- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Good Grandparents
Changing with the Times By Kelly Burgess
My daughter, now 16, was the first grandchild on both sides of our families, and I still cringe when I remember my mother-in-law suggesting I rub a little whiskey on her gums when she was teething. Not to be accused of picking on my mother-in-law, I also argued with my own mother when she balked at using a car seat, preferring to hold the baby. Her reasoning? She figured her five kids had all lived without them.
Obviously, my siblings and I were just lucky. The fact is that the death rate for children under 13 has dropped 56 percent since 1975 thanks to the increased use of child seats and other restraints. As for whiskey and the 1-year-old, changing social mores have put alcohol firmly in its adult place.
Car seats:
Laws regarding vehicle restraints for children have changed dramatically. In some states, children as old as 7 must be in an approved child seat. Even beyond that, if they are below the weight guidelines, they must be in an approved safety seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safetyoffers specific state-by-state guidelines.
Infant sleep positions:
The issue of whether an infant should sleep on its stomach or back has been raging for years. Current thinking is that "back is best" in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also, never lay a baby in a crib with heavy, fluffy pillows or blankets. A firm surface without any items that may fall or roll onto the baby is best.