Old fashioned methods aren’t always safe. Speed was once advertised for housewives in pill form as a wonder drug to get housework done. Did it work? Obviously. But not the best choice in the long run. Alcohol for an infant, any amount, isn’t safe. I’d be furious too.

His reaction is quite extreme. It sounds like he doesn’t trust his wife now. They need to talk about this.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 25 Feb 2024 , 9:32 am

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  Yes I agree, just talk openly and respectfully when you have concerns or a different opinion

It’s an old fashioned remedy but the husbands reaction is over the top. He isn’t communicating with his wife.

Yeah I would be absolutely fuming too. Especially they knew they were wrong as they were prepared to lie to them.

Such a controlling hubby! Dont like the sound of it. To not agree is one thing but to push it to this extent is not acceptable

I think this couple better learn to talk about their problems – sounds like a very controlling household to me.

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  • • Ellen replied
    • 12 Apr 2023 , 3:51 am

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  Exactly what I was thinking, not a mature way of dealing with different perspectives.

It would have been so much better if he’d said he doesn’t want her to do it again. Telling her she can’t go to her Mum’s with their baby is more in the lines of controlling behaviour. Hopefully they can talk this out and get on with enjoying their daughter.

The husband may not agree but to get furious is not the best response.
There are plenty of over the counter teething gels that are numbing and also not that innocent to use, however that seems widely accepted. And how about Panadol and ibuprofen, is that as innocent??

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  • • ChiWren replied
    • 11 Sep 2024 , 9:19 am

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  The difference is they are approved medically and have dosage limits. We now see bonjella is off the shelves due to over dosage in kids. Panadol should always be used before ibuprofen as it is the safer of the two, but the risks are low with both.

Sorry to say but seems like a bit of ineffective communication.

I wouldn’t like it and a simple please don’t give it to the baby again should of been enough for him to voice his feelings
But dad has overreacted and
while he has taken two days out from work I suggest you use his silly behaviour wisely to your advantage and go get yourself some me time
Two day with bubs teething might make him a little more tolerant of your mum’s action and relax a bit

The old and new ways of bringing up children will always cause lots of tension in families ,never easy to navigate

Well I don’t see why she didn’t just get some teething gel from the chemist to start with. I do however think Dad went a bit too far by saying she can’t take the baby to her Mothers anymore and taking time off work and watching over her is ridiculous!

It is definitely an over-reaction. Now he’s expressed his views his partner can understand that perhaps it was something they should have discussed, but gee, he sounds like he’s about to call Child Protective Services on her. I remember my Dad used to give me whiskey and milk I think it was when I had a toothache. It was an old remedy, and it was foul.

I really don’t think it requires that much of an overreaction. It’s an old remedy from another generation, it’s not like it’s going to have a lasting affect. All he needs to do is grab some Infant’s Friend or Bonjella and say use this instead!

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 07 Apr 2023 , 5:37 am

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  It sure is a method from another generation and some respectful communication and education on why it should never be used is in order.

Just because it was done doesn’t mean it should continue to be done once we know better. Having said that I think the husband is probably being over the top not going to work for the next two days, unless there’s more to the story and he has a valid reason to think she will continue to do it or that she’s not coping with the baby teething etc..

It quite probably does work, but it also significantly increases the risks of SUDI. But either way, learning to parent is learning to do team work and respecting the other parent’s wishes.

It’s not ok to give a child alcohol, yes a long time ago it was done but we have moved on from that. He should be upset but taking days off is a bit excessive.

It is never ever ok for any baby or child to have alcohol. There are many successful over the counter solutions for issues with teething.

I agree with him being upset. He wasnt consulted and alcohol and kids no matter what is a big no

I don’t agree with giving babies any amount of alcohol no matter whether it was years a number of years ago or not.

Taking time off work maybe a bit OTT but no amount of alcohol is ok or safe for a baby.