When a baby cries endlessly with colic, has loose motions, or refuses feeds, most Indian parents instinctively turn to advice passed down through generations. “Give a little gripe water.” “Honey helps digestion.” “Janam ghutti will settle the stomach.”
These remedies are deeply rooted in Indian households, often offered with genuine love and concern.

But modern paediatric science tells us a more nuanced story.

While some traditional practices came from a time when medical access was limited, not all of them are safe—or effective—for today’s infants. This guide breaks down common Indian baby-feeding myths around ORS, gripe water, honey, and janam ghutti, explains the real risks, and helps parents make informed, confident choices for their baby’s nutrition and health. This article is a specialized part of our Baby Feeding & Nutrition Guide, which covers everything from the first latch to starting solids.

Why Baby Feeding Myths Persist in Indian Families

Indian parenting is community-driven. Advice flows freely from grandparents, relatives, neighbours, and even social media parenting groups. Many remedies have been used for decades, so questioning them can feel uncomfortable—or even disrespectful.

However, babies’ digestive systems are immature and highly sensitive, especially in the first year of life. What may be harmless for adults can be dangerous for infants.

Understanding why certain practices are discouraged today empowers parents to care for their baby without fear, guilt, or confusion.

Myth 1: Gripe Water Is Safe and Necessary for Baby Colic

Why parents use it

Gripe water is commonly given for:

• Gas and bloating
  

• Excessive crying (colic)
  

• Hiccups
  

• Feeding discomfort
  

Many parents believe it helps babies “digest milk better” or “settle the stomach.”

The truth about gripe water

Most paediatricians today do not recommend routine use of gripe water, especially for newborns.

Possible side effects of gripe water for babies

• Interference with breastfeeding (baby feels falsely full)
  

• Sugar content, which may affect gut health
  

• Risk of contamination if not stored properly
  

• Some formulations may cause vomiting or constipation
  

Importantly, colic is not caused by indigestion. It is a developmental phase related to an immature nervous and digestive system—and it usually resolves on its own.

Safer ways to manage baby colic

• Burp baby thoroughly after feeds
  

• Keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes post-feeding
  

• Gentle tummy massage or bicycle-leg movements
  

• Responsive feeding and comforting
  

Crying does not always mean something is wrong. Sometimes, babies simply need time and reassurance.

Myth 2: Honey Is a Natural Remedy and Safe in Small Amounts

Why families suggest honey

Honey is often recommended for:

• Constipation
  

• Cough or throat irritation
  

• Digestive health
  

Many believe that a drop won’t harm the baby.

Is honey safe for infants?

No. Honey is unsafe for babies under 1 year of age.

Even a very small quantity can expose infants to Clostridium botulinum spores, which may cause infant botulism—a rare but serious condition affecting the nervous system.

Signs of infant botulism may include:

• Weak crying
  

• Poor feeding
  

• Constipation
  

• Reduced muscle tone
  

The risk exists regardless of whether honey is:

• Organic
  

• Homemade
  

• Forest or raw honey
  

What parents can do instead

• For constipation: ensure adequate breastmilk/formula intake
  

• For cough or cold: consult a paediatrician; avoid home remedies
  

• For digestion: focus on feeding technique, not additives
  

No food or remedy should be introduced to an infant without age-appropriate guidance.

Myth 3: ORS Is Only for Severe Diarrhea, or Can Be Given Anytime

ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is both overused and misunderstood in Indian households.

When ORS is useful

ORS is recommended when a baby has:

• Diarrhea
  

• Vomiting
  

• Risk of dehydration
  

It helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes, not stop diarrhea.

Common mistakes parents make

• Giving ORS as a daily drink
  

• Using incorrect dilution
  

• Replacing breastmilk or formula with ORS
  

• Giving ORS for mild stomach discomfort
  

Correct use of ORS for baby diarrhea

• Always prepare exactly as instructed
  

• Use within the recommended time frame
  

• Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding alongside ORS
  

• Consult a doctor if diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours in infants
  

ORS is a medical solution, not a nutritional supplement.

Myth 4: Janam Ghutti Improves Digestion and Immunity

Why it’s popular

Janam ghutti is a traditional herbal mix believed to:

• Improve digestion
  

• Prevent colic
  

• Boost immunity
  

It’s often given within weeks of birth.

The hidden risks behind janam ghutti myths

• Unknown ingredient combinations
  

• Lack of dosage standardisation
  

• Possible heavy metals or contaminants
  

• Alcohol or sugar content in some preparations
  

Newborns’ livers and kidneys are not equipped to process herbal compounds safely.

What science says

There is no clinical evidence that janam ghutti:

• Prevents colic
  

• Strengthens immunity
  

• Improves digestion in infants
  

Breastmilk alone is complete nutrition for the first 6 months of life.

Indian Home Remedies for Baby Colic: What to Avoid

Some commonly suggested remedies that may be harmful include:

• Ajwain water
  

• Saunf water
  

• Hing mixed in water
  

• Herbal teas
  

These can:

• Irritate the baby’s gut
  

• Increase risk of infection
  

• Disrupt feeding patterns
  

Babies do not need digestive “cleansers.” Their systems develop naturally with time.

Why Breastmilk (or Formula) Is Enough in the First 6 Months

Exclusive breastfeeding (or medically appropriate formula feeding) provides:

• Balanced nutrition
  

• Hydration
  

• Immune protection
  

• Digestive enzymes
  

Introducing additional liquids or remedies can:

• Reduce milk intake
  

• Increase infection risk
  

• Delay gut maturity
  

The simplest feeding approach is often the safest.

How Parents Can Navigate Conflicting Advice Without Guilt

It’s normal to feel torn between:

• Medical advice
  

• Family traditions
  

• Social pressure
  

Here’s how to respond respectfully:

• “Our paediatrician advised us to wait”
  

• “We’re trying a gentle, observation-first approach”
  

• “We’ll consider it if needed later”
  

Choosing evidence-based care does not mean rejecting tradition—it means adapting with awareness.

When to Seek Medical Help Immediately

Consult a paediatrician if your baby has:

• Persistent crying with feeding refusal
  

• Signs of dehydration (less urine, dry mouth)
  

• Blood or mucus in stools
  

• Fever with diarrhea
  

• Poor weight gain
  

Early guidance prevents complications and reassures parents.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Gripe water is not essential and may have side effects
  

• Honey is unsafe for infants under one year
  

• ORS is helpful only when used correctly
  

• Janam ghutti and herbal remedies are not evidence-backed
  

• Breastmilk or formula is sufficient for the first 6 months
  
  

Parenting is not about doing more, it’s about doing what’s right for your baby’s stage of development.

Final Thought

Indian parenting wisdom is rich and well-intentioned. But as science evolves, so must our understanding. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and remember—a calm, informed parent is one of the best things a baby can have.