When my first child arrived in 1991, parenting felt more like an art form than a science. We leaned on three essentials for survival: 1) the wisdom of grandparents, 2) our own instincts (however flawed), and 3) the occasional Bacardi wine cooler. We relied heavily on What to Expect the First Year—the go-to guide for our generation navigating the early days of parenthood.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself in a similar situation, with a new baby just shy of three years old, twenty-two years after my first. Instead of embracing the freedom of an empty nest, I dove headfirst back into the world of sleepless nights and diaper changes.
In those intervening years, the landscape of parenting has transformed dramatically. Car seats are now engineered for safety, baby food is organic, and the notion of letting a baby “cry it out” has become more widely accepted. Gone are the days of thinking we could spoil a baby by picking them up!
As I reflect on the past two decades, I’m struck by how some of our soothing techniques would be met with disbelief today. We thought our methods were beneficial, guided by the practices of those before us. We didn’t have the plethora of parenting resources available now, like videos and countless manuals. We certainly weren’t equipped with the innovative gadgets that define modern parenting—crying analyzers, poop alarms, and even butt fans! (Seriously, do we really need those?)
Here are eight old-school methods for calming babies that would likely cause modern parents to raise an eyebrow:
- Momentarily Unbuckling the Car Seat
I can hear the gasps now. Yet, there were times when a child’s tantrum in the backseat led us to briefly unlatch their car seat. A moment of freedom often calmed them down—though we now know that’s a risky move. - Using Crib Bumper Pads
We believed bumper pads would protect babies from injury and create a cozy environment. However, today’s experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, warn against them due to safety risks. - Hanging a Flimsy Mobile
While we enjoyed the aesthetic appeal of mobiles, the safety standards of yesteryear were laughable. Today’s mobiles are designed with sturdiness in mind, unlike the precarious versions of the past. - Belly Sleeping
Once thought harmless, research has now shown that placing babies on their stomachs to sleep significantly increases the risk of SIDS. Modern guidelines advocate for back sleeping instead. - Flimsy Crank Swings
Old-school baby swings were notorious for their lack of safety features. We would crank them as fast as we could to keep our babies entertained, oblivious to the potential dangers. - Picking Up Babies Immediately When They Cry
Back then, parents didn’t face the same level of judgment for their choices. Some believed in soothing their babies immediately, while others let them cry it out. Personally, I always preferred to comfort my child. - Using Unsafe Infant Walkers
Infant walkers that allowed babies to zoom around like speed demons—with no brakes—were all the rage. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that safer alternatives started to emerge. - Dabbing Whiskey on Gums
In the past, it was common to apply whiskey to soothe a teething baby’s gums. Thankfully, we now understand the risks involved and can rely on safer alternatives like a frozen washcloth.
As a medical professional who has witnessed these trends, I can assure you that while my methods might have seemed questionable, my children emerged unscathed. It’s reassuring to see that today’s parents have access to safer products and practices. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this resource. For authoritative information on self-insemination techniques, visit this link. Additionally, for further insights on fertility treatments, this article is an excellent resource.
It’s clear that while parenting techniques evolve, the love and care we provide for our children remain timeless.
Summary
This article reflects on outdated parenting techniques for soothing babies, highlighting eight methods that would raise eyebrows today. From unbuckling car seats to dabbing whiskey on gums, we explore how parenting has shifted towards safer practices.