If you grew up in the ‘60s or earlier, you’ll know that baby gear has come a long way since those days. Safety standards were significantly more relaxed, and some of the products that were once considered essential now seem more than questionable. Here’s a look at some of the most outdated baby items from the ’60s that would never pass today’s standards.
Drop-Side Cribs Were Everywhere
It’s hard to believe now, but cribs with one side that slid down were once the norm. Parents loved the convenience, but they came with a serious risk – babies could get trapped and suffocate.
After too many tragic accidents, drop-side cribs were banned in 2011. These days, cribs are designed to be much safer, even if they require a little more effort to get a sleeping baby in and out.
Baby Walkers That Were Accidents Waiting to Happen
Parents back then thought baby walkers were a great way to help little ones move around. Unfortunately, they also helped babies roll straight into danger. These contraptions led to countless injuries from falls down stairs, tipping over and crashes into furniture. Most experts today warn against them, and in some countries, like Canada, they’ve been banned entirely.
Glass Baby Bottles Were the Norm
Long before plastic and silicone took over, nearly every baby drank from a glass bottle. While they were easy to clean, they were also heavy and breakable – two things you definitely don’t want around a wiggly baby.
Car Seats That Did Almost Nothing
Safety wasn’t exactly a top priority when it came to car seats in the 60s. Many were nothing more than fabric-covered metal frames designed to prop a baby up so parents could see them. There were no crash tests, no five-point harnesses, and definitely no side-impact protection. Today’s car seats are built like mini fortresses compared to the flimsy designs of the past.
Diaper Pins Were a Daily Struggle
Before the invention of convenient Velcro and snap closures, cloth diapers had to be held together with large, sharp pins. Parents had to carefully fasten them without poking their baby – or themselves. It was a tedious process that could turn diaper changes into a stressful ordeal.
Playpens That Looked Like Mini Jails
The idea of a playpen hasn’t changed much, but the design certainly has. In the 60s, many playpens were made of hard wood or metal bars, resembling tiny prison cells. Cushioning was minimal, and the gaps between the bars were often wide enough for a baby to get stuck. Modern versions use breathable mesh, soft edges, and safety locks that actually work.
Baby Powder Was Used on Everything
For decades, baby powder was considered a must-have for keeping babies dry and rash-free. What parents didn’t know back then was that talc-based powders posed serious health risks, including lung issues and even links to cancer. Nowadays, pediatricians advise against using powder at all, and safer, talc-free alternatives have taken over.
Teething Rings Filled with Mystery Liquids
Teething babies have always needed relief, but some of the 60s-era solutions were questionable. Many teething rings were filled with liquid – sometimes water, sometimes who-knows-what. What’s more, they could leak, and there were no regulations on what was inside. Today’s versions are made of solid, baby-safe materials with no risk of an unexpected mess.
Metal Strollers That Weighed a Ton
Pushing a baby around in the 60s required some serious arm strength. Strollers were made of heavy metal, had little to no padding, and often lacked proper safety restraints. Parents had to deal with clunky designs that didn’t fold easily and took up a huge amount of space.
Barely-Padded Changing Tables
Diaper changes in the 60s weren’t exactly cushy. Many changing tables were simple wooden slabs with little more than a thin pad – if there was one at all. There were no safety straps, no side barriers, and plenty of sharp corners. Today’s versions are softer, safer, and designed with the wiggliest babies in mind.
Baby Bath Seats That Tipped Over Too Easily
Bathing a baby is already tricky, but the old-school bath seats didn’t help make things much easier. These little plastic contraptions were supposed to keep babies propped up in the tub, but many of them were unstable.
If a baby leaned too far forward or backward, the whole thing could flip over. It’s no surprise that modern baby bathtubs now focus on slip-resistant surfaces and sturdy, well-balanced designs.
Crib Bumpers Were Considered Necessary
Sixty years ago, parents thought crib bumpers were a great way to keep babies from hitting their heads on the crib rails. What they didn’t realize was that these padded liners increased the risk of suffocation.
Over time, studies showed they were more dangerous than helpful, and now, many pediatricians strongly advise against using them.
Rubber Pacifiers That Could Fall Apart
Pacifiers have always been a lifesaver for fussy babies, but the ones from the 60s weren’t exactly safe. Many were made of pure rubber, which could break down over time, leading to choking hazards. Today’s pacifiers are made from durable, BPA-free silicone and undergo strict safety testing to make sure they hold up under constant chewing.
Baby Carriages with No Safety Features
Vintage baby carriages might look charming in old photos, but they were far from practical. They were huge, heavy, and often had flimsy wheels that couldn’t handle much more than a smooth sidewalk. Safety straps weren’t a thing, either.
High Chairs That Weren’t Exactly Stable
Mealtime could get risky with the high chairs of the past. A lot of these were made of wood or metal, with narrow legs that made them easy to tip over. Straps were often missing or unreliable, leaving babies free to squirm their way into a dangerous situation.
Baby Rockers Without Seatbelts
A little motion can work wonders for soothing a fussy baby, but the rockers from the 60s had one big flaw – no straps. Babies could easily slide out or tip over if they wiggled too much. These days, baby rockers come with sturdy harnesses, non-slip bases, and reclining positions that keep little ones safe and comfortable.