Common myths about babies

It is fine to bath your baby every day if they enjoy it, but young babies do not need a bath every day. They just need their face, neck, hands and nappy area to be kept clean.

You cannot spoil a young baby. Crying is one way in which babies communicate. By crying they are telling us that they need something and it is important for parents and caregivers to respond to them. Observing and learning the cues that your baby is giving you can help a lot.

Most women have enough breast milk to feed their baby if they breastfeed whenever their baby wants to feed, for as long as they want to feed. In a 24-hour period, 8 to 12 feeds is common and it is normal for babies to want to feed frequently at certain times of the day.

Expect it to take up to 6 weeks for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed and for your breast milk supply to become established.

If you think you have low milk supply, talk to your doctor, lactation consultant or child health nurse.

Teething can cause a mild fever of up to 38°C. However, if your child's temperature goes beyond this, don't overlook it. A high fever may indicate an infection, especially since teething typically occurs between 6 and 24 months, a time when babies are prone to infections.

Parents should not dismiss a fever as just teething, as it could mask an underlying illness requiring medical attention. If your baby is unwell or has a fever, see a doctor for medical advice.

If you are unsure, you can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 and speak to one of our maternal child health nurses.

Children under 12 months should not be given honey as it can cause botulism. You should also avoid using dummies coated in food or drink. Many babies are not affected by teething, so you may not need to do anything. Alcohol and sweet substances are unhealthy for babies.

Some people believe that baby walkers are useful for their babies, to entertain them and help teach them to walk. This is not true. Baby walkers can be dangerous and can actually delay your baby's walking development.

Baby walkers and exercise jumpers are not recommended in Australia.

There is no need to use antiseptic or alcohol to clean your baby's cord stump; just clean it as part of your baby's usual wash or bath, and gently pat the area dry. If wee or poo gets on the stump, you can use a mild soap to help clean it off.

Babies may not poo for several days or even up to a week. If your baby's poo is soft, they are not constipated, even if they have not pooed for a few days. Fully breastfed babies are less likely to get constipated.

If you are unsure, you should see your doctor or call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 for advice.

All babies are different and will develop at individual rates and in different ways. There is no evidence to show that early infant milestones mean a child is gifted.

It is impossible to force a newborn baby into a routine, despite books that claim to teach this. The sleep patterns and cycles of a young baby are different from those of an adult. Young babies only sleep for a few hours at a time and some go through a period of wanting many feeds over a short period.

You might choose to start doing simple things with your baby in a similar order when it comes to sleeping, feeding and playing, but keep in mind it helps to remain flexible with newborns.