If you’ve ever listened to your parents or in-laws reminisce about “how things were done back in our day,” you’ll know one thing for certain: parenting has changed a lot.
New research, commissioned by baby brand Colief to mark the launch of its new Nappy Care Spray, has now revealed just how dramatically attitudes have shifted, with mums and dads today consciously choosing to leave behind many of the habits they grew up with. And in their place? Smart gadgets, modern advice, and an evolving approach to raising little ones.
Goodbye to “Old-School” Parenting
According to the study, nearly half of parents (45%) say their own parents smoked around them as babies—something they would never consider doing with their own children today. Other outdated practices that modern parents are rejecting include:
- Leaving babies in prams outside shops (40%)
- Rubbing whisky on gums to soothe teething (39%)
- Letting young children babysit (32%)
- Feeding babies sweets or chocolate (29%)
Even more subtle habits are falling out of favour. Today’s parents are less likely to let babies nap anywhere, skip baby-proofing, or rely on “airing out” nappy rash rather than using dedicated products.
Ana Halla, Brand Manager from Colief, said: “Parents definitely had more of a relaxed approach back in the day, but previous generations were just doing their best.”
Parenting in the Age of Innovation
In contrast to these older habits, modern parenting is increasingly supported by technology and specialist products. The research discovered that some of the most popular modern parenting tools, which would leave grandparents saying, “We didn’t have that in our day!” include:
- White noise machines to help babies sleep
- Bottle-making machines for quick feeds
- Self-rocking cots that soothe babies automatically
Add to that baby pram rockers, bottle coolers, and even mini dressing gowns, and it’s no wonder the older generations can’t always get their heads around the technology that parents have at their fingertips these days. These new tools reflect a broader shift too: parents are looking for ways to simplify routines, reduce stress, and create safer, more controlled environments for their babies.
Advice Overload and How Parents Really Feel About It
Of course, one thing that hasn’t changed is the amount of advice new parents receive.
Healthcare professionals, family members, and friends still top the list of go-to sources, but younger parents are increasingly turning to new places for guidance. In fact, 62% of Gen Z parents say they consult AI tools for parenting tips.
At the same time, advice isn’t always welcomed with open arms – over half of Gen Z parents say they regularly receive unsolicited advice, but only 35% of that advice is considered helpful. Many also say they feel judged when they choose not to follow the advice given to them.
So, what does resonate with new parents? Across generations, three pieces of advice consistently come out on top: trust your instincts, accept help when it’s offered, and sleep when you can!
A New Approach to Nappy Care
Colief’s new Nappy Care Spray is designed as a mess-free alternative to traditional creams and an innovative way to make a regular parenting task easier.
The touch-free spray aims to clean, protect, and help prevent nappy rash from day one—offering clinically proven protection while making nappy changes quicker and easier.
Ana Halla adds, “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.”Colief Nappy Care Spray is available from Amazon for £11.99.
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