1. Putting Whiskey on Teething Gums
For years, parents were told to rub a little whiskey on a baby’s gums to soothe teething pain. It was believed the alcohol would numb the discomfort and help the baby sleep. In reality, it did more harm than good.
Doctors later warned against alcohol for infants, pointing out its risks to health and development. Still, this was one of those remedies almost everyone had heard of. It shows just how far medical advice has come.
2. Baby Sleeping on the Stomach
In the mid-20th century, many doctors suggested placing babies on their stomachs to sleep. The belief was that it reduced choking if they spit up. Parents were reassured it was the safest position.
Later research linked stomach sleeping to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Today, the “Back to Sleep” campaign advises the exact opposite. It’s one of the most striking reversals in child-rearing advice.
3. Exposure to the Sun for “Health”
Parents were once told to put babies in direct sunlight daily to promote strong bones. The idea was to boost Vitamin D naturally. Sunscreen was rarely considered part of the equation.
Doctors later pointed out the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. While sunshine in moderation can help, the old advice was far too casual about safety. Many of us remember the sting of a childhood sunburn as proof.
4. Rice Cereal in Bottles to Help Babies Sleep
It was common for parents to slip rice cereal into bottles, hoping babies would sleep through the night. Doctors and family elders alike pushed the idea. It was thought to keep infants fuller for longer.
Later, pediatricians warned that it increased choking risks and didn’t actually improve sleep. It also added unnecessary calories too soon. Today, most experts recommend waiting until solids are introduced naturally.
5. Using Lard or Butter on Burns
For minor burns, parents were often told to smear on butter or lard. It was supposed to soothe the pain and speed healing. Instead, it trapped heat and sometimes caused infection.
Doctors eventually clarified that cool running water is the best first aid. Still, kitchens across America had kids with “buttered” burns at one time or another. It was a folksy fix that didn’t stand the test of time.
6. Letting Babies Cry Themselves to Sleep Immediately
Some parenting books from decades past urged parents to ignore a baby’s cries right from the start. The theory was that responding would “spoil” the child. Parents were told to tough it out, no matter how hard it was to listen.
Modern advice is more nuanced, recognizing the importance of bonding and comfort in the early months. While sleep training has its place later, the old approach was often too harsh too soon. It made parenting harder for everyone involved.
7. No Water During Hot Days for Babies
Decades ago, parents were told that babies should not be given water at all, even in hot weather. Milk or formula was seen as the only source of hydration. Families in warm climates often worried but followed instructions.
Doctors later clarified that while very young babies do get hydration from milk, small amounts of water can be important in extreme heat. The strict “no water” rule caused confusion. Thankfully, advice today is clearer and more balanced.
8. Early Toilet Training
In the 1950s and ’60s, many parents felt pressure to toilet train children as early as possible—sometimes before the age of one. Doctors suggested it built discipline and independence. Parents were praised for success and criticized if kids took “too long.”
Research later showed that forcing the process often backfired, leading to stress and setbacks. Today, readiness cues from the child guide the process instead. It’s a gentler, more effective approach.
9. Using Sugar Water for Fussiness
Sugar water was once a go-to solution for cranky babies. Doctors and nurses recommended it to soothe fussiness, hiccups, or even mild pain. It was easy, cheap, and widely accepted.
Later, medical experts pointed out that it did little except train babies to crave sweetness. It masked problems instead of solving them. What seemed like a cure-all was just a sugary distraction.
10. Putting Baby Car Seats in the Front Seat
When car seats became more common in the ’60s and ’70s, many parents were told it was fine to place them in the front seat. The thinking was that parents could keep a closer eye on the baby. Back then, safety standards were far looser.
Today, we know the front seat is one of the most dangerous spots for a child because of airbags and crash impact. Rear-facing backseat placement is now the standard. It’s a stark reminder of how far safety has advanced.
11. Skipping Vaccines for “Healthy” Kids
Some doctors in earlier decades suggested that strong, healthy children didn’t need every vaccination. Parents were reassured that their child’s “robust” constitution was enough. It was advice many followed.
Modern medicine has made it clear that skipping vaccines puts both the child and the community at risk. This outdated suggestion left kids vulnerable to preventable illnesses. Today, the importance of immunization is firmly established.
12. Tight Swaddling for Straight Legs
Parents were once encouraged to swaddle babies tightly with their legs bound straight. The idea was that it would prevent bowlegs and help posture. Generations of infants were wrapped like tiny logs.
Doctors later realized that restricting movement this way could harm hip development. Now, swaddling is recommended in looser, safer ways. What seemed like a preventative measure was actually harmful.