32 Traditional Practices Checked

Culturally meaningful. It tells you nothing about health, so pair it with a blood test.

Fine for relaxation. No effect on IQ. Harmful only if it replaces antenatal check-ups.

Not recommended as routine 'insurance'. Public donation is supported.

Benefits shown in preterm babies. Avoid mustard oil on newborn skin; no oil in ears or nose.

Delays breastfeeding and carries infection and botulism risk.

Colostrum protects the baby. Feed it.

Can contain lead and cause eye infections.

Risk of tetanus and sepsis. Keep the cord clean and dry.

Fine with hips loose and baby on the back. Stop when the baby starts to roll.

Helps recovery.

Causes dehydration and poor nutrition. Overheated rooms cause heat illness.

Displaces breast milk and raises infection risk.

Wait at least 24 hours to keep the baby warm and protect the skin (WHO 2022).

They worsen the swelling. Ice, gentle strokes and continued feeding work better (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 2022).

Right timing for first foods. Harmful if done much earlier.

No proven benefit. Some brands contain alcohol or sugar.

Room-share instead. Never bed-share after alcohol or sedatives, with a smoker, on a sofa, or with a preterm baby.

Fine with sterile technique.

Culturally fine. 'Thicker hair afterwards' is a myth.

Cause injuries and delay walking.

Risk of a blood disorder and strangulation.

Use paracetamol by weight and fluids, on advice.

Honey reduces cough. Never under 1 year.

Not recommended.

Good energy in moderation.

The core of proven parenting programmes.

Worse behaviour over time. Banned in schools under RTE.

No harm found at age 5.

Fine. Buy turmeric from a trusted source; some is adulterated with lead.

Harmful when it eats into sleep or play.

Faster arithmetic, little benefit beyond it.

A scam with no scientific basis.