Effects of the Newborn Salting Tradition in Anatolia on Infant Health
It has been reported that the tradition of salting babies in Anatolia to prevent body odor has no scientific basis and poses serious risks such as hypernatremia and chemical burns.
It has been stated that the tradition of salting babies, passed down from the past to the present, has no scientific counterpart. Experts have warned that this practice can lead to serious health problems such as skin irritation, chemical burns, and life-threatening hypernatremia.
Anatolia's Centuries-Old Traditions
In different regions of Anatolia, the tradition of salting newborn babies continues to be passed down from generation to generation out of the belief that it will prevent them from smelling in the future, keep their sweat from being heavy, or make them resilient.
Origin of the Traditional Belief
Throughout history, salt, which preserves meat and fish, has been believed to have a protective and purifying power; this situation was also applied to the skin of babies with the thought that it would close the pores and prevent odor.
Scientific Facts and Risks
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yakup Söğütlü stated that body odor is dependent on genetics and hormones, and that salting cannot physiologically change this situation.
Negative Effects on the Skin
Due to the thin and yet immature skin barrier of newborn babies, salt brings along risks such as skin irritation, chemical dermatitis, chemical burns, and infections.
Hypernatremia and Fluid Loss
The absorption of salt through the skin and the baby's inability to feed sufficiently can disrupt the fluid-salt balance in the body, leading to seizures, brain damage, and hypernatremia conditions carrying fatal risks.
Underdeveloped Structure of the Kidneys
Since the kidneys of newborns are not yet mature, they struggle to expel excess sodium from the body, which paves the way for an increase in the salt burden in babies.
Vinegar Water Applications
It has been emphasized that the tradition of cleaning with vinegar water, practiced in order to reduce fever, can also irritate the baby's thin skin and disrupt body balance.
Healthy Newborn Care
Experts recommend that families perform simple and gentle care, such as washing with warm water, feeding with breast milk, and regular health check-ups, instead of applying traditional substances to their babies.