4 Things That Have Changed Since Grandparents Had Babies
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: babies haven’t changed since you had children. On the other hand, the advice about how to keep them safe and healthy has changed a lot. It’s impossible for a grandparent to know everything they need to know about baby care and safety without brushing up on what’s new.
Taking the time to get up to speed is a true gift to new parents. They have enough to do in those early months without having to debate about the safety of the crib at Nanna’s house. It’s a huge help if grandparents take it upon themselves to learn what’s new. Putting your grandchild’s safety first should always be your goal!
Here are four things that are not the same as when your children were babies:
1. Safe sleep looks different—and kind of bare.
Gone are the drop-sided cribs, the crib bumpers, and the blanket Aunt Eliza crocheted. Today, babies are put to sleep on a firm, sheet covered mattress in a crib with fixed sides. No stuffed animals, and no blankets or pillows. Baby wears a sleep sack for warmth, and is put down on his or her back.
It may look spartan compared to the cozily decorated cribs our children slept in, but it’s safer. Between 1980 and 2017, the death rate from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, fell by 77%. Unfortunately, there are still babies who die because safe sleep practices aren’t being followed by parents or caregivers.
2. Start solid food at 4-6 months
No, starting solids will not help your grandchild sleep better. Today’s guidance, based on research and science, advises parents to wait until at least 4 months to start solids. Officially, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises waiting until 6 months. However, this is shifting as new evidence about food introduction and allergies comes to light. This is a perfect example of why you can’t rely on what you learned with your last baby. Even parents today are having to keep up with changing information.
3. Rear-facing in the car seat for YEARS!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends children stay in a rear-facing car seat until the age of three, unless their height or weight exceeds the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines. This is the safest way to protect their developing bodies in the event of a crash. According to Safe in the Seat, “In the event of a crash, a rear-facing car seat protects a baby’s whole body by absorbing the crash impact. The seat hugs and supports every part of your baby, rather than just the seat belt contact points.”
You may think their parents are being overprotective, but there are so many things in life we can’t protect our children and grandchildren from. Let’s do the few things we know will make a difference. Proper use of car seats is at the top of that list.
4. Baby walkers are out
Granted, it’s pretty adorable to watch a little one scoot themselves around in a baby walker. But the risks far outweigh the cuteness factor. Between 1990 and 2014, baby walker-related injuries sent over 230,000 children under the age of 15 months to the ER. Safety is only one issue. Another is that walkers may delay motor and even mental development. Baby walkers are banned in Canada, and the AAP has called for them to be banned in the US. Read more about the safety of baby walkers here.
Did any of these changes surprise you? It’s hard to keep up with every little change, and things seem to be evolving more rapidly than ever before. It’s not an easy time to be a parent, and grandparents can help by keeping on top of the newest recommendations.
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of the things that are different from when you were a parent. Many more things have changed. If you want to know more, you can find a more comprehensive list in our Baby Care & Safety guide. It’s available individually, or as part of New Grandparent Essentials.