Pediatricians Debunk 16 Baby Myths

I confess, sometimes I think obsessively about my children's growth chart. The biggest predictor of your child's final height is actually the parents' height. So, we call something of "average parental height" as the best predictor. And another great predictor is when the

baby

, the boy, goes through puberty. Therefore, the longer puberty is delayed, the more years of growth you will have. So there are some kids who fall short in seventh grade, but they continue to grow, and they're still growing in 11th and 12th grade, and then they catch up and surpass their peers. Then it gives you an idea.

It is certainly not the predictor of your child's long-term lifespan. Pressman: You'll hear a lot of

myths

and a lot of things that will make you question your own parenting. What we would emphasize is to try to think about your gut, what makes you feel good, because a father who feels good and empowered will have better interactions with his

baby

. And if you have any questions, instead of dwelling on the

myths

out there, seek advice from very reliable and valid resources. Go to your pediatrician if you have any questions or look for websites that are really valid and reliable, and never do arbitrary Google searches or look at chat rooms.

Hammond: And again,

pediatricians

, we get into this field because we like to partner with parents to make sure that all children are as healthy as possible. So take your questions to the doctor.