Throughout history, parenting practices have changed dramatically, often reflecting the medical knowledge, cultural beliefs, and social norms of the time. Some methods that were once widely accepted may seem shocking by today’s standards. One such practice was putting whiskey in baby bottles to soothe infants. While this might sound alarming now, it was once considered a common and even responsible parenting technique.

Why did parents use whiskey to calm their babies? What role did medical advice play in this practice? And how did we move from using alcohol as a remedy to today’s safer alternatives? Let’s take a deep dive into this fascinating—and sometimes unsettling—aspect of childcare history.

the cultural context of whiskey use in childcare

For centuries, alcohol, including whiskey, was seen as a medicinal substance. Before modern medicine, people relied on home remedies to treat common ailments, and whiskey was often a go-to solution. In many cultures, alcohol was believed to have healing properties, used to treat colds, digestive problems, pain, and even infections.

In rural communities or areas with limited access to doctors, parents often turned to what they had on hand. Whiskey was cheap, easy to find, and widely accepted as a remedy. When a baby was fussy or teething, a few drops of whiskey in a bottle—or rubbed on the gums—was considered a quick and effective solution.

why parents believed whiskey helped babies

The belief in whiskey’s ability to soothe babies was based on its calming and numbing effects. Many parents and caregivers thought it had several benefits, including:

• Soothing colic – Colic was a mystery to parents for generations, and whiskey’s relaxing effects seemed to provide relief.
• Helping babies sleep – Whiskey caused drowsiness, leading many to believe it helped infants rest more soundly.
• Easing teething pain – When rubbed on the gums, whiskey acted as a mild anesthetic, dulling pain and discomfort.
• Relieving digestive issues – Some parents thought small amounts of whiskey could settle a baby’s stomach and prevent fussiness.

At the time, these effects made whiskey seem like a miracle cure for exhausted parents struggling to soothe their infants.

medical advice and common beliefs of the time

One of the reasons whiskey use in childcare was so widespread was that many doctors actually recommended it. Medical knowledge was still developing, and there was no strict regulation of treatments or medications. Doctors often relied on folk wisdom, anecdotal evidence, and trial-and-error remedies.

Without modern scientific research to highlight the dangers of alcohol for infants, whiskey was seen as a practical, accessible remedy. Even medical books from the late 19th and early 20th centuries contained recommendations for whiskey-based treatments for children.

Because there were few alternatives for managing childhood discomforts, alcohol use in childcare remained largely unquestioned for decades.

whiskey as a common teething remedy

Teething has always been a challenging phase for both babies and parents. Before commercial teething gels, pain relievers, and modern baby products, parents needed a solution that was fast and effective. Whiskey seemed to fit the bill.

The method was simple: parents would dip a finger or cloth into whiskey and rub it directly onto the baby’s gums. This temporarily numbed the pain, allowing the baby to settle down. Some parents even added small amounts of whiskey to a baby’s bottle to provide longer-lasting relief.

Since whiskey was commonly used by adults to ease toothaches, it seemed logical to apply the same remedy to teething infants. At the time, few people questioned whether it was safe or not.

societal norms and the acceptance of alcohol in childcare

Another reason whiskey use in baby bottles wasn’t considered strange was that alcohol itself was a normal part of daily life.

• Alcohol was widely used for medicinal purposes, not just for babies but for adults as well.
• There were no strict laws regulating alcohol use in medicine, making it common in household remedies.
• People did not fully understand the effects of alcohol on child development, so it was not seen as dangerous.

Even into the early 20th century, it was not unusual for families to keep a bottle of whiskey in the home for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Because of this, using it for infants did not seem like a drastic or harmful decision.

the shift in medical understanding and parenting practices

As medical research advanced, the risks of alcohol consumption in infants became clearer. By the mid-20th century, doctors and scientists began studying how alcohol affects brain development, liver function, and overall health in children. The findings were alarming:

• Alcohol disrupts brain development – Even small amounts can impact cognitive growth.
• It can depress breathing and heart rate – A baby’s body processes alcohol much slower than an adult’s.
• It increases the risk of dependence later in life – Early exposure to alcohol has been linked to higher risks of substance abuse.

With this new knowledge, medical professionals quickly discouraged the use of whiskey in baby bottles. Public health campaigns in the 1950s and 1960s emphasized the dangers of alcohol for infants, leading to a cultural shift.

At the same time, safer alternatives were being developed, including:

• Over-the-counter teething gels and pain relievers
• Improved infant sleep training methods
• More effective colic treatments
• Better education on infant nutrition and health

As a result, the idea of giving whiskey to babies became outdated and widely rejected.

modern perspectives on historical childcare methods

Today, the thought of using whiskey to soothe a baby is shocking and unthinkable. Modern parents have access to extensive research, better medical advice, and safer products for managing infant discomfort.

However, looking back at historical childcare practices reminds us how much parenting has evolved. It also highlights the importance of:

• Challenging traditional beliefs – Just because something was common in the past doesn’t mean it was safe or effective.
• Relying on science and research – Advances in medicine help us make better decisions for children’s health.
• Being open to change – As we learn more, parenting practices should continue to evolve.

While past generations meant well, they simply didn’t have the information we do today. What was once considered a helpful remedy is now known to be dangerous.

conclusion: lessons learned from past parenting practices

The history of using whiskey in baby bottles is a powerful reminder of how parenting evolves over time. What was once seen as a responsible and caring practice is now understood to be harmful. This shift highlights the importance of scientific progress, education, and questioning outdated traditions.

By learning from the past, today’s parents can make better, safer choices for their children. And who knows—some of the practices we consider normal today may seem just as shocking to future generations. The key is to stay informed, open-minded, and always put children’s well-being first.