Parents try to give their children the world, but sometimes even they make mistakes that can affect their child for their whole life. In fact, there are a set of common parenting errors that young couples tend to make when they are raising their baby.
10 of these mistakes that all parents should avoid.
1. Checking the child’s temperature with their hand
A baby’s body tends to be warmer. In fact, their normal body temperature can range from 97 to 100.3°F. Anything above that is considered a fever. To detect such a slight change is impossible by hand and it is always recommended to use a thermometer instead. For babies under 3 months, a rectal thermometer will give you the most accurate reading and help you keep your baby safe and healthy.
2. Stocking up on diapers
When you have a little poo-machine in your house, it seems like a good idea to stock up on diapers. But, in reality, it is nothing less than just a waste of money. Babies grow rapidly in size — about 1/2 to 1 inch a month and they gain about 140 to 200 grams a week, to be exact. Before you know it, your baby will outgrow all the diapers you have been storing for them and you’ll have to get new ones.
3. Taking away their pacifiers too early
Out of a fear that their babies will fall prey to ear infections and dental problems, many parents take pacifiers away from them too early. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the right time to separate babies from their little toy is around 6 months, not earlier than that.
4. Letting your child get away with things
From an early age on, try to discipline your children and hold them accountable for their misdeeds. By letting your child get away with things, you are teaching them that, even in the future, if they do something wrong, you will always be there to help them out.
5. Using technology to keep them occupied
Most parents use mobile phones and TVs to entertain their kids, but this is, in fact, bad for their health. According to a study, radiation from these devices directly affects children’s brains and increases the risk of them developing tumors.
6. Covering their feet when they have a fever
“Sweating it out” is a major fever-related myth and there’s no evidence that it actually works. By covering up your baby when they have a temperature, you will only overheat them more. Instead of overdressing your baby or covering them with a blanket, change them into comfortable light clothing. Keep the fan on and make sure the room is cool.
7. Changing them immediately after they go
Sometimes, kids poop or pee in quick intervals and if you change them the moment they go, you might become the victim of a poo splash. Modern diapers have the capacity to soak up elimination for hours, while keeping your baby’s bum dry and free from rashes. Your best bet is to wait for a couple of minutes before changing the diaper and cleaning up.
8. Excess spoon-feeding
According to doctors, spoon-feeding toddlers is actually bad for their health and overall development. Instead, it is advised to let kids try to feed themselves. Kids who are spoon-fed are likely to be fussy eaters and be overweight as they grow up. On the other hand, kids who eat at their own pace, by themselves, are likely to be healthier.
9. Spending a lot of money on them
Babies grow up really fast, so they are going to outgrow their dresses quickly. Plus, newsflash, they are messy and wouldn’t mind throwing up on the new expensive clothing you just bought.
10. Spanking them or using threats
Getting mad at your toddler or raising your voice at your kids is never the solution. In fact, doing so only causes problems. According to a psychologist, the more you yell at your child, the less they are going to listen to you. Fear is not the way to discipline your kids. Instead of sounding authoritative and commanding them to do things, try talking to them as if they were a friend.
Did you make any of the above mistakes when you were raising your kids? What advice do you have for young parents? Share your parenting experience with us!
