Decoding Nani-Dadi Advice: What Modern Paediatricians Actually Agree With

Every Bangladeshi parent gets a steady stream of advice from nani, dadi and ammu. Some of it is gold. Some of it is genuinely risky. We talked to Dr. Tanima Rahman (paediatrician, Square Hospitals) about what to keep and what to gently set aside.

👍 Keep doing this

• Daily oil massage — Mustard or coconut oil massage improves circulation and is great for bonding. Lukewarm, not hot.
• Swaddling — Helps newborns sleep longer. Use a muslin swaddle, not a thick blanket.
• Skin-to-skin time — Old-school but backed by every modern study.

⚠️ Skip this

• Honey before age 1 — Risk of infant botulism. No matter how small the amount.
• Kohl (kajal) in the eyes — Often contains lead. Skip it entirely.
• Water before 6 months — Breastmilk and formula provide all the hydration needed. Water can dilute electrolytes dangerously.

When in doubt, always check with your paediatrician. Tradition is precious — but baby safety is non-negotiable.