Mom’s Timeless Baby-care Wisdom Still Works Today

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There’s a reason the saying “Mom knows best” has stood the test of time. When it comes to caring for a baby, nothing quite matches the gentle wisdom passed down from one generation of mothers to the next.

“While the baby aisle is stocked with high-tech gadgets, and the internet and social media are bursting with parenting tips, some of the most effective baby care methods are the same ones our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers swore by,” comments Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Milton. She continues by saying that these time-tested traditions continue to prove that when it comes to nurturing new life, the old ways still hold strong.

Don’t forget you need time too

Most new moms believe that all their energy should be saved and spent on their new bundle of joy, and although this is 90% true, you can’t give your child what you don’t have. Remember to also give your body what it needs: sleep, a good meal (not eaten standing up), and the opportunity to ask for help when needed. Remember your baby needs you at your best, and not when you are running on empty.

Swaddling for sweet dreams

Long before sleep consultants and sleep-training books, moms wrapped their babies snugly in a soft cloth to help them feel secure. Swaddling not only calms fussy babies but can also help them sleep longer and more peacefully. Today’s swaddle blankets may come with Velcro or zippers, but the comforting technique is as old as motherhood itself.

Warm baths before bedtime

A soothing warm bath before bedtime has been a calming ritual used by generations of mothers. Not only does it clean away the day, but it also signals to baby that it’s time to wind down. Moms may even add a splash of chamomile or lavender to the water to help promote relaxation.

Sterilising bottles is essential
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Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, sterilising your baby’s bottles is one of the most important steps in keeping your little one safe and healthy. Milton Sterilising Fluid has been a sterilising favourite for mothers over the past 60 years, and still to this day, is recommended by moms and grandmothers. Milk residue left in bottles can quickly become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can lead to tummy troubles. By sterilising bottles, teats, and breast pump parts regularly with Milton, you’re giving your baby a clean, safe feeding experience every time.

Tummy time

Before it had a name, tummy time was something moms encouraged by lying their babies across their laps or on a blanket for play. It builds neck and upper body strength and helps prevent flat spots on the head. And no fancy gear required, just mom, baby, and a few minutes a day.

The magic of a gentle massage: Touch is one of the first senses babies respond to, and a gentle massage after a bath or before bedtime can soothe gas, encourage sleep, and help the baby feel safe and loved.

Sunshine and fresh air

Before indoor play mats and baby gyms, moms relied on nature. A bit of morning sunshine helps babies get Vitamin D, essential for bone health. A stroll in the pram, or even just time in the garden, can calm a cranky baby and offer a peaceful pause for mom, too. Don’t forget baby’s sunscreen and hat before heading outdoors.

Natural remedies for minor ailments

Before the pharmacy, moms turned to the kitchen and garden. A bit of cooled rooibos tea for a gassy tummy, a drop of breast milk to ease an eye infection, or a warm cloth on a stuffy chest – these home remedies have soothed babies for centuries. While it’s always important to consult a doctor for anything serious, many of these gentle solutions remain part of a modern mom’s toolkit.

In today’s fast-paced world, parenting advice comes from everywhere, but there’s unmatched comfort in knowing that the simplest things are often the most powerful. A mother’s instinct, passed down and nurtured over generations, continues to be one of the most trusted guides in raising happy, healthy babies.

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