Four Crazy Baby TikTok Trends

That you need to avoid

Alright folks, let’s talk about those parenting hacks that make you question reality: the ones that creep into your social media feeds and make you wonder if you somehow missed the memo on common sense. I’ve chatted with a parade of experts and parents on my Baby Tribe podcast, so I’ve seen (and heard) it all. Some tips are gold science-backed, safe, and actually practical. Others? Let’s just say they should be tossed into the “Nope, Not Today, Or Ever” pile.

Recently, there are four particularly odd trends making the rounds on Tik Tok:

1. Slathering Babies with Butter for Better Sleep

2. Dangling Babies Upside Down at the Chiropractor

3. Stashing Onions in Baby Socks as a Cure-All

4. Using Detox Drops or Sprays to Remove Heavy Metals

Let’s roll up our sleeves and figure out what’s legit and what’s looney tunes.

1. The “Butter Up Your Baby for Sleep” Trend

The Claim
Apparently, rubbing plain ol’ butter on a baby or feeding it to them before bedtime is supposed to magically help them sleep longer. The rationale? Fatty foods “keep them full” and “calm their little nerves.”

Reality Check
Look, I’m all for a buttery croissant, but let’s not go buttering up babies like they’re a slice of toast. There is absolutely zero credible scientific backing for this. Babies absolutely need healthy fats to develop those adorable chubby thighs and big brains—but breast milk or formula already has them covered. Adding unnecessary butter (especially too early or in large quantities) could cause tummy troubles and doesn’t solve sleep woes. Lumps of butter can also be a chocking hazard.

The Real Deal on Baby Sleep
Infant sleep has more to do with their developing circadian rhythms, consistent routines, and simply that they’re brand-new humans who think 3 a.m. is a great time to party. If you’re having nighttime battles, try focusing on a calming bedtime routine, and ensuring your baby is feeding well—not slapping a slab of butter on the menu.

Verdict
This butter trend is a slippery myth. If you’re tempted to test it out, just remember: No amount of butter is going to override a baby’s natural sleep pattern. Plus, you’ll end up with greasy sheets and a confused paediatrician.

2. Hanging Babies Upside Down at the Chiropractor

The Claim
Some chiropractors (and their social media fan clubs) say that suspending a baby upside down can align their spine, ease colic, treat reflux, and probably make them the next Cirque du Soleil star. It’s definitely a spectacle, but is it actually safe or effective?

Reality Check
Let’s put this bluntly: Infant spines and joints are still developing, so dangling them like a piñata can do more harm than good. Reputable paediatricians aren’t high fiving this practice; in fact, most medical professionals caution against infant chiropractic adjustments altogether, especially if it involves flipping a baby upside down like you’re making a pizza.

But My Friend Swears It Works
Personal anecdotes can be powerful, but they’re not proof. If you’re dealing with a colicky or reflux-prone baby, science-backed solutions include things like adjusting feeding positions, burping effectively, or consulting a paediatric physiotherapist. A real pro will demonstrate gentle exercises and positioning, not trapeze acts.

Verdict
A hard pass. Don’t let your baby dangle like a bungee jumper. If your little one seems uncomfortable or overly fussy, talk to an actual paediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider who relies on real research, not viral videos.

3. Onions in a Baby’s Socks to Cure Illness

The Claim
Stuff onion slices in your baby’s socks before bedtime, and voilà—no more colds, fevers, or congestion. The onion is supposed to absorb “toxins” through the feet.

Reality Check
If you’re like me, you probably chuckled at the idea of onion foot therapy. There’s no solid science behind it—none whatsoever. Sure, onions have some antimicrobial properties when eaten, but that does not magically transfer through sock contact. It’s like thinking that sleeping with a pizza box on your head will ward off migraines because pepperoni is anti-inflammatory (it’s not, by the way).

So, What Actually Helps?
For the sniffles and minor illnesses, try saline nasal drops, warm baths, proper hydration, and a paediatric-approved fever reducer when necessary. A humidifier can also help clear stuffy noses. These methods might not go viral on TikTok, but they’re backed by actual medical evidence.

Verdict
Save the onions for your spaghetti sauce. Otherwise, your baby’s feet will smell like a sub shop, and you’ll be left with the same cold you started with.

4. Heavy Metal Detox Sprays for Babies

The Claim
Some influencers swear that your baby is filled with toxic heavy metals from vaccines, baby food, or just existing—and that a few drops of “detox spray” will flush it all out. According to them, this magical potion can cure speech delays, improve behavior, and probably teach your toddler calculus overnight.

Reality Check
There is zero scientific evidence that normal developmental delays are caused by heavy metal toxicity—unless your child has been licking lead paint, there’s no need for “detoxing.” Actual cases of heavy metal poisoning are rare and require real medical treatment, not some mystery spray from a TikTok shop. Even worse, some of these products contain chelating agents (and other heavy metals), which can strip the body of essential nutrients, leading to serious health risks.

But That One Mum on Instagram Swears It Works!
Anecdotes aren’t evidence. Kids develop at their own pace, and if someone’s child started talking after using detox drops, it’s called coincidence, not a cure. Speech delays are best addressed with speech therapy, early intervention, and actual science—not overpriced snake oil.

Verdict
Put down the detox drops and step away from the nonsense. Your child’s liver and kidneys are already expert detox machines. The only thing these sprays are cleansing is your bank account.

Final Thoughts: Check the Facts Before You Leap

Parenting hacks can be incredibly tempting—especially when you’re sleep-deprived, stressed out, and searching for any quick fix. But not every viral tip or old wives’ tale is worth your time (or your baby’s comfort). Here are three questions I like to ask before trying something new:

1. Is there any legitimate, scientific support for this idea?

2. Would a paediatrician look me in the eye and say, “Sounds good!”?

3. Could this damage my baby’s health or well-being?

If the answer to #1 is “no,” or to #3 is “yes,” run away. Fast. Don’t let social media stunts or family folklore override common sense and medical advice. Babies are tough, but they’re also incredibly vulnerable—and they trust us to make smart decisions on their behalf.

So, next time you hear about a so-called miracle remedy involving butter, onions, or baby acrobatics, take a step back and remember: science beats sensationalism every single time. If in doubt, call your paediatrician. Always. After all, your baby deserves real solutions—not just viral theatrics.