   Don’t Step Over a BabySouthern Child-Rearing FolkloreA Southern old wives’ tale and child-rearing superstition: if you step over a baby lying on the floor, it will stunt their growth. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I never heard this one grown' up, I've only read it. Seems like a way to prevent accidents. Hillbilly Dude Says... I never heard this one grown' up, I've only read it. Seems like a way to prevent accidents. OriginThis superstition has been passed down in the South and Appalachia for generations. Babies were often laid on quilts on the floor while family worked or visited, and stepping over them was thought to bring harm. Similar beliefs exist in Europe, but Southerners repeated it so often that it became a standard piece of child-rearing folklore, right alongside sayings about teething, walking, and growth. NotesEven today, some older folks will warn: "Don’t step over that child, you’ll keep ‘em from growing." While it has no basis in fact, this old wives’ tale is remembered as part of Southern child-rearing tradition. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |