Younger parents are redefining modern parenting standards.
Younger parents adopt more informed and safety-led approaches
A survey of 2,000 parents of under-18s highlights a marked generational shift, with Gen Z and Millennial parents consciously distancing themselves from practices commonly experienced in their own childhoods in favour of more safety-conscious and evidence-led approaches.
Among the most widely rejected behaviours is smoking around infants, cited by 45 per cent of respondents as something their parents did but which they would not replicate.
Similarly, one in five said they had been left unattended in a buggy outside a shop as babies - a practice now considered unacceptable by contemporary standards.
Other outdated methods falling out of favour include applying whisky to soothe teething (39 per cent), allowing young children to babysit (32 per cent), and introducing sweets or chocolate at an early age (29 per cent). The findings reflect a broader cultural shift towards increased awareness of child development, health risks, and safeguarding.
Ana Halla of Colief, which commissioned the research, said: “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.”
While healthcare professionals, family members and peers remain influential, digital tools are playing an increasingly prominent role, with 62 per cent of Gen Z parents reporting the use of AI for advice. At the same time, 53 per cent say they frequently receive unsolicited guidance, often of limited practical value.
Despite this, younger parents appear more assured in exercising independent judgement. The data suggests a move towards a more deliberate, informed style of parenting that balances external advice with personal intuition, while consciously departing from traditional norms.