A Simple Guide for New Parents: UK Parenting Advice Then and Now (Birth to 2 Years)
Becoming a parent is an exciting and overwhelming time, especially during your baby's first two years. Most of the parents who visit us were born in the 1990’s so we thought we would bring you a post about how ideas have changed since you were all little!
Over the past few decades, advice for parents has changed quite a bit. Here’s a friendly guide to help you see how things have evolved, from the 1990s to today, so you can navigate this wonderful journey with confidence.
- Feeding Your Baby: Breastfeeding or Bottle?
1990s: Formula Was Common
Back in the 1990s, many parents used formula milk to feed their babies. While breastfeeding was recommended, it wasn’t as strongly pushed as it is today. Formula was seen as a reliable and convenient alternative.
- Breastfeeding: Suggested, but formula feeding was common if breastfeeding was difficult.
- Bottle feeding: A widely accepted option with lots of parents using it.
2024: Breastfeeding Is Encouraged, But Formula is Fine Too
Today, the NHS encourages breastfeeding because of the health benefits for both mum and baby. They recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months, but if that doesn’t work for you, formula feeding is a perfectly safe option too!
- Breastfeeding: Great for baby’s immune system and bonding, but don’t worry if it’s not for you—there’s lots of support available.
- Bottle feeding: Still a valid option, with clear guidance on how to prepare formula safely.
Pro Tip: Feed your baby when they’re hungry (called "feeding on demand"), whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
- Sleep Advice: Getting Your Baby to Sleep
1990s: Sleep Schedules and "Crying It Out"
In the 1990s, parents were often told to follow a strict sleep schedule and let their babies cry it out to teach them to sleep on their own. Babies were often moved to their own room early.
- Strict sleep routines: Parents aimed for longer stretches of sleep as early as possible.
- Cry it out: A common method to teach babies to self-soothe.
2024: Focus on Safe Sleep and Comforting Baby
Today, sleep advice is all about keeping babies safe and comforting them when they need you. Parents are encouraged to have their baby sleep in the same room for the first 6 months and always put them on their back to sleep.
- Safe sleep: Put baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib, without pillows or toys.
- Room sharing: It’s recommended to keep baby in your room for at least the first 6 months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Gentle soothing: Comfort your baby when they cry. Sleep training, if you choose to do it, is usually done later and in gentler ways.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about sleep schedules right away—responding to your baby’s needs helps build trust.
- Bonding with Your Baby: Attachment vs. Independence
1990s: Letting Babies Learn Independence
In the 1990s, parents were sometimes advised not to pick up their baby too much, as it could make them dependent. The idea was to encourage babies to be more independent.
- Less carrying: Some thought holding or soothing too much might spoil the baby.
- Self-soothing: Babies were encouraged to comfort themselves, even if it meant crying for a bit.
2024: Building a Strong Emotional Bond
Today, parents are encouraged to bond closely with their babies. Holding, cuddling, and comforting your baby helps them feel secure and loved, which is important for their emotional development.
- Attachment parenting: Close contact like cuddling, babywearing, and comforting when baby cries are seen as great for bonding.
- Responding to cries: It’s okay to pick up and comfort your baby when they cry—it helps them feel safe.
Pro Tip: There’s no such thing as spoiling a baby with love. Hold them close and respond to their needs.
- Health and Development: Tracking Milestones
1990s: Focus on Physical Milestones
In the 1990s, parents focused mainly on physical milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking. There wasn’t as much talk about emotional or cognitive development in those early years.
- Physical growth: Things like weight, height, and motor skills (rolling, sitting, crawling) were the main focus.
2024: A Holistic Approach
Today, it’s not just about physical growth. Health visitors will check how your baby is developing emotionally, socially, and mentally too. They’ll look at things like how your baby communicates, responds to you, and plays.
- Holistic checks: Development now includes emotional and social milestones, like how baby interacts and responds to the world around them.
Pro Tip: Every baby is different, so don’t stress if yours doesn’t hit milestones exactly on time. Your health visitor will help guide you.
- Playtime and Physical Activity: Encouraging Development
1990s: Simple Toys and Unstructured Play
In the 1990s, babies were encouraged to play with simple toys and spend time moving around to help with physical development.
- Basic play: Simple toys like rattles and walkers were common.
- Physical development: Babies were encouraged to practice crawling, standing, and walking.
2024: Play as Learning
Now, play is all about stimulating your baby’s brain as well as their body. Sensory toys, tummy time, and interactive activities are encouraged from early on to help with your baby’s overall development.
- Tummy time: This helps build muscle strength and prevents flat spots on your baby’s head.
- Sensory play: Toys and activities that engage your baby’s senses are great for brain development.
Pro Tip: Make playtime fun and let your baby explore at their own pace. It’s a key part of their learning.
Final Thoughts
Parenting advice has come a long way, and today, it’s all about creating a safe, loving, and responsive environment for your baby. Whether it’s feeding, sleep, or play, the most important thing is to follow your instincts, seek support when you need it, and remember that every baby is unique. You’ve got this in the same way that your parents had in the 1990’s just look how you turned out!!!