Understand Baby's Height
Myth: A baby's length at birth is a predictor of adult height.

Reality: Length at birth is not a predictor, but later measurements may be.

Dr. Adesman Explains: "There is a natural tendency, if a baby is long, to say, 'Oh, she's going to grow to be a tall girl!.' But parental height is a much better predictor of a child's adult height. Another approximate height predictor is to double the child's height at age 2."

Will She Have Allergies?
Myth: If you have respiratory allergies, your child will eventually contract them too; if you don't, your child will never get them.

Reality: Heredity plays a part in who gets allergies, but other factors also play a role.

Dr. Adesman Explains: "There may be some predispositions, but families should not assume that if they are allergic to something, then their children will be too. Likewise, allergies can come out of the blue even if Mom and Dad don't have them. When it comes to kids and allergies, genetics do not dictate their destiny."

About Dr. Andrew Adesman
 
Dr. Adesman is Chief of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New York and an associate professor in the Pediatrics Department at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His book Baby Facts reveals more than 200 startling myths and facts about babies' and young children's health, growth, care, and more.

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