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Though the procedure is performed safely on babies, many parents have reported medical complications, like redness, cuts, rashes, infections, and irritation.
Now, the question arises- How to honour the tradition without risking your baby’s life?
Let’s discuss the myths, benefits, and precautions during the Mundan to avoid severe side effects and make the ritual a memorable experience.
What are the Common Myths Around Mundan?
Beliefs (or myths) are passed down through generations. While these misconceptions have some cultural significance, they are no closer to any scientific reason. Here are three common myths about shaving your baby’s head.Myth #1: The Child Will Have a Better Future
Does shaving a baby’s head have any relation to their future? It sounds strange, and that’s because it is! Instead, a child’s future entirely depends on their “karma”, present actions, and upbringing. Think about it! If that’s the case, then every child in India would have been successful. But life doesn’t work that way.Myth #2: Skipping Mundan Will Bring Bad Luck or Negativity
Many parents believe that skipping the mundan will bring bad luck to the baby’s life. However, in real life, bad luck or negativity depends on the child's future karma. Always keep in mind that a child’s happiness depends on how well you treat them. Even if the child has been given care, love, and development, they can take a negative path, whether their head is shaved or not.Myth #3: Shaving a Baby’s Hair Will Make It Grow Thicker
It’s the common myth widespread among Indian households. Parents believe that shaving their baby’s hair will regrow into darker and thicker hair. That’s not the case. The quality of your child’s hair completely depends on their hair texture, thickness, and genetics. In short, if parents have strong and shiny hair, the baby is more likely to have it.What are the Major Benefits of a Mundan?
Though not all claims are scientifically proven, some benefits of shaving a baby’s hair have logic, if it’s done safely. Here are the logical benefits of performing your child’s mundan.- Regulate Body TemperatureIndia is known for its hot, humid climate. Performing mundan is the best way to beat the heat and stay cool. Remember that babies sweat more on their scalp, and shaving their heads improves air circulation and regulates their body temperature.
- Reduce Uneven Hair GrowthIt’s common for babies to have uneven hair on their heads. Shaving their hair is the best way to remove uneven hair and replace it with more even (or uniform) hair growth. That’s all shaving does to the hair! It has simply no impact on the texture, thickness, and density of your baby’s hair.
Better Vitamin D Absorption
Doctors suggest exposing your little one to sunlight in the early morning to help in better vitamin D absorption, which is beneficial for their bone health. However, avoid prolonged or extreme sun exposure.
Tip: Always consult a certified medical professional before taking your baby out in the sunlight without clothes or hair.
What Medical Precautions Should Be Taken Before Performing Mundan?
Shaving your baby’s head is an auspicious ceremony which should be performed with multiple things in mind. Here are the medical precautions to be taken before a mundan ceremony.- Consider Your Baby’s AgeGenerally, a mundan ceremony is performed between 6 months and 1 year after the baby’s scalp is fully developed. A child can bear mild discomfort at such an age. However, you should still consult a certified paediatrician or a healthcare professional to check whether your baby is ready for mundan.
- Use Clean EquipmentWhether you’re performing a head shaving ceremony at home or at a religious place, always ensure that scissors or razors are properly sterilised. Using dirty or contaminated instruments can cause skin irritation, cuts, or even severe infections.
- Hygiene is KeyAlways clean your baby’s scalp before shaving their head to keep bacteria at bay. Once the mundan is done, use a mild antiseptic or a baby-safe lotion to clean the shaved head. Don’t simply rush into any ordinary lotion. Ask your doctor beforehand.
- Watch Out For ReactionsOnce the mundan is done, monitor your baby’s scalp for a few days to watch out for redness, irritation, red bumps, or rashes. Though mild discomfort is normal, if the situation worsens, consult a medical professional immediately.
Mundan is an everyday Hindu ritual widely practised in almost every Indian household. While spiritual beliefs are hard to ignore, taking necessary precautions is crucial to protect your baby from severe side effects.
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FAQs on Shaving Baby’s Head (Mundan): Myths, Benefits, and Precautions
- Is it necessary to perform your baby’s mundan?
No, it’s not necessary to perform your baby’s mundan. It’s just a common ritual performed in Indian households. If you can, simply avoid it. - How long does it take to regrow your baby’s hair after a mundan?
It generally takes a month to see visible hair on your baby’s head after a mundan. - Is a mundan performed only on baby boys?
No, a mundan can be performed on both baby boys and girls.