Even now, there are some parenting tips that will make you raise your brows. Well, as we go back to old parenting tips– we’re talking 1900s old– you’ll surely do more than raise a brow. While some of these parenting tips are funny and unrealistic, others are downright ridiculous. In this article, we’ll highlight five of the most popular parenting tips from the 1900s.
Cuddling? Only sometimes
In the 1910s, parents were strongly discouraged from touching their babies; it was a general belief that constantly touching babies was a bad thing. It was a no-cuddling era.
Mothers were encouraged to put their newborns in oversized shoes before they could cuddle them. So, parents and older siblings had to restrict themselves from cuddling their adorable babies.
Limited movement was a thing
Since ancient times, pregnant women have been subjected to several rules; while some of these rules have solid, understandable explanations, others sound like they were made up. This ‘pregnant woman advice’ in the 1930s sure sounds made up.
During that time, traveling was something a pregnant woman shouldn’t do; they weren’t even able to take car rides. Any form of traveling was seen as a huge risk in the 1930s.
Babies needed solid ‘backbones’
The topic of baby names has always been one to raise controversies over the years; every decade or era had a common standard of how baby names should sound. Well, the 1920s weren’t an exception.
It was believed that baby names shouldn’t be ‘too soft’ during that era. Names that imply excess softness were seen as lacking backbone. Well, it’s a good thing it’s a thing of the past.
These cages did exist
Nowadays, the only cage in most homes is the puppy cage. But in the 1930s, baby cages were regular home accessories. They look exactly like they sound– portable (like an in-window air conditioner) and frightening.
Baby cages were made to allow babies in tall buildings to get some sunshine and fresh air. They were small porches that gave babies the outdoor exposure they needed. But did they have to be actual cages?
Thoughts are very important
In 1910, there was a strong emphasis on what pregnant and nursing mothers thought about. Pregnant moms were told to avoid thinking of ugly things if they wanted beautiful, adorable kids.
In the late 1910s, breastfeeding mother were advised against feeding their kids when they were angry. It was believed that breastfeeding a kid with angry thoughts gave babies colic.
