15 Baby Products from the ’60s That Would Raise The Eyebrow Today
The 1960s was a time of experimentation, innovation, and, sometimes, questionable judgment when it came to baby products. Parents today might gasp at some of the items considered perfectly acceptable back then—a time when safety standards were less stringent and parental wisdom came with a dash of daring.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 baby products from that era, each more astonishing than the last. From contraptions that raise eyebrows to practices that make us cringe, here’s a look at things that seemed like a good idea at the time but now prompt a double-take.
1. Sun Lamp
Sun lamps were once a go-to method for giving babies their daily dose of “sunshine vitamins” when outdoor exposure was limited. Parents would expose their little ones to artificial sunlight, believing it promoted healthy growth.
While the intention was good, the execution was less than stellar. Overexposure could result in burns or eye damage, and the science behind the concept was far from solid.
Today’s parents rely on natural sunlight and vitamin supplements, avoiding the risks associated with artificial sunning. This evolution reflects how far we’ve come in parental care—from lamps that posed a danger to practices grounded in safety.
2. Baby Cage
Back in the ’60s, the baby cage was an invention designed for urban families living in high-rise buildings. This contraption, resembling a metal cage, was attached to apartment windows to let babies enjoy fresh air—just a few stories up!
While marketed as a space-saving innovation, it’s enough to make today’s parents horrified. Imagine a baby dangling high above the ground, exposed to the elements—safety concerns would definitely outweigh any perceived benefits.
At the time, this seemed like a clever solution to cramped living spaces, but today it’s nothing more than a relic of questionable parenting practices. Fortunately, this bizarre invention has long been forgotten, replaced by safer, more sensible alternatives.
3. Baby Scale
In the ’60s, baby scales were all the rage—parents eagerly weighed their infants to monitor growth. While accurate, these devices often led to unnecessary stress as parents became fixated on every gram gained or lost.
Babies grow at their own pace, and growth charts are more than just numbers on a scale. Today, parents often rely on regular pediatric visits to monitor development, trusting their doctors to provide a more comprehensive picture.
This shift from constant weighing to more balanced growth tracking reflects a modern approach to baby care, focusing on overall well-being instead of stressing over every ounce.
4. Teething Necklace
Teething necklaces were all the rage in the ’60s, worn around babies’ necks to help soothe sore gums. However, these necklaces came with a significant risk, as the beads could easily detach and become a choking hazard.
Though the beads were designed to provide relief from teething pain, their potential dangers far outweighed the benefits. Modern parents opt for teething rings or toys, which are carefully designed with safety in mind.
The teething necklace is a reminder that sometimes, less is more—and that safety will always win over style when it comes to baby products.
5. Lead-Based Baby Toys
Brightly painted and fun, lead-based baby toys were once a common sight in nurseries. While the colors were vibrant, they came with a toxic risk—many of these toys contained lead, a substance that was not fully understood at the time.
The danger of lead poisoning was not recognized until much later, and these toys posed a significant health hazard to babies. Today, thanks to strict regulations, baby toys are free from harmful materials, prioritizing safety over vibrancy.
This shift from toxic toys to safe, non-toxic alternatives marks a huge leap forward in child safety, ensuring that parents no longer have to worry about hidden dangers in their child’s playthings.
6. Diaper Service
Before disposable diapers became the norm, there was the diaper service—a delivery and pick-up subscription service for cloth diapers. Busy parents could send their soiled diapers off to be cleaned, and fresh ones would be delivered in return.
While it may seem convenient, the idea of sending dirty diapers out every week doesn’t exactly sit well with modern sanitation sensibilities. Can you imagine the germs involved?
Though it served its purpose at the time, disposable diapers eventually took over, offering a more sanitary and hassle-free solution. This shift reflects the progress in the world of baby care, where convenience and cleanliness go hand in hand.
7. Infant Walking Frame
In the ’60s, many parents used infant walking frames, eager to see their babies take their first steps. These metal contraptions, though designed to encourage walking, were often bulky and not particularly safe.
