one in four grandparents take care of their grandchildren on a daily basis and 39% do so several times a week, according to data from a survey by the Mémora foundation. To take care of them, most resort to the same methods they used when they were parents, some even use some of the techniques of their grandparents, without realizing that many of these practices have evolved with the development of science and could put their grandchildren at risk.
This was demonstrated by a study presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in 2017 in which almost 700 grandparents were surveyed about the myths of early childhood education and parenting techniques. The study found that many of the grandparents found their parenting methods safe, even though modern science has shown that many of them are based on misconceptions about child care.
Ancient methods that can endanger children
- Putting a baby to stomach
Almost a quarter of the grandparents surveyed in the study thought that laying their babies on their stomachs was a good technique to prevent them from gagging on vomit or reflux of milk. However, this posture is actually a major risk factor for SIDS as it obstructs the baby’s airway, preventing normal breathing. In this case, the ideal is to lay it on its back.
- Immerse the child in an ice bath to reduce fever
One of the most common methods for grandparents to bring down a high fever is to immerse the child in an ice bath. In fact, 44% of the grandparents surveyed stated that it is a useful and effective technique. However, science has shown that ice baths, especially in children, can cause hypothermia and increase the risk of infant death. Instead, warm water can be used.
- Use butter to heal a skin injury
Nowadays, many parents and grandparents may find it completely crazy, but the truth is that some grandparents still use butter to heal a wound faster. The study revealed that 13% of the grandparents surveyed considered that it was an effective and safe method. However, it is a very dangerous technique that can not only slow down wound healing but can also cause an infection, so it is better not to use it.
- Leave open wounds uncovered
A widespread myth in the past claimed that leaving wounds open, in the open air, accelerated the healing process and helped the wound to heal earlier and better. In fact, 61% of the grandparents surveyed in the study thought this was an effective method of healing their grandchildren’s wounds. However, science has shown that leaving an open wound uncovered with a bandage increases the risk of infection and slows the healing process.
- Use ice for minor burns
Perhaps this is one of the most widespread remedies among grandparents to heal burns. In fact, 58% of the grandparents surveyed thought that ice was helpful in relieving the pain of a minor burn and reducing the effect of heat on the skin. However, it is now known that ice can also burn, especially when applied to a previous burn, as it stresses the epidermal cells and exacerbates the sensation of heat.
