13 Outdated Parenting Tips That Were Shockingly Common
Here's a look at once-common parenting tips that are now considered unsafe, outdated, or even dangerous by today’s standards.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Parenting advice has evolved dramatically over the last century, with many once-normal practices now seen as harmful. From giving babies whiskey to skipping seat belts, these outdated tips reveal how much our understanding of safety, health, and child development has changed. While some were rooted in good intentions, science and modern research have replaced them with safer, evidence-based guidance.
1. Putting Whiskey in a Baby’s Bottle
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In the early to mid-1900s, some parents believed a small splash of whiskey in a baby’s bottle could soothe teething pain or help them sleep. This practice was passed down through generations despite the clear dangers of alcohol to developing brains. Modern medicine now warns that even tiny amounts of alcohol can harm infants.
2. Letting Babies Sleep on Their Stomachs
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For decades, parents were told to place babies face down in their cribs to help them sleep soundly. This advice was widely accepted until research in the 1990s linked stomach-sleeping to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Today, pediatricians recommend always putting babies on their backs to sleep.
3. Skipping Car Seats Entirely
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Before car seat laws became standard in the 1980s and 90s, many children rode on a parent’s lap or bounced freely in the backseat. Some parents even believed holding a child tightly during a crash would be enough to protect them. Now, strict car seat regulations and safety tests make this unthinkable.
4. Using Soap to Wash Out a Child’s Mouth
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Decades ago, washing a child’s mouth with soap was considered a quick way to stop “bad language” or backtalk. Many parents swore by this method, thinking it would teach instant respect. However, it risked poisoning, caused burns to the mouth, and is now considered abusive.
5. Leaving Children Alone in the Car While Running Errands
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It was once common for parents to leave children waiting in a parked car while they shopped or paid bills. The mindset was that “they’ll be fine for a few minutes.” Today, laws and safety campaigns stress the dangers of heatstroke, abduction, and accidents.
6. Putting Honey in a Baby’s Pacifier
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Many parents used to dip pacifiers in honey to calm fussy babies or encourage them to use the pacifier. While sweet, this practice could expose infants to botulism, a serious and sometimes fatal illness. Medical experts now warn against giving honey to any child under 1 year old.
7. Feeding Solid Food to Newborns
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In the 1950s and 60s, baby food companies encouraged parents to introduce cereal or mashed vegetables as early as 4 weeks old. Advertisements claimed it would help babies grow stronger and sleep through the night. We now know early solids can harm digestion and increase allergy risks.
8. Believing Sun Exposure Was Always Healthy
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Parents once thought plenty of sun was vital for children’s health, often sending kids outside for hours without sunscreen. While sunshine helps with vitamin D production, overexposure increases the risk of skin damage and cancer. Now, sun protection is a cornerstone of child health advice.
9. Letting Kids Roam the Neighborhood Unsupervised All Day
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In the 1970s and 80s, it was normal for children to leave home in the morning, play outside for hours, and return at dinner. Parents believed this independence built character and resilience. Although it did foster freedom, today’s concerns about safety have greatly reduced unsupervised play.
10. Encouraging Left-Handed Kids to Switch Hands
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For decades, left-handedness was seen as a flaw or even bad luck. Teachers and parents often forced children to write or eat with their right hand. We now know that handedness is natural, and forcing a switch can cause learning and coordination issues.
11. Ignoring Seat Belts Altogether
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Before seat belt campaigns took off in the late 20th century, many parents saw buckling up as unnecessary for short trips. Kids would sit on armrests, in the front seat, or even on the floor of the car. Today, seat belts are a legal and non-negotiable safety standard.
12. Using Baby Walkers for Faster Walking
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Parents once believed putting babies in wheeled walkers would help them learn to walk sooner. Research has shown they can actually delay walking and cause dangerous falls down stairs. Most health organizations now advise against their use entirely.
13. Letting Babies Cry It Out Without Comfort
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A strict “cry it out” approach, popular in certain parenting circles decades ago, encouraged leaving infants to cry for long periods without soothing them. Some believed this would teach babies independence. Modern experts recommend responsive caregiving, as prolonged distress can impact emotional development.