Breastfeeding and newborn care come with many myths that can mislead parents and cause unnecessary stress. Understanding the basics of feeding and care helps keep babies healthy and comfortable while giving mothers confidence and peace of mind.
Common myths about breastfeeding and newborn care often stem from outdated ideas, unverified information, and advice without a medical basis. They may involve nutrition, sleep routines, hygiene, and infant behavior, as well as how these factors affect a child’s development.
A thoughtful approach and knowledge of the basic facts can help parents work out what really matters and what is simply a stereotype. In this article, we debunk some of the most common misconceptions to support parents as they build a healthy, harmonious relationship with their baby.
| Product | Type | Price (₽) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bepanthen | Skin cream | 350 за 30 г | Panthenol, hypoallergenic, helps prevent diaper rash |
| Medela Contact | Nipple corrector | 2000 | Helps with inverted nipples, silicone material |
| Pampers Premium Care | Diapers | 1200 за 48 шт | High absorbency, soft material |
| NAN Optipro Plus | Infant formula | 1300 за 400 г | With probiotics, for babies with special needs |
| Mustela Stelatopia | Bath product | 900 за 200 мл | Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free |
Why don’t breastfed newborns always need extra water?
Recommendations from the WHO and Russian pediatricians
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, breastfed newborns do not need extra water during the first 6 months of life, because breast milk provides enough fluid to meet their needs. In 2024, the Russian Pediatric Society confirmed that giving water at this age is not recommended and offers no benefit to the baby; it may even interfere with adequate feeding.
Risks and the economics of giving extra water
Giving too much water can reduce a baby’s appetite for breast milk, lowering their overall calorie intake and potentially leading to slow weight gain.
- The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding, without extra water, for the first 6 months;
- Russian pediatricians supported these recommendations in 2024;
- Extra water reduces the calories a baby gets from breast milk.
Does a mother’s breast shape affect breastfeeding success?
Scientific evidence on breast anatomy
A mother’s breast and nipple shape—whether her nipples are inverted, flat, or protruding—does not significantly affect breastfeeding success. Research by the Russian Scientific Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2025 confirms that nipple anatomy is not a barrier to breastfeeding when the baby is positioned and latched correctly.
More important than anatomical factors are the mother’s and baby’s ability to coordinate during feeding and the availability of emotional support. Learning the right latch and positioning can help overcome any challenges related to nipple shape and support milk production during the baby’s first months.
Getting help with anatomical differences
If you have inverted or flat nipples, special nipple correctors, such as Medela Contact, may be useful. They help draw out the nipple and make it easier for the baby to latch.
Consulting an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant is also important: they can help improve feeding skills and support the mother emotionally. This kind of help significantly increases the chances of successful breastfeeding.
- The role of an IBCLC consultant in supporting breastfeeding
- Learning the correct latch and feeding position
How should you care for a newborn’s skin to prevent diaper rash?
This approach reduces the risk of irritation and helps restore the skin’s protective barrier.
Choosing diapers and skin care products
Highly absorbent diapers help keep the skin dry and prevent diaper rash. The key is to change diapers promptly and use products recommended for babies with sensitive skin.
- Change diapers at least every 2-3 hours, according to hygiene standards for childcare facilities in 2026;
At the first signs of diaper rash, such as redness and inflammation, it is important to consult a pediatrician to rule out a fungal infection and adjust the care routine.
Why shouldn’t you switch your baby straight to formula at the first breastfeeding difficulty?
Immune and digestive aspects of breastfeeding
You shouldn’t switch your baby straight to formula at the first breastfeeding difficulty, because breast milk contains unique immune factors that protect babies against infections better than infant formula. Research from the National Institute of Health of Russia in 2025 shows that replacing breast milk with formula early reduces a baby’s immune protection and increases the risk of illness. Breastfeeding also supports the healthy development of gut flora, while formula increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal problems and allergies.
The costs and risks of formula feeding
Many problems with latching and milk supply can be addressed by consulting breastfeeding specialists and adjusting feeding technique, rather than replacing breast milk. Switching to formula early can lead to additional expenses and increased health risks for the baby, making premature weaning undesirable.
- The risk of allergies and gastrointestinal problems is higher with formula feeding
- Milk supply problems are more often resolved with the help of lactation consultants than by changing the baby’s diet
What newborn care mistakes do parents make most often?
Hygiene and bathing
Common newborn care mistakes are often related to poor hygiene, especially bathing too often and choosing unsuitable products. A baby’s bath should last no longer than 5–10 minutes, and newborns are recommended to be bathed 2–3 times a week, according to Russian Ministry of Health standards for 2026. Frequent, prolonged bathing can damage the baby’s natural skin barrier. It is also important to use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to avoid irritation. For example, Mustela Stelatopia, which costs around 900 ₽ per 200 ml, is suitable for sensitive newborn skin.
Comfort and safety
Tight swaddling and failing to maintain a suitable room climate are other common mistakes. Swaddling that severely restricts a baby’s movement can lead to problems with hip joint development. In addition, not airing out the room regularly and maintaining humidity at 40–60 % as specified by SanPiN 2.1.3.2630-10 can worsen a baby’s breathing and general well-being. For comfortable, safe care, follow these guidelines:
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products, such as Mustela Stelatopia;
- Swaddle in a way that allows the legs to move freely;
- Air out the room regularly and maintain humidity at 40–60 % as specified by SanPiN 2.1.3.2630-10.
When is breastfeeding not suitable, and when should you look for alternatives?
Medical contraindications
Breastfeeding is not suitable if the mother has a serious infection, such as HIV, or is taking certain medications that could harm the baby. According to WHO recommendations for 2026, breast milk is contraindicated in these cases, and alternative feeding methods are needed. If a mother has hypogalactia—low milk supply—it is important to consult a lactation consultant and an endocrinologist. If the recommended measures do not help, switching to formula may be necessary to protect the baby’s health.
Specialized formulas
If a baby has an inherited metabolic disorder, such as galactosemia, breast milk is contraindicated because of the risk of complications, and specialized formulas are required. Modern infant formulas with probiotics can help support a baby’s immune system and digestion.
- Breastfeeding is contraindicated in cases of HIV and when taking certain medications (WHO 2026).
- With hypogalactia, consultation with specialists is essential, though switching to formula may be necessary.
- Galactosemia requires specialized lactose-free formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I feed my newborn formula instead of breast milk from birth?
How often should I change a newborn’s diaper?
Can I give my newborn extra water alongside breast milk?
How do I choose a skin cream for my newborn?
Key takeaways
- Breastfed newborns do not need extra water during the first 6 months
- Nipple shape does not affect breastfeeding success when the baby is positioned and latched correctly
- Changing diapers regularly and using hypoallergenic creams help prevent diaper rash
- Replacing breast milk with formula early reduces immune protection and increases risks for the baby
- Specialized formulas are available for newborns when medically indicated