pediatrician João Rio Martins shared on his Instagram page @pediatrajoao five childcare practices that were passed on to families 30 or 40 years ago and that no longer make sense today. The doctor explained that these changes are due to the evolution of scientific knowledge and research over the decades.
Among the outdated practices are placing the baby to sleep on their stomach, using talcum powder during diaper changes, and using baby walkers. Currently, the recommendation is that babies sleep on their back, that talcum powder not be used due to the risk of inhalation, and that baby walkers do not advance the learning of walking, actually increasing the risk of accidents.
Regarding foot care, the specialist contrasts the old use of rigid footwear with the current recommendation to let the child walk barefoot whenever possible, favoring lightweight and flexible footwear. The fifth outdated piece of advice concerns offering water to babies before food introduction, a practice that is not necessary and may be harmful in younger children.
João Rio Martins, who is a pediatrician and neonatologist and has three children, argues that the revision of recommendations in light of new scientific evidence does not represent a contradiction, but rather the normal functioning of medicine. The doctor acknowledges that some current guidelines may also be changed in the future, as new studies emerge and the risks and benefits of each practice become better understood.
