When I was pregnant and a new mom, it was hard to know what was true and what wasn’t. And it turned out that some of the craziest “advice” was actually sound, like when someone suggested to me that I should lie in the sun without a top in order to harden my nipples for breastfeeding (apparently there is truth in this).

I have listed a few common myths to help pregnant moms, and I am giving away a Johnson’s Baby hamper worth R300 if you share a myth you’ve heard along the parenting way (details of the giveaway at the end).

1 Myth

The shape and height of your belly can indicate your baby’s sex.

Fact

The popular belief that women carrying boys carry low and that women carrying girls carry high just isn’t true. The shape and height of your belly is determined by your muscle tone, uterine tone, and the position the baby is in. That’s why someone may think you’re having a boy because you’re carrying low, when actually the baby just dropped lower into the pelvis because you’re closer to delivery.

2 Myth 

Sneezing in a newborn baby means he or she has a cold.

Fact

Babies have no other way of clearing their nose than by instinctual sneezing (unlike adults who can blow their nose).

3 Myth

Baby shampoo causes cradle cap

Fact

The reality is that cradle cap is thought to result from the over excretion of oil from the sebaceous glands as a result of hormonal activity – and may occur despite the use of any shampoo. To treat it, smooth a gentle baby oil like Johnson’s Baby Oil onto the scalp and gently comb the scales out. Follow by washing the hair with Johnson’s Baby Shampoo and rinse well.

4 Myth

Occasional rumours say that baby powder is harmful to a baby’s health as it may be inhaled.

Fact

Clinical tests have confirmed that if Johnson’s Baby Powder is correctly used, it is absolutely safe for use on infants. Johnson’s Baby Powder should first be poured into the palms of the caregiver, away from baby’s face, and then applied to the baby’s body where it effectively reduces friction and absorbs moisture. Generations of mothers weren’t wrong!

5 Myth

Preservatives in products are bad

Fact

Contrary to some popular thinking, preservative-free skin care products can be unsafe and potentially hazardous to the skin. Preservatives are a necessary ingredient in certain products. They ensure the integrity, purity and quality of the product during its use. They also protect against the development of microorganisms, including bacteria, mould and fungi.

6 Myth

Baby skin does not need moisture.

Fact

A baby’s skin produces less natural moisture than adult skin and dehydrates faster, so it’s more prone to dryness. Therefore, one should instead make sure baby’s skin is always well moisturised with a cream or lotion formulated for baby’s delicate skin, like Johnson’s Baby aqueous cream or moisturising lotion.

7 Myth

If you keep your child awake during the day, he will sleep better at night.

Fact

Parents are often told this, but in fact, all you will end up with is an over-tired, cranky child who may be find it even more difficult to settle to sleep in the evening.  Alternatively he may wake even more frequently during the night. To help baby sleep better at night, try Johnson’s Baby Bedtime range which contains NaturalCalm™ essences that have been proven to help baby sleep better when used as part of a nightly bedtime routine.

8 Myth

Children don’t suffer from sleep deprivation, only parents do.

Fact

Children DO suffer from sleep deprivation, but they show this a little differently to adults.  Like an adult, a sleep-deprived child’s attention span is reduced; co-ordination is affected; they easily become frustrated and loose their temper; and also find it difficult to fall asleep. However, unlike adults who tend to slow down and become sluggish when they are sleep deprived, many children become MORE active.

9 Myth

Babies sleep best in a room that’s silent and dark.

Fact

While some children really are light sleepers, most do fine with background noise and a little light. Plus, if your little one gets used to some activity around him when he’s sleeping, he’ll be more willing to snooze in a variety of situations.

To enter to win a Johnson’s Baby hamper

Simply comment below and mention the craziest or most “normal” myth you’ve ever heard. There’s no right or wrong – we simply want to hear what they are. The competition closes on Friday 22 August at 9am, and the winner will be drawn randomly via random.org. The winner’s name will be announced on the Rattle and Mum Facebook page, and prize details will be emailed too.