They didn’t just assist with walking; they often led to accidents, with babies tipping over or crashing into furniture. Thankfully, today’s walkers come with strict safety standards to ensure that babies can safely take their first steps without the risk of injury.
The evolution from dangerous frames to safe, supportive designs shows how far we’ve come in creating baby products that focus on stability and support.
8. Playpen
Playpens in the ’60s were designed to keep babies safe and entertained. However, many of these wooden enclosures looked more like mini-jails than cozy play areas.
While they did the job of keeping babies contained, they were also criticized for restricting movement and making babies feel confined. Today’s playpens are much more interactive and designed with engagement in mind, allowing babies to explore while still being safely contained.
This shift from restraining cages to engaging spaces reflects a broader understanding of child development, where freedom of movement and exploration are key to growth.
9. Maternity Corset
Maternity corsets were all the rage in the ’60s, designed to support a pregnant belly while maintaining a fashionable silhouette. These corsets, however, were tight, restrictive, and often uncomfortable.
They promised a slim, chic appearance but at the expense of comfort. Today’s maternity wear focuses on comfort and flexibility, celebrating a woman’s changing body without the need for restrictive undergarments.
While maternity corsets may have held the trend back then, today’s moms have comfort and practicality as their top priorities.
10. Baby Hairbrush Set
Baby grooming was taken very seriously in the ’60s, and owning a baby hairbrush set was a sign of parental preparedness. These sets, often made from silver or ivory, were elegant but impractical for actual baby grooming.
Though these beautiful brushes looked lovely, they were more for display than for use. Today’s grooming tools focus more on practicality—ensuring comfort and ease when caring for delicate baby hair.
The idea of brushing a baby’s hair with a silver comb seems excessive today, but it highlights how parental expectations of luxury have shifted to focus on functionality over style.
11. Baby Jumper
The ’60s introduced the baby jumper, a device that allowed babies to bounce and giggle from door frames. Though fun, these jumpers came with significant risks—babies could collide with door frames or even fall out completely.
The unregulated designs led to accidents that could have been easily prevented. Today’s jumpers are designed with stricter safety features, ensuring that babies can bounce safely without any risk.
The jump from unsafe jumpers to carefully engineered baby products highlights how far we’ve come in prioritizing safety over playtime thrills.
12. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder was once an essential nursery item in the ’60s, used to keep babies dry and rash-free. Unfortunately, the powder’s potential risks weren’t fully understood until later studies linked it to respiratory issues.
Although talc’s powdery clouds may have seemed harmless, they actually hid potential dangers. Today, talc-free powders and alternative options are the norm, ensuring that babies stay comfortable without the harmful side effects.
The change from talc-based powders to safer alternatives shows how much we’ve learned about baby health and safety.
13. Baby Bottle Warmer
In the ’60s, electric baby bottle warmers promised to make feeding time easier. However, these devices often led to overheating the milk, creating a serious risk for burns.
Without the precise controls we have today, parents had to remain on high alert to avoid scalding their little ones. Modern bottle warmers now come with temperature controls and safety features that ensure feeding time is stress-free.
The transition to more precise, baby-friendly technology shows just how much we’ve progressed in creating products designed with safety and ease in mind.
14. Rubber Baby Pants
Rubber baby pants were commonly worn over cloth diapers in the 1960s to prevent leaks. However, while effective at keeping leaks at bay, the non-breathable material often led to irritation and rashes on babies’ sensitive skin.
Today’s diaper covers are made from breathable fabrics, which not only offer better protection but also ensure babies stay comfortable throughout the day.
The shift from irritating rubber to soft, breathable materials is a reflection of the ongoing improvements in baby care technology.
15. Glass Baby Bottles
Glass baby bottles were the standard in the ’60s, known for their durability and easy-to-clean design. But, as strong as they were, they also posed a significant risk of breakage.
A dropped glass bottle could shatter into dangerous pieces, making these bottles a safety hazard. Today, bottles are made from plastic or silicone, materials that are lightweight, durable, and much less likely to break.
The move from glass to more resilient materials reflects our progress in designing products that combine safety with convenience, allowing parents to feed their babies without the fear of shattered glass.