An In-Depth Look at What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same in Motherhood Over the Past 40 Years

According to demographers from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population will reach 300 million people this fall. To celebrate this milestone, JOHNSON'S® Baby commissioned a survey looking at moms of today and at moms who gave birth in the late 1960s, when the population hit 200 million, to take a definitive look at how motherhood has changed and stayed the same over the past 40 years.

This in-depth survey examined the evolution of motherhood, including where moms get trusted advice, viewpoints on childcare and rearing and sense of satisfaction in life. It also looked at concerns for the health and safety of their children, whether moms work outside the home, what type of support systems they depend on and what they do with their free time.

Mother's Helpers: Mom Still Knows Best

When it comes to being a mom, some things change with time – while others just seem to stay the same. Both groups gave the nod to their own mothers and medical professionals as their top trusted sources for advice and information on child rearing. "I would have been lost if not for my own mom, and my network of mom friends," said Ellington. "No matter what we read, nothing – but nothing – beats first-mom jitters than talking with friends who are also moms. And, of course, talking to my own mom."

via: J&J - baby.com

Daddy Daycare

When it comes to dads, there was quite a difference between generations. According to today's moms, two times as many dads are involved in child rearing than reported by moms in the 1960s. In fact, 52 percent of today's dads are involved in baby's bath time routine, and 67 percent are involved in bedtime*. In addition to help from dad, today's moms say they're more likely to turn to full-time outside care and daycare centers than moms of the last generation.

Good Manners or Good Nutrition?

The survey shows that while the 1960s moms were more concerned about education, good manners, physical development and vaccinations for their children, today's moms are more concerned about nutrition, sleep and speech.

Trust Your Instincts

Both groups of moms overwhelmingly agreed that they trust their own parenting instincts, even if it's not what other moms are doing. "You just feel right sometimes about your gut-level instincts for mothering," said Ellington. "It's something you need to learn to trust, as a new mom."

Take Time for Yourself

Today's moms are more likely to say they need activities besides being a mom, while '60s moms were more likely to make time to care for themselves. "I can relate to that," said Ellington. "While I like to play with the kids in the backyard, I also need to make time for my own activities – whether that's something solitary like reading a magazine, or getting together with friends."

Reading and watching television ranked as top free time activities amongst both groups. The 21st century moms are more likely to use the Internet and exercise, while the moms in the 1960s were more likely to bake, garden, knit and do crossword puzzles.

Every Mother Is a Working Mom

While both groups of moms surveyed would prefer to stay at home while raising kids, today's moms are more likely to want to stay at home full time. In contrast, yesterday's moms say that they would have wanted to work or have other activities in their free time. "Maybe that's a case of 'the grass is greener' mentality," said Triplett. "Or perhaps some of us really want to 'have it all' – a career and still be at home with our family."

Happy To Be Me

While the majority of both groups surveyed would not switch places with the other group, one-quarter of the younger generation would switch. Both groups say that they have it easier than their own mothers did. Undoubtedly, their mothers would agree.

Celebrity Moms

According to the survey, the younger generation of moms listed Reese Witherspoon as their favorite celebrity mom of the 21st century, while the older generation preferred Kelly Ripa. Both generations cited Jackie Kennedy Onassis as the definitive celebrity mom of the 1960s.