Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 31, 2016
When I welcomed my first child into the world in 1991, parenting felt more like an improv show than a science experiment. My survival kit consisted of three essentials: 1) grandparents, 2) questionable intuition, and 3) enough Bacardi wine coolers to fill a kiddie pool. We relied on “What to Expect the First Year,” which was basically our parenting bible at the time.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I’ve had four more kids. Yes, there’s a whopping 22-year gap between my oldest and my youngest, who isn’t even 3 yet. Instead of heading off to enjoy the empty-nester life, I dove back into the chaotic world of diapers, 3 a.m. feedings, and all things baby.
In those two decades, parenting norms have shifted dramatically. Car seats are now more like high-tech fortresses, baby food is proudly organic, and it’s perfectly acceptable to let a baby cry it out. Spoiling a child? Not a concern anymore!
Yet, it’s fascinating to realize that many soothing techniques we once used are now viewed with skepticism—if not outright horror. Back then, we didn’t have YouTube tutorials or a million parenting books to tell us we might be doing it wrong. We just followed the lead of our parents and grandparents, blissfully unaware of what was to come. The new age of parenting has brought forth an array of gadgets—like crying analyzers and poop alarms—that make us wonder what our parents were thinking.
So, without further ado, here are eight old-school baby-soothing methods that today’s parents would likely raise an eyebrow at:
- Unbuckling the Car Seat while Driving
I know, I know. It sounds reckless, but if a kiddo was having a meltdown in the backseat, we’d often unbuckle them for a hot second to let them breathe. It was a gamble, and thankfully, we got lucky. Back then, passenger safety laws were still figuring themselves out. - Using Bumper Pads in Cribs
Bumper pads were believed to protect little ones from bumping their heads or getting stuck in the slats. We thought they were harmless—after all, they’d been around forever! Turns out, though, they’re now a big no-no due to safety concerns from the American Academy of Pediatrics. - Hanging a Mobile Over the Crib
Admit it: mobiles were more for decoration than anything else. Today’s models come with safety features, but back in the day, ours looked like they could cause an injury. They were flimsy and, honestly, just plain unsafe. - Putting Babies to Sleep on Their Bellies
We genuinely thought belly sleeping was fine—until science intervened. Now we know better: back is best for sleep. Don’t let Aunt Bertha’s old wives’ tales sway you. - Using Old-School Crank Swings
Swings from the ’80s and ’90s were basically glorified torture devices. You cranked them to get movement, and if you wanted to stop, you had to grab the swing and yank it. Not the safest option! - Picking Up the Baby at Every Cry
Back then, parents acted on instinct, whether that meant picking up a crying baby or letting them cry it out. Some believed it was best to comfort the baby immediately. Now, parents often face judgment either way. - Using Walkers Without Brakes
Once upon a time, baby walkers were the norm, allowing infants to zoom around without any brakes. It was chaos waiting to happen, and thankfully, we’ve evolved past that. - Dabbing Whiskey on Gums for Teething
I can’t believe this was ever considered acceptable! A little whiskey on the gums was thought to ease teething pains. Now, we know better—just grab a frozen washcloth instead.
I’ve had five kids, and not a single one sustained serious injuries on my watch. Although our soothing techniques may seem bizarre today, we all made it through. It’s reassuring to see the advancements in safety for today’s parents.
So, let’s skip the unnecessary gadgets like butt fans and instead focus on saving for that college fund. Trust me, your child will thank you later.
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Summary:
This article reflects on outdated baby-soothing methods that many parents used in the past, highlighting how safety standards and parenting practices have evolved over the years. While some techniques may have worked for past generations, modern parents now have access to safer options for their little ones.