When my first child arrived in 1991, parenting was less about following guidelines and more about improvisation—like wearing high-waisted pants without a plan! We leaned heavily on three essentials: 1) grandparents, 2) our own intuition (however flawed), and 3) a good dose of Bacardi wine coolers. “What to Expect the First Year” was our go-to survival manual.
Fast forward twenty-two years, and now I have five kids ranging from an adult to a toddler. Rather than enjoying the freedom of empty nesting, I found myself right back in the thick of diapers, sleepless nights, and endless baby care.
In those two decades, parenting norms have shifted dramatically. From car seats that felt like roller coaster rides to organic baby food, we’ve witnessed a revolution in how we care for our little ones. The strange advice we once received—like not picking up a crying baby for fear of spoiling them—seems almost absurd now.
As I reflect on the past, I realize that many soothing techniques we embraced have become questionable, if not outright frowned upon, in today’s parenting landscape. Let’s take a look at eight practices that would likely raise eyebrows among modern parents:
- Momentarily Unbuckling a Car Seat While Driving
Yes, we did this. If a child was having a meltdown in the backseat, we’d occasionally release the harness for a few moments of freedom—hoping it would calm them down. Back then, the first child passenger safety laws were only just beginning to be implemented. - Using Bumper Pads in Cribs
Bumper pads were thought to protect babies from bumping their heads and getting stuck between slats. We were blissfully unaware of the dangers they posed. Today, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics warn against their use—so skip them. - Hanging a Fragile Mobile Over the Crib
Mobiles were as much for decoration as for entertainment, often resembling precarious fishing rods dangling over a baby’s head. Today’s mobiles are safer and sturdier, with built-in safety features that we lacked twenty years ago. - Placing Baby on Their Stomach to Sleep
Back then, we believed belly-sleeping was fine. Now, studies have shown a clear link between this practice and SIDS. Regardless of what family traditions suggest, it’s best to stick with what science has proven safe. - Using Old-School Crank Swings
Baby swings from the past had only two settings: still or dizzying motion. We cranked them vigorously, unaware of the potential dangers they could pose. - Picking Up a Crying Baby Immediately
In a time without parental judgment, many parents instinctively picked up their crying babies. Today, opinions vary widely on this practice, but I firmly believe in nurturing and holding children when they need it. - Infant Walkers with No Brakes
Old-style infant walkers allowed babies to zoom around without any brakes. Thankfully, more secure options like activity centers became available later on, but walkers are still considered risky for development. - Applying Whiskey on Teething Gums
This was once a common practice, thought to soothe teething pain. Thankfully, we’ve moved away from such risky remedies, opting for safer alternatives like frozen washcloths.
I’ve raised five children, and thankfully, none have been seriously injured under my care. While our soothing methods may seem questionable by today’s standards, they survived. I’m grateful to see a shift toward safer products for new parents. But let’s leave the whiskey and crank swings in the past!
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Summary
Parenting has evolved significantly over the past couple of decades, with many old soothing techniques now considered outdated or unsafe. From unbuckling car seats to dabbing whiskey on teething gums, these practices reflect a different era of parenting. Today’s parents benefit from safer guidelines and products, ensuring a healthier environment for their children.