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When it comes to caring for newborns, there are numerous essential practices to follow as well as effective traditional tips to ensure your baby remains healthy and well-fed.
In Vietnamese folklore, there are many mysterious practices that cannot be explained when it comes to caring for newborns and young children. Nevertheless, they are truly effective, and there are certain prohibitions that parents should avoid to keep their child healthy and well-fed. This article serves as a reference and does not endorse any specific approach.
1. When taking a newborn outside
According to ancient beliefs, within the first 10 days after birth, parents should dab a little ash on the baby's forehead to ward off evil spirits. In modern times, if ash is unavailable, parents can use a dab of red lipstick instead. Because newborns are still fragile, encountering unfamiliar faces might make them cry. Once the stranger leaves, parents can perform a ritual to soothe the baby.
2. When a child keeps crying after a fall
If a child keeps crying after a fall, parents should sprinkle water on the spot where they fell. The child will stop crying in a peculiar way, even without any comforting. Children often have guardian spirits when they fall, so parents shouldn't worry too much about minor falls.
Remember to apply a bit of lipstick on your child's forehead before taking them outside!
3. Dealing with newborns crying at night
Newborns often cry at night due to digestive discomfort. Borrowing a dull knife from a neighbor and tossing it under the baby's bed can help. By nightfall, the baby will cease crying and sleep soundly.
4. Newborn sleeping excessively
When a baby sleeps excessively and won't wake up, mothers should request a few strands of hair from others (not blood relatives or family members). Gently waving these strands in the baby's mouth will promptly awaken them.
5. Dealing with umbilical hernia in children
Mothers should give baby boys 7 sips of water, equivalent to 7 rituals, and baby girls 9 sips, equivalent to 9 rituals. Alternatively, placing a clover leaf on the baby's forehead can also help.
If a baby cries incessantly, simply toss a knife under the bed
6. Handling visitors when a newborn is present
It's crucial to praise the baby for 'stealing the ritual'. Avoid praising chubby or beautiful babies as it's considered scolding. Folk beliefs suggest that this may lead to the baby being lazy to breastfeed, experiencing weight loss, and falling ill.
7. Considerations when carrying a newborn
Never hand your baby through the window for someone else to hold, as it's feared the baby may grow up to become a thief or robber.
8. Newborn crying incessantly and fiercely refusing to calm down
According to ancient beliefs, this is called the storm of pain. Mothers should hold their babies close to their chests, while someone else ties their own hair strands together into bundles and then pulls them. The baby will stop crying and behave.
9. When a baby sneezes
Whenever a newborn sneezes, adults should say 'Live a hundred years' to wish the baby good health and quick growth.
10. Dealing with delayed growth or weakness in children
If a baby is slow to grow, weak, or sickly, parents should carry the baby through the clothes of an elderly person at a funeral procession. The baby will become healthier and eat better.
11. Avoid letting newborns look into mirrors
Newborns should not be allowed to look into mirrors as it may frighten them, cause crying, and lead to bedtime distress. Avoid placing a mirror directly facing the baby's bed.
Source: emdep
