Rearing a child has always been a contentious issue where prevailing social norms have dictated the outcome. However, Dr Benjamin Spock, through his book on child rearing, opened up vistas that were yet new and original. His death recently at the age of 94 has once again brought into focus the dilemma for parents

OLD V/S NEW

Current medical wisdom upholds some traditional Indian practices while rejecting others

• Avoid prelacteal feeds like honey water, glucose or formula milk

• Talcum powders serve no purpose and can be avoided. Soaps, if used at all should be mild

• If Muslim, postpone circumcision till a later stage and make sure that it is done by a qualified surgeon

—Dr Promilla Butani in Parenting

• Don't give the child any water or juices until he starts on solid food

• Avoid applying kajal or surma in the baby's eyes

• Take any ailments, even a minor fever, seriously in a newborn

•Avoid putting ear- or nose-rings

• Use cotton clothes and diapers. Disposable or self-retaining diapers might not be good for India's climate

•After feeding, burp the child. Don't let the child lie down face-up immediately after feeding

• Don't try tricks such as coating your child's thumb with chilies to rid him of his thumb-sucking habit. These are psychological problems that should be handled by a pediatrician

—Dr Dwarkadas Motiwala