When I welcomed my first baby in 1991, parenting felt more like an improvised performance than a structured routine. My survival kit included three essentials: 1) grandparents, 2) our own instincts (no matter how quirky), and 3) Bacardi wine coolers — the unofficial guide to surviving that first year. Fast forward to now, I’m parenting my fifth child, with a 22-year gap between my oldest and my youngest, who is still under 3. Instead of sipping cocktails on a cruise, I found myself knee-deep in diapers and late-night feedings all over again.
In the two decades between my first and my youngest, everything shifted dramatically. Car seats evolved from resembling amusement park rides to being safety-first designs, baby food went organic, and the idea of letting a baby “cry it out” became mainstream. What? You mean we can’t dip the pacifier in wine anymore? Well, this is a surprise!
As I navigated through the past twenty years, I realized that some of the baby-soothing techniques we once relied on are now seen as questionable. We were definitely on the brink of a parenting revolution back then, with a focus transitioning from convenience to safety. Here are eight vintage soothing methods that today’s parents might find a bit hard to digest:
1. Unbuckling a Car Seat While Driving
I can hear the gasps! Yes, we did it. If a baby began to wail in the backseat, we’d occasionally unbuckle them for a short reprieve. Sometimes, a little freedom would calm them down. This was before strict passenger safety laws took effect in 1985, which were rather lenient at best.
2. Using Crib Bumper Pads
We believed bumper pads were essential for preventing little heads from bumping against the crib’s edges and keeping tiny limbs from getting stuck. Little did we know that those seemingly harmless pads posed a significant risk. Nowadays, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against their use.
3. Hanging Unsuitable Mobiles Over Cribs
Back in the day, mobiles were more about aesthetics than safety. They dangled precariously above a baby’s crib, often looking like a fishing pole on the verge of collapse. Today’s mobiles are designed with safety features and sturdiness in mind, a far cry from what we had.
4. Placing Babies on Their Stomach to Sleep
We thought we were following tradition, but studies have since shown that stomach sleeping is linked to SIDS. So, regardless of what Grandma says, it’s best to lay babies on their backs.
5. Relying on Old-School Crank Swings
The swings of the past had only two settings: still or whiplash-inducing speed. We cranked them up, often sending babies flying. Thankfully, modern swings have adjustable speeds and safety features that keep babies secure.
6. Scooping Up a Crying Baby Immediately
In my parenting era, there was no shame in picking up a crying baby. It was a personal choice, and I stood by my instinct to comfort my children. Today, there’s more pressure to choose between methods, but I still believe in nurturing.
7. Using Infant Walkers Without Brakes
Those early infant walkers allowed babies to zoom around like little race cars — with no brakes! It wasn’t until years later that safer alternatives were introduced, and even now, walkers are frowned upon for their risks.
8. Dabbing Whiskey on Teething Gums
Yes, we thought it was a good idea to soothe teething pain with a little whiskey. Pediatricians even accepted this back then. But in today’s world, it’s clear that alcohol is a no-go for babies. Opt for a frozen washcloth instead, much safer!
Having raised five children, I’m proud to say that none have suffered serious injuries under my watch. While our soothing techniques may have been a little questionable, my kids turned out just fine. I’m grateful for the advancements in baby products and techniques that today’s parents can utilize. And hey, skip the butt fan and focus on starting a college fund instead — your child will appreciate it!
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Summary: Parenting practices have evolved significantly over the years, with many once-common soothing techniques now considered unsafe. From unbuckling car seats to dabbing whiskey on gums, the past was filled with questionable methods. Today’s parents benefit from better knowledge and safer products, ensuring a healthier environment for their little ones.