Sayyadina Anas RA concerning his maternal brother – in which Aboo Talhah said to him: “Carry him to the Prophet” and he sent some dates along with him. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) took him and said: “Is there anything with him?”. He said: “Yes, some dates.” So Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) took and chewed them, then took them from his mouth and then placed them in the baby’s mouth, rubbing his palate with them and he named him ‘Abdullaah.” And in another narration: “So the baby began to lick it, so the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Ansaar have a love of dates” (BUKHARI & MUSLIM)

BBC News has reported that “experts” have said – “A dose of sugar given as a gel rubbed into the inside of the cheek is a cheap and effective way to protect premature babies against brain damage” Link to the article – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24224206