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 a mom’s timeless 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, timeless wisdom stands strong,” comments Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Milton. “Some of the most effective baby care methods are the same ones our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers swore by.”
These traditions continue to prove that when it comes to nurturing new life, a mom’s timeless wisdom is still the best.
you need time too
Most new moms believe all their energy should be saved and spent on their new bundle of joy. Although this is 90% true, you can’t give your child what you don’t have. Remember to 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, 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
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, sterilising 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 of mothers for the past 60 years. To this day, it is still 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 with Milton regularly, 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. No fancy gear required – just mom, baby and a few minutes a day.
Read more about tummy time here.
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 baby feel safe and loved. Plus, it’s the ideal opportunity for some quality bonding time.
Find out more about bonding with your baby.
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, which is 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
Timeless wisdom sees moms turning to the kitchen and garden before the pharmacy. Some 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 are home remedies that 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 and the timeless wisdom passed down and nurtured over generations continue to be the most trusted guides for raising happy, healthy babies.
