Childhood Myths Exposed!

1. What is BPA (Bisphenol A) and why is it harmful?
BPA is the abbreviation used for Bisphenol A. It is a building block in the production of synthetic resins and polycarbonate plastics. These plastics are then used to create the multitude of bottles that we and our babies eat and drink from. The concern with BPA is that it acts as an endocrine disruptor, which means it can mimic the body's own hormones and this can potentially lead to negative health effects.
This nasty chemical can be avoided pretty easily, keep your eyes peeled for “BPA Free” labels.

2. Should kids wear sunscreen in the car?
Well this one is a bit tricky! The glass in car windows actually stops most of the harsh sun rays but some of the UV radiation does get through.  You can prevent this by having your windows tinted, or using a window shade, or just slopping on some sunscreen before you leave home!

3. Only dirty children get head lice.
FALSE! Personal hygiene has little to do with it. Lice can survive 24 hours under water and they are not killed by soap and water. Most commonly children get head lice through contact with other children at school.

4. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Mostly TRUE! While some say the only way an apple will keep a doctor away is if you throw it at them, several studies have suggested that the high levels of phenolics contained in apples work as a potent antioxidant that can reduce the risk of illness. In addition to this, we also know of the benefits of eating a well balanced healthy diet, which includes fresh fruit and veggies, so eat up!

5. Habits Such As Grinding Teeth or Nose Picking are Caused By Worms
Tension, stress or scary dreams can cause a sleeping child to grind the teeth. Picking the nose can be a nervous habit similar to how adults bite their fingernails or twist a lock of hair. Often excessive nose picking can be triggered by very dry air in the house or an irritation in the nose caused by a cold or an infection. If such habits persist, they can usually be explained by pursuing the underlying causes - emotional or physical. But worms do not cause these normal childhood habits!

6.  There is a “right age” to start toilet training your child.
FALSE! Many parents hear strong opinions from well-meaning friends and family about the ‘right age’ for when a child should start toilet training. In reality, all kids are different! Just like learning to walk and talk, children toilet train at all different ages. In fact, there is no right age to toilet train, just a right time in your child’s development when they are ready to give it a go.

7. Fruits First means Veggies Never!
FALSE! Many people believe that by giving your baby a fruit as a "first" solid will cause them to reject and dislike veggies later. In truth, the order of food introduction really doesn't matter. Some recommend veggies first so a "sweet tooth" doesn't develop for fruits. Others say fruits first so that baby will enjoy their first foods and not be as likely to reject solids. Still, others say yellow first then green while some say green before yellow so baby doesn't reject the yellow.......and the list goes on! There is really no evidence to suggest that any of this is true. What we do know is that we need a variety of foods to gather all of the nutrients we need; after all, variety is the spice of life!

8. If your child's walking on his tiptoes, or with his toes turned outward, something's wrong.
FALSE, most children actually start out this way. It isn't abnormal -neither is waddling or walking knock-kneed. Most kids outgrow these conditions by the time they're 3.
If the tiptoeing continues, or if your baby physically can't bring their heels down flat, your paediatrician may check them for tight heel cords and do further testing. Otherwise, there's no cause for concern. Chances are your child will be walking perfectly soon enough - and your only worry will be how to keep up!

9. My baby wakes up because he's hungry.
 Like adults, babies eat for reasons other than hunger. A baby will nurse because it's the only way they know how to get back to sleep.

10. Your baby should be walking by their first birthday
FALSE! The belief a child should walk by their first birthday is a big misconception! This is something that varies greatly from child to child. On average, the age of walking is around 13-15 months, although kids who wait until 18 months of age to totter across a room are still on track! Traits such as sitting up and walking can often be predicted based on when mum and dad first learned to sit up or walk, so if you’re desperate to know when, investigate the family tree first!

11. Being a parent = being a frump!
FALSE! This couldn’t be any further from the truth! Although ISOKI do understand that it’s difficult to keep your style up to date when you’re more concerned with feeds and changes! That’s where we come in! ISOKI take the time to design bags featuring colours and patterns that are in vogue! We keep our eye out for trends which have longevity so you can keep flaunting your ISOKI reversible nappy bag day after day!