7 Obsolete Parenting Advice Tips That Are Irrelevant Today

Parenting science is not something static, bur rather, always evolves with each and every passing year. After all, it is one of the most studied subjects in the whole world. What’s true for your parents’ generation might have just been proven wrong, so yes, parenting can be obsolete.

Today, we will discuss the common advice, myths, and old facts of parenting. Some facts might be accepted a decade ago, but are proven wrong today. On the other hand, there are some that were accepted as myth just a few years back but have just been proven to be actual science.

Without further ado, let us begin with the number one.

1. Feeding Schedule

Image credit: Parents.com

Statement: Newborns should be imposed to a strict feeding schedule as soon as they leave the hospital. Don’t spoil them!

Truth or Myth: Myth

New medical findings have indicated that there are more potential health risks when you forcefully impose a 3 to 4-hours feeding schedule on your newborn.

Physically, it can lead to slower weight gain and increased risks for stomach problems. Mentally, it could lead to trauma of abandonment, which is a major cause of many psychological problems.

Follow your babies’ demands for the first few months, no matter how seemingly demanding they are. By the fourth month, most likely they have established their own schedule.


2. Lap Dancing

Image credit: My Mom, the OT

Statement: Letting your baby or toddler stand or dance in your lap can bow their legs

Truth or Myth: Myth

Contrary to the popular old wives’ tale, letting them stand or bounce in your lap can actually strengthen their legs. It will help them learn and find their own center of gravity. Not to mention, it’s fun!

Babies’ legs are stronger than they seem. As long as they are comfortable with this activity, you are encouraged to do so.


3.Classical Taste

Image credit: Pinterest

Statement: Listening to classical music can increase the baby IQ

Truth or Myth: Myth

Sadly, there is no conclusive proof that listening to classical music can be a brain-booster. However, there is also no known detrimental effect on this activity.

As long as your baby enjoy it, no harm is done. On the other hand, if your baby hates it, there’s no excuse -and clear benefit- to force it on them.


4. Pick Them Up

Image credit: Parents.com

Statement: You should always pick a baby up when they’re crying

Truth or Myth: Truth

Ah, the most common subject of debate among mothers: should you pick the baby all the time when they are wailing? Wouldn’t it just spoil them to demand more?

Let’s end this one and for all: there’s no clear indication that picking them up all the time as soon as they are crying will increase their dependency, or make them ask for more.

On the other hand, letting them cry it out can lead to serious issues of abandonment. It will be a major hindrance to their mental development and can lead to many mental disorders as they turn into adulthood. Remember, almost all of psychotic behaviors and tendencies are rooted from early trauma. Give them all the love they deserve.


5. Pigeon Toes

Image credit: Dupa Medical Group

Statement: You need corrective shoes with a hard sole that fully covers the ankle. They need support to keep their toes properly aligned.

Truth or Myth: Myth

Pigeon toes are perfectly normal for babies. It is the result of spending so many months in your womb, and most of them will re-align by itself by the time the children are 3 to 4 years old.

Many doctors also recommend to keep them barefoot as they are learning to walk. If any, use shoes with flexible, nonskid soles to allow more flexibility in their muscles and better strength development.


6.Solid Timing

Image credit: Gerber.com

Statement: It’s better to start feeding them cereal by the time they are 6 weeks old, it helps them sleep better

Truth or Myth: Myth

Giving your baby solid foods too early may cause food allergies. While they are mostly harmful, some can be very dangerous, and even lethal during early months.
It’s better to wait until they are 4 to 6 months old, as many pediatricians will suggest. Even then, introduce one food at a time so you can catch any allergy symptoms sooner.


7.White Noise Sleeping

Image credit: Baby Sleep Pro

Statement: Vacuum cleaner whirs or hairdryer sound can help the baby sleep better.

Truth or Myth: Truth

Especially during their earlier months. Remember, the baby is used to sleep in your womb with a lot of background noise resembling white noise. Vacuum cleaner, fan, our hairdryer sounds are very similar to that effect, and in turn, can help calm your baby and make them sleep soundly.

A lot of smartphone apps are now offering to play back those sounds, and now you know, they work!


End Words


As time goes, there will always be new findings regarding baby parenting. What works today might not work a decade from now, and vice versa. What we think is bad for babies today can probably be actually beneficial.

The bottom line is, babies are more resilient than we thought they are. Don’t let paranoia take over what you should give them the most: love. After all, even those ‘myths’ that our parent did, didn’t do any harm to us, although they have now been proven wrong by medical standards. Remember: parents know best.

Leave a Comment: