remind us how things used to be—how children were punished with a slap for misbehaving or teased for something as simple as being left-handed. Back then, that was considered “normal,” but times have changed.
Today, we try to raise children with more kindness and understanding.
And that’s a good thing.
If you’ve ever seen old family albums, you know they’re full of photos that tell the story of how kids used to grow up. These vintage pictures show just how much life has changed for parents and children through the years—and it’s truly amazing to see the difference.
1. Abandoned baby
“What do you do when your baby wants some fresh air but you can’t leave the home? Place your bundle of joy in a cage shoddily attached to an open window of course.”
2. Very unsafe driving conditions
“Car Seat Safety In 1958. Not Strapped In To Anything, These Seats Relied On The Mother To Put Her Arm Out And Stop The Baby From Falling Forward.”
3. No lefties
It was also to be believed that being left-handed was a sin. To try and reverse it, they would use a cast that disabled the use of the left hand. This was obviously painful and would not fly today.
4. Soda for the average toddler
“Once upon a time, not only did manufacturers not care what we did with their product, they seemed to build entire ad campaigns around tempting us to use them to kill our children.”
5. Comfy baby
“To the 1920s.”
6. Bad advertisement
“Vintage advertising — found in my mother’s basement, flea markets and various corners of the Internet — dusted off and displayed for your viewing pleasure.”
7. Even worse ad
Pushing soda on toddlers right when they are born. Perfect.
8. Good seat
Potty training in a… cooking pot?
9. Arranged marriages
We know arranged marriages still happen today, but did you know that back then, parents used to promise their children to other families when they were only infants?
10. Leave your baby alone
It was also believed that you should leave your baby alone with no time limit. You didn’t even have to check on them if you didn’t want to. Sounds like a great place to grow up.
11. Pet lion
“My Father And His Pet Lion Priscilla, California 1970’s.”
12. Another pet lion
“My Dad And His Veterinarian Mother, With Their Pet Lion Which They Raised For Two Years, 1959.”
13. Those don’t look like fish
“The Pinnacle Of Parenting: 1930s Swimming Lesson.”
14. A light read
“My Hilarious Father (With The Magazine) And My Grandfather, Grandmother, And Uncle At His Bar Mitzvah In 1972.”
15. Run over mom
“If Your Mum Didn’t Lay On The Ground Making Herself Into A Ramp For Your New BMX, Did She Even Love You? 1980’s.”
16. Safety standards
“My Mother And Grandmother Demonstrating Safety Standards In The 1960s.”
17. Ice skating baby
“A Couple Ice Skating With Their Baby, 1937.”
18. Riding a bear
“My Mother-In-Law Riding A Bear At 2 Years Old.”
19. Harley baby
“Harley With A Baby Seat, 1962.”
20. A legit carseat
“Back In The Day. 1960s To Be Exact. Checkout That Car Seat.”
21. Don’t fall
22. Pet tiger
“Just A Photo Of Yours Truly (At 11 Years) Petting A Full Grown Tiger. My Mom Calls It Her ‘Bad Parenting Moment.’”
23. Statue of Liberty
This mother and her child were posing next to the Statue of Liberty… Before it was even unpacked.
24. No bad thoughts
Apparently, back in the old days, mothers were told not to have any bad thoughts while they were pregnant. It was believed that if they did, their child would turn out to be a nuisance.
25. No cuddling
It was also believed that you shouldn’t show your kids too much affection. No cuddling, no extra loving… Thank gosh that trend is over!
26. Choose wisely
Back then, you also had to choose wisely when thinking of what to name your baby. No “soft” names allowed. What even is a soft name? That would not fly today!
27. Unsafe biking
Um, we don’t think that tiny little toddler belongs hanging off the back of that bike.
28. Passenