Modern parents are abandoning outdated parenting practices.
Modern parents reject old-fashioned parenting habits
A survey of 2,000 parents with children under 18 reveals a major shift in attitudes, with many determined not to repeat behaviours they experienced growing up.
Smoking around babies was identified as the most unacceptable habit, with 45% saying their parents did this, despite it now being widely discouraged.
Other practices have also fallen out of favour. One in five respondents said they were left in a pram outside a shop as children - something they would never consider doing today.
Meanwhile, 39% recalled whiskey being rubbed on their gums to ease teething, 32% were allowed to babysit at a young age, and 29% were given sweets or chocolate as infants.
The research, commissioned by Colief to mark the launch of its Nappy Care Spray, highlights how parenting has become more cautious and informed, with modern parents prioritising safety and expert advice.
Ana Halla, brand manager from Colief which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new Nappy Care Spray, told The Mirror: "Parents definitely had more of a relaxed approach back in the day, but previous generations were just doing their best.
"We know that the parenting journey can be stressful, but with simple solutions and advice, you can make easy and safe habits to help little ones."
The study also found healthcare professionals, family members and friends with children are the top sources of parenting advice today. However, 62% of Gen Z parents now turn to AI for tips and support.
Despite access to more information, 53% of Gen Z parents say they frequently receive unsolicited advice, compared to 38% of older Millennial parents.
Only 35% of advice given in a baby’s first year is considered helpful by Gen Z, while Gen X parents found just a quarter useful.
Ana Halla for Colief Nappy Care Spray, which is designed to clean, protect and help prevent nappy rash from day one, added: "Despite being confident to go their own way and sometimes feeling criticised, younger parents are also listening to their own mums and dads and picking up habits to make life with their children less stressful.
"It's clear to see most parents are trying to make big changes in how we raise the younger generations and using new products and technologies to move away from these old school parenting techniques."