The Era Of Iparenting

New mums turn to the internet for parenting advice

New mums are more likely to log on than go to their own mums for parenting advice, according to a new report released today.

A resounding eight in 10 mums (80%) turn to Google, parenting forums or Facebook before asking their own mums for advice (44%), according to the research commissioned by Growingupmilkinfo.com, a new website for parents providing information about toddler growth and development.

Mothers over the age of 35 were most likely (71%) to rely on the internet for support and advice. However, the social network savvy under 25s were the biggest Facebook users for parenting queries (15% versus 9% national average).

So are mums missing out on good old-fashioned, practical and proven advice from their mums and grandmothers because of the trend for online parenting? Or is the wealth of information now available and being shared online actually making parenting easier than ever before?

Child Psychologist, Doctor Richard Woolfson believes there are two sides to the story and he joins us now to talk about the benefits and pitfalls of e-parenting.

Growingupmilkinfo.com is a resource created by Cow & Gate for parents who want to find out how using a Growing Up Milk for children aged one to three can support toddler nutrition.

For more information see: www.growingupmilkinfo.com

The Toddler Census report was based on survey data gathered by Opinion Matters in July 2011 from over 1,000 mums and insight gathered from professionals in the field of toddler nutrition, child psychology, parenting and trends, underpinned with statistics on toddlers from a variety of sources including the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and the Infant and Toddler Forum. Among those involved in authoring the final report were leading nutritionist, journalist, author and mother of two, Amanda Ursell.

National
80% of mothers turn to Google, parenting forums or Facebook for parenting advice.
44% of mothers turn to their own mum for parenting advice.
58% of mothers turn to their friends and family for parenting advice.