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8 Outdated Soothing Methods That Today’s Parents Would Side-Eye
Reflecting on my parenting journey, I can’t help but chuckle at the parenting practices we thought were gospel back in the early ’90s when my first child was born. Parenting felt more like an unpredictable adventure than a meticulously planned endeavor. Our survival kit included three essentials: 1) wise grandparents, 2) our own quirky instincts, and 3) a healthy stash of Bacardi wine coolers, a nod to the iconic book What to Expect the First Year—the ultimate guide for our generation.
Fast forward two decades and I found myself diving back into the wild world of diaper changes and midnight feedings with my youngest, who is not even 3. The gap between my oldest and youngest is a whopping 22 years—how wild is that? Instead of enjoying a carefree empty nest, I leaped headfirst back into parenting chaos.
In those intervening years, everything has shifted. Car seats are now designed with the latest safety features, baby food is organic, and the popular concept of letting babies cry it out has emerged. Remember when we were told not to pick up a crying infant for fear of spoiling them? Oh, how times have changed!
As I revisited the art of baby soothing, I was surprised to discover that some methods we once considered standard are now raising eyebrows. Here are eight antiquated techniques that would certainly make today’s parents cringe:
- Unbuckling the car seat while driving
Horror-stricken yet? We did it! If a child was wailing in the back, it wasn’t uncommon to unlatch their harness for a moment of freedom—just long enough for them to calm down. Back then, car seat laws were in their infancy, and we merely winged it. - Using crib bumper pads
We thought these were the ultimate solution to protect little noggins from crib slats. Bumper pads provided a swaddled feel, right? Nope! Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against them due to safety concerns. Lesson learned. - Hanging flimsy mobiles
These were more about the nursery aesthetic than safety. With toys hanging precariously, we had no idea how unsafe they were until much later. Today’s mobiles are designed with sturdiness and safety in mind. - Putting babies to sleep on their bellies
We believed belly sleeping was just fine until research connected it to SIDS. Now, it’s all about placing babies on their backs for a safer sleep. - Rocking babies in unsafe swings
These old-school swings had two settings: still and whiplash. We cranked them with gusto, blissfully unaware of the risks involved. - Scooping up babies at the first cry
There was a time when parenting wasn’t marred by judgment. Some parents picked their babies up, while others let them cry it out. I always preferred to comfort—sorry, not sorry! - Using walkers that zoomed without brakes
Infant walkers from yesteryears allowed babies to fly around like they were in a Fast & Furious movie. Thankfully, better alternatives have come along since then. - Dabbing whiskey on teething gums
Yes, we really did that! Back in the day, a little whiskey seemed harmless for teething pain, but now we know better. It’s safer to stick with a frozen washcloth instead.
Having five kids means I’ve been through the wringer, and while my soothing techniques may have been a bit questionable, none of my children faced serious harm. I’m relieved to see that today’s parents have access to safer alternatives and products that simplify parenting.
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In summary, while some of our old-school baby soothing methods may seem absurd today, they were born from a place of love and instinct. As we continue to evolve in our parenting journey, let’s celebrate the safer practices available now while keeping a light-hearted perspective on our past adventures.