From hilot to hiccups

What a pediatrician says about these common baby care habits

- JANE KINGSU-CHENG

To help parents make safer choices, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle spoke with Dr. Jayeanne Bihag-Lomibao, a board-certified pediatrician, explaining which traditional remedies to avoid and what science-backed alternatives to use instead.

From rubbing manzanilla oil on a fussy baby to placing a coin on the belly to 'fix' an outie, these traditional remedies are usually passed down with love and good intentions. But some may carry real health risks.

“Put a coin on the baby’s belly button to fix an outie or hernia.”

Umbilical hernias in newborns, often caused by weak abdominal muscles, typically resolve on their own by age two to three years. Taping a coin or other object over the hernia does not help it heal and may prevent it from closing naturally. This practice also poses risks of infection, skin irritation, and could be a choking hazard if the object becomes loose.

Doctor’s recommendation: Keep the belly button clean and dry. Watch out for color changes, an increase in size, or when the bulge becomes hard or cannot be pushed back. Have a regular visit with your pediatrician to ensure it’s healing normally.

“Hilot (traditional massage) can cure common infant illnesses.”

Gentle massage may comfort a child, but “hilot” cannot treat infections, dehydration, or serious illnesses. Pressing on a distended abdomen or using oils improperly can delay the recognition of symptoms that require medical attention. Applying pressure to a fractured limb can cause severe pain and may complicate the healing process.