14 Parenting Gadgets ’80s Parents Wish They Had
Parenting in the ‘80s was a glorious mix of love, chaos, and pure survival skills.
There were no parenting apps, no GPS trackers, and certainly no YouTube tutorials—just intuition, duct tape, and the occasional “go play outside until dinner” strategy. Moms and dads had to MacGyver their way through tantrums, mystery illnesses, and homework meltdowns with nothing but sheer determination (and maybe a trusty wooden spoon).
But what if they had today’s high-tech parenting gadgets? Imagine an ‘80s world with noise-canceling headphones, Roombas, and Netflix. Would it have been easier—or just a different kind of crazy? Let’s dive in!
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
There was no escape from the constant chatter, whining, and the theme song to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Today’s noise-canceling headphones could’ve saved ‘80s parents from an early headache prescription. Imagine tuning out the chaos and finding a moment of peace amidst the madness.
These headphones would have been the ultimate sanity saver. From endless demands to the cacophony of daily life, a simple push of a button could provide the tranquility ’80s parents desperately needed.
2. Smart Thermometers
In the ‘80s, if you had a fever, your mom would press her hand to your forehead and decide whether you were fine or dying. A smart thermometer would’ve saved a lot of unnecessary school sick days.
These gadgets provide precise readings, eliminating the old hand-to-forehead method. With instant results and reliable accuracy, parents can make informed decisions without second-guessing.
The convenience and peace of mind offered by smart thermometers would have been revolutionary.
3. Robot Vacuums
Remember when cleaning up was your job? ‘80s moms would’ve loved a Roomba so they could skip screaming “I TOLD YOU TO PICK UP THOSE CHEERIOS” for the hundredth time.
Robot vacuums would have handled the mess without the nagging. Imagine the ease of having clean floors without lifting a finger.
These little robots would have given parents more time to focus on other things, like actually enjoying their kids’ company. The innovation would have been a game-changer.
4. GPS Trackers for Kids
In the ‘80s, kids roamed free like unsupervised feral cats.
If GPS trackers existed back then, parents wouldn’t have had to drive around the neighborhood yelling out of the car window like a lost Uber driver. Knowing the exact location of your child at any moment would have been priceless.
The peace of mind from knowing your child is safe and easily locatable would have revolutionized parenting. No more worrying about where they went or if they were safe—it would all be at your fingertips.
5. Tablet with Netflix
If ‘80s parents had Netflix, they wouldn’t have had to watch The Land Before Time 472 times in a row because the tape got stuck in the VCR.
A tablet could’ve been the difference between sanity and knowing every word to The Care Bears Movie. Endless entertainment options would have saved parents from the repetitive loop of VHS tapes.
A world of shows and movies at their fingertips, providing variety and joy without the hassle of rewinding. It would have been a parent’s dream.
6. Automatic Formula Makers
Mixing formula at 3 AM, half-asleep, was a disaster waiting to happen. If ‘80s parents had something like a baby Keurig, they wouldn’t have had to fumble around in the dark, making a bottle with one eye open.
Precision, simplicity, and convenience at the touch of a button—these gadgets would have been every sleep-deprived parent’s fantasy. No more guessing or mess, just a perfect bottle every time.
The relief of hassle-free feeds would have been invaluable.
7. Car Seats That Install Themselves
Installing an ‘80s car seat required a PhD in mechanical engineering. Parents had to wrestle with straps, seat belts, and pray it was secure enough.
Today’s easy-install car seats would’ve saved countless hours of frustration (and cursing). The convenience of a simple click and secure fit would have been revolutionary.
Parents could have spent less time sweating the small stuff and more time enjoying family adventures. The ease of installation would have been a revelation.
8. Video Baby Monitors
In the ‘80s, parents didn’t have night vision cameras to check on their babies.
They had to crack the door open and pray it didn’t creak. If they’d had video monitors, they could’ve known whether little Billy was peacefully sleeping or secretly eating crayons. Video monitors offer a peace of mind that ’80s parents could only dream of.
Imagine knowing without a doubt if your little one is safe and sound, all with a quick glance at a screen. Parenting would have been a lot less stressful.
9. White Noise Machines
In the ‘80s, white noise came from the snowy static on the TV at 2 AM.
Parents would’ve killed for a machine that helped their baby sleep longer than 45 minutes at a time. The soothing sound of a white noise machine would have transformed sleepless nights. A gentle hum that lulls babies into restful slumber—what a dream come true!
Parents could have enjoyed longer, uninterrupted rest, knowing their child was peacefully asleep.
10. Smart Door Locks
Every ‘80s kid knew how to escape the house after curfew.
Smart locks could’ve stopped kids from sneaking out to meet their friends at the mall, roller rink, or some sketchy arcade. An app-controlled lock would have given parents the power to keep their homes secure with ease. No more late-night escapades or worrying about unapproved outings.
The control and security offered by smart locks would have been a game-changer for parents.
11. Digital Homework Helpers
In the ‘80s, if you didn’t know something, you had to dig through an actual book.
Google, Alexa, or even spellcheck would’ve been a game-changer for parents trying to help with 4th-grade geography (without making things up). Instant answers and easy-to-access information would have simplified homework time.
No more hunting for the elusive encyclopedia or struggling to explain complex concepts. Digital helpers would have turned confusion into clarity, making learning fun and engaging.
12. Instant Baby Soothers
Today’s baby swings can literally mimic a car ride. Meanwhile, ‘80s parents had to drive around the block at 2 AM just to get their baby to finally pass out.
The innovation of instant baby soothers would have been a lifesaver. A gentle rock or calming vibration would have meant the difference between a sleepless night and a peaceful rest.
These gadgets would have provided comfort and ease for both parents and babies, making bedtime a breeze.
13. Grocery Delivery Apps
Taking kids to the grocery store in the ‘80s meant tantrums in the cereal aisle and a checkout lane full of candy-related breakdowns.
If Instacart existed back then, parents could’ve avoided the whole disaster. The convenience of having groceries delivered to your door would have been revolutionary.
No more braving the aisles with kids in tow or dealing with public tantrums. Shopping from home would have made life so much easier, turning chaos into calm.
14. Spill-Proof Sippy Cups
‘80s kids destroyed carpets with spilled milk and juice.
A spill-proof sippy cup could’ve saved parents from the horror of finding sour milk stains months later. These cups would have been a miracle for neat freaks and stain-haters alike. The simple innovation of a spill-proof design would have meant cleaner homes and happier parents.
Less time spent cleaning means more time for fun and family, making them an essential parenting tool.