Check out these cuties! Mario (top) is trying sausage in Germany, Mama Tortuga’s son is trying a cupcake, and Spanish Mama’s son is trying a chicken foot in Peru! I recently was given the book “Feed the Baby Hummus” by Lisa Lewis, MD. What a fantastic read for parents!!! While the book mentions first foods from different countries, food is only one aspect covered in the book. This gem is PACKED with cultural parenting wisdom from around the world, which is then paired with science and medical reasons of why and how the tricks and tips work well with babies. From sleeping to soothing to stranger anxiety, this heavily-researched guide covers the first year of a baby’s life. Not only did I learn a lot, but it was a totally fun read. I put together my favorite 10 fun facts about parenting around the world from this book, for you:
10 Fun Facts about Parenting Around the World!
Feed the Baby Hummus is packed with the wisdom and care-taking practices of cultures around the world. Author Lisa Lewis pairs the advice and anecdotes with her experience as a pediatrician. Here are ten of my favorite practices mentioned in the book:
5. In Jewish culture, a boy is named on the eighth day after birth, and the girl within three weeks of birth. There is a ceremony to explain the significance of the name, and a feast to celebrate the new baby.
6. Society is relaxed and nonjudgmental about breastfeeding in Iceland. It is normal to see nursing in public, but if it doesn’t work out, there is no judgment!
7. In Laos and Thailand, ginger is used to increase breast milk production, with no side effects!
8. The most common first foods in Uganda for infants weaning from breast milk are papaya and pumpkin. They are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and plenty of vitamins to boost immunity and keep tissues healthy.
9. Japanese parents celebrate their babies one-hundredth-day-of-life with their “first meal” (okuizome). Healthy foods are prepared such as rice, soup, and fish, to model good eating habits.
10. Also in Japan, cradle cap is treated with coconut oil, which hydrates the scalp and removes the scales.
The next time you are invited to a baby shower, or one of your friends is having a newborn, I highly recommend this entertaining and informational book about parenting around the world. From multicultural wisdom from moms and dads all over the globe to the pediatrician-backed advice, readers gain a completely new perspective on all issues related to babies.
[…] Best part: This book is packed with the wisdom and care-taking practices of cultures around the world. Here’s one nugget: in Nigeria, women wear their babies for most of the day, and crying is minimal. Family and friends often step in to help, passing the baby with glee and comforting them when they are upset. (See the full review, plus 10 fun facts learned from the book here). […]