It is likely that most healthcare consumers and patients feel that their doctor’s sage advice is based on years of medical school, and then residency, followed by private practice. For the most part, this is true. Doctors know more than we do because of their years of expert training and experience. But, a recent article in CNN.com’s Empowered Patient column informed parents when pediatricians’ recommendations are merely opinions and not based in medical fact.

In the article “When it’s OK to question your pediatrician’s advice,” Elizabeth Cohen highlights five parenting issues “where there’s plenty of room to disagree with the pediatrician.” These areas are:

1. Don’t pick up your baby in the middle of the night
2. Baby should be at home with mom
3. Don’t give your baby “triple nipple confusion”
4. Your baby must eat solid foods by 6 months
5. You must take the pacifier away

Dr. Robert Needlman, co-author of the latest edition of Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, states, “If you're not sure if you're getting fact or opinion, ask. You can challenge your pediatrician along the lines of saying, 'That advice you gave me doesn't feel comfortable to me. Can we talk about some other options?’"