Unwise Advice?

Some medical experts say a book on raising babies offers unwise advice.
November 16 - Across the country, many mothers are turning to the latest advice book on raising their babies and children.

It's called "baby wise" philosophy, but now many medical experts are speaking out against it saying the book offers some very "unwise" advice.

The book is called "On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo. It's a popular book, but the advice in the book isn't popular with many physicians.

According to the book, infants should be breastfed only every 2-1/2 to 3 hours. But more than half of American pediatrians believe a baby should be fed on demand; anything less than that could cause dehydration, malnutrition and failure to thrive.

"Baby Wise" also says a baby should be put to bed without nursing or rocking, and able to sleep through the night. But experts say that's not likely to happen.

So what do you do if the baby doesn't want to sleep? According to the book, you make sure the baby is not hurt then let the infant cry it out. Something that can be just as tough on the mom as the child.

Many critics feel the "Baby Wise" philosphy can harm children, depriving them of basic intimacy needs, which can harm their emotional development. They also cite potential physical dangers. Reports from Detroit say the book could be the reason one child nearly died from starvation.

A doctor in San Diego studied 100 babies who were on the "Baby Wise" schedule. He found the recurrent theme of abuse, cult-like behavior and medical problems.

If you do practice the "Baby Wise" schedule, doctors say you should have your infant's weight checked at least every week.