It may actually have risks, as it has been known to trigger severe asthma attacks and other hay fever-type reactions in those with plant and pollen allergies. Feeding infants cereal at night makes them sleep longer. Bedtime cereal does not increase sleep duration in young infants. Most pediatric sleep researchers feel that long-term sleep is a function of the maturing nervous system and temperament. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, cereal and other solids should not be started until 4 to 6 months of age in order to reduce the risk of allergies and obesity.
Teething often causes a fever.
Medical experts from Hippocrates to Benjamin Spock theorized that teething children suffered from fever, diarrhea and colds, especially when cutting their eye teeth. However, recent research has not shown a relationship between teething and the onset of such symptoms. When in a car, the safest place for a child is in an adult's arms. The back seat of a vehicle is the safest place for a child of any age to ride. It is imperative, however, for children to be placed in the proper restraint, either an approved car seat or, for children over four years old or 40 pounds, in a seat belt.