Parenting myths persist about kids' health

Although most mothers may recognize "old wives' tales" as false, too many misconceptions about children's health and development continue to fool parents and even some pediatricians.

"Parents continue to subscribe to many different myths about children's health and development," said Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, N.Y., and author of "Baby Facts."

In some cases, the myth may be an exaggeration or distortion of a fact. For example, some say eating carrots is good for vision, but carrots will only help the vision of individuals who have vitamin A deficiency, a rare condition in America.

A more dangerous myth that reflects an exaggeration is "teething sometimes causes a high fever in infants."

"Although teething may occasionally be associated with a low fever, it should never be considered the cause for a high fever," Adesman said.

Here are 10 other parenting myths that are still widely believed:

•Wounds will heal quicker if exposed to fresh air at night.

•Vitamin C supplements help ward off colds.

•Ice baths can be used to bring down a high fever in young children.

•Reading in the dark can cause later vision or eye problems.

•Treat a burn with an application of ice or butter.

•Ear infections must be treated with antibiotics.

•Children should not go swimming immediately after eating.

•The best way to stop a bloody nose is to tilt the head back.

•A child can damage his vision by sitting too close to the television.

•Fevers of 104 or 105 degrees can cause brain damage.

•Cracking the knuckles as a child will lead to arthritis later.

•Eating a lot of chocolate can cause acne in teens.