Today, we have infinite information available to us online at the click of a button. Type in any question about starting solids and feeding, and voilà!, the search engine dutifully spits out the top hits. However, this can not only be overwhelming, but it can also produce conflicting advice.
The same goes for social media. How do you know that the information on that post is accurate- and safe- for you and your family? And then you have the input of friends and family members. From the other mums at a baby group to Grandma hovering around the highchair offering suggestions, it can feel like EVERYONE has something to say about how you should feed your baby.
Despite good intentions, this can be unhelpful (and not to mention stressful) when starting solids or navigating hurdles to feeding. So, with all the noise and conflicting advice out there, how do you know who to listen to and what information is accurate and safe?
Don’t Automatically Believe Everything You Read
Despite the internet being a fantastic resource, we can’t believe everything Uncle Google produces for one simple reason: the author. There are a gazillion sources out there that are neither written nor reviewed by expert professionals.
When a website isn’t written (or at least validated) by a health professional, how can you be 100% certain that their content on feeding is accurate, reliable or safe? And the same goes for social media.
Even when content is written by a health professional, it’s always beneficial to do some wider research around the topic, and not just take their word for it. There’s no need to panic though. By taking a little time to analyse resources online, it’s possible to make an informed decision about whether information is credible and accurate… or whether you should keep on scrollin’, baby.
There’s Some CRAAP Out There
Thankfully, the clever folks at California State University-Chico developed a helpful checklist to help you quickly evaluate whether sources you find online are legit or not. The CRAAP Test comprises some questions for you to ask yourself to see if a particular website or Instagram post is reliable:
Currency: Is this information current or outdated? When was it posted? When was the social media account created? (Make sure it was created within the last five years).
Relevance: Is this information relevant to YOU?
Authority: Who is the source of information? Who has actually written it? Are they qualified to do so?
Accuracy: Is the information evidence-based? Do they cite sources you can check out yourself?
Purpose: Look at the big picture – what sort of website/social media account is the information on? What’s the reason this information exists? Is it to teach/educate? Is it a business selling products? Is it an entertainment site?
When Grandma’s Well-Meaning Advice Just Isn’t Helpful
Look, we get it. Friends and relatives are devoted to the baby in the family and care deeply about them, and they show this by bombarding you with advice when lunch time comes around. Some of those tips might be brilliant. But constant unsolicited advice – especially if you’re feeling stressed about an element of your bub’s feeding journey- can be confusing, exhausting and just downright unhelpful. Your baby is YOUR baby, and you’re forging your path together. You are empowered to feed and nurture them as you see fit. Also remember that Auntie Trish probably thinks she’s helping. So take a couple of deep breaths, try not to get defensive, and remember she’s not judging you.
If you only see Auntie Trish once a year, maybe take a deep breath and nod politely. However, with relatives (or friends or carers) who will be around your little one a lot, it’s on you to gently inform them why you’re choosing to feed your baby the way you are- because you’re following the guidelines of evidence-based research. They are far less likely to be able to argue with facts. Be kind but firm with your responses to deflect unwanted advice:
‘Thanks for your input. I’ve decided to take x route’
‘I’ve heard that too. However, we’re doing x because evidence suggests x’
‘Thank you. We’re following our paediatricians guidelines on feeding’.
Change the subject or offer them a cup of tea and a biscuit if all else fails. Remember, as a parent, you know your child best, so do your research, test the CRAPP outta it, follow your intuition, and feed your baby with love your way. You got this, mama/papa.
Joyfull Mealtimes- Reliable Education You Can Trust
When you start solids for the first time with your baby, or if your little one has different feeding needs, the last thing you need is confusing, conflicting advice. You need to know how to judge the accuracy of all that information on social media. You can quickly assess whether that resource deserves your attention by administering the CRAPP test. Unsolicited advice from others can be tricky to navigate- but have confidence that you have everything you need to feed YOUR way. (If they get pushy, you could always send them this article!)
Because Joyfull Mealtimes is run by a paediatric speech pathologist and feeding therapist, when you read any of Joyfull’s blog or social media posts, you can rest assured you are accessing accurate, evidence-based information.Emma has been running her own Speech Pathology Practice, Raised with Joy, for over 3.5 years. She is also an Accredited Neuroprotective Developmental Care practitioner and deeply committed to providing evidence-based support for families and caregivers on their breastfeeding, bottle-feeding and/or tube-feeding journeys. Emma and the Joyfull team wholeheartedly believe that each family is beautifully unique, and they are committed to providing the latest innovative resources and support so that you can try what works for you.
We promise not to be high-chair hoverers, telling you what to do (or not to do), but to be committed to showing up with educational content you can trust for your feeding journey.
So, will you try the CRAPP test? Drop us a comment below to let us know.