Over the years, things have changed as society has progressed. One of the biggest changes we can all see is how children were raised years ago compared to how we raise children now.
Modern medicine and technology makes raising happy and healthy babies a bit smoother.
However, that does not mean raising kids today is any easier than it was when our grandparents, or even our parents, were raising kids.
Looking back, however, they did have some weird tactics.
One of the strangest trends in baby care was from the 1920s when parents used to put their babies inside “baby cages.”
The idea came about in the 19th century by Dr. Luther Emett.
The idea behind the “baby cages” was that babies do better overall if they are “aired out” with fresh air. It was said to not only boosts their immune system, but to help blood flow, too.
While it’s understandable that fresh air can do the body good, the cage seems a bit…much.
We can’t imagine putting our babies in actual cages, let alone one outside like an animal.
In the 1920s, though, it became pretty normal.
For families who lived in small apartments in the city, it was the best way for children to “cool down” before the air conditioner was invented.
The cage actually was suspended from the apartment window.
Floating over a busy, bustling, car-filled street — kids were left to play inside a metal cage.
Even Eleanor Roosevelt was into the idea.
According to Mashable , “Eleanor Roosevelt, who by her own admission ‘knew absolutely nothing about handling or feeding a baby,’ bought a chicken-wire cage after the birth of her daughter Anna.”
And, she used it quite frequently.
“She hung it out the window of her New York City apartment and placed Anna inside for her naps — until a concerned neighbor threatened to report her to the authorities.”
While having kids get fresh air and stay in one place is important, it doesn’t seem very safe.
Cages can be dangerous, especially when suspended above a street from a window.
However, times were definitely different.
Parents weren’t as concerned with “mom-shaming” because, well, cell phones weren’t a thing and hardly anyone took photos of each other to gossip.
While it seems loopy, our grandparents survived.
Looking back on all the “strange” parenting ideas people used — it’s safe to say they weren’t that bad if we’re all still here today.
