As a parent who welcomed my first child in 1995, I can attest that parenting back then was less of a structured endeavor and more of a chaotic dance in high-waisted jeans. Our survival toolkit consisted of three essentials: 1) the wisdom of grandparents, 2) our own instincts (however misguided), and 3) a few too many cocktails at the end of the day. We leaned heavily on books like What to Expect the First Year, which offered our generation a semblance of guidance.
Fast forward twenty-eight years and I now have five children, with my youngest still under three. It’s a wild ride, to say the least! Instead of joining the ranks of empty nesters, I dove right back into the world of diaper changes and sleepless nights. With each passing year, parenting norms have evolved drastically. Car seats are now designed with advanced safety features, baby food is overwhelmingly organic, and the idea of letting a baby “cry it out” has become mainstream advice. Who would’ve thought we’d be told not to pick up our crying babies?
During my early parenting days, we didn’t have the wealth of resources available today, like YouTube tutorials or a plethora of parenting guides. We relied on the knowledge passed down through generations, often leading to some questionable practices. Here’s a list of eight baby soothing techniques from the past that today’s parents would likely find alarming.
1. Unbuckling the Car Seat While Driving
Yes, you read that right. If a baby started crying, it was not unusual to unbuckle them for a moment of freedom, believing it would calm them down. We did this before the first child passenger safety laws were enacted in the mid-’80s, which were riddled with loopholes. We were just trying to keep the peace!
2. Using Bumper Pads in Cribs
These were once thought to protect babies from bumping their heads or getting stuck in the slats. However, we didn’t consider the risks associated with them. Now, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics warn against their use, deeming them unsafe.
3. Hanging Unsafe Mobiles
Mobiles in the past were often flimsy and poorly designed. While they added a decorative touch to the nursery, they posed safety risks that we were blissfully unaware of. Nowadays, baby mobiles are designed with safety features to prevent accidents.
4. Placing Babies on Their Stomach to Sleep
Back then, it was widely accepted practice, and we were ignorant to the connection between belly sleeping and SIDS. Today, science has provided clear guidance against this method.
5. Cranking Flimsy Baby Swings
Baby swings from earlier decades had only two settings: off and “hold on tight!” The concept of adjustable speed was virtually nonexistent, yet we cranked them like there was no tomorrow.
6. Picking Up Babies at the First Cry
Parenting shaming wasn’t a thing back then, so picking up a crying baby was just instinctive. While some advocated for “crying it out,” I always felt that nurturing and holding my child was the way to go.
7. Using Walkers Without Safety Features
The infant walkers of the past were essentially swings on wheels, and without brakes! It wasn’t until the late ’90s that safety regulations began to change. Today, walkers are still regarded as potentially harmful to a baby’s development.
8. Applying Whiskey on Teething Gums
Dabbing whiskey on a baby’s gums for teething pain was once a common practice, often endorsed by even some pediatricians. Thankfully, we now know better and understand the risks associated with alcohol.
Despite the questionable methods we used, I’m grateful that none of my children suffered serious harm under my care. It’s reassuring to see that modern parenting emphasizes safety and well-being. If you’re interested in learning more about fertility options or home insemination, check out our other blog posts, like this one. You might also find valuable insights at Pacific Fertility Clinic, where they offer expert guidance on IVF and financing. For more in-depth information on pregnancy, visit the NHS for excellent resources.
In summary, parenting has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Many of the techniques once deemed acceptable are now seen as unsafe, highlighting the importance of adapting to new knowledge and practices.