Alarming Trend: Nigerian Mothers Soothe Babies with Alcoholic Drinks

A disturbing video has gone viral on social media, showing a young mother feeding her infant alcoholic bitters, sparking widespread condemnation and concern. This practice, though not isolated, highlights a growing, silent epidemic in Nigeria where mothers use alcohol to calm their babies.

The Dangers of Alcohol for Infants

• Neurological Damage: Alcohol disrupts brain activity, impairs motor coordination, and causes developmental delays in children.
• Sleep Disturbances: Alcohol-induced stupor disrupts sleep cycles, increasing the risk of sleep apnea, hypoxia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Addiction: Early exposure to alcohol can lead to long-term dependencies and addiction.

Reasons Behind This Practice

• Cultural Myths: Some mothers believe that alcohol helps calm and strengthen their babies, often citing traditional practices.
• Ignorance: Many parents are unaware of the health hazards associated with giving alcohol to infants.
• Adult Behavior: Children often mimic adult behavior, and exposure to alcohol at a young age can normalize its use.

Expert Opinions

• Dr. Funke Adebayo: A pediatrician at University College Hospital Ibadan notes that many parents don’t understand that a child’s liver can’t process alcohol, which can lead to acute intoxication.
• Child Rights Advocate, Mrs. Mercy Yohan-Davidson: Confirms that this practice is common in some parts of Nigeria, particularly in low-income and rural communities.

Conclusion
The normalization of alcohol use to lull children to sleep is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Parents and caregivers need to be educated on the dangers of exposing infants to alcohol and the importance of promoting healthy habits from an early age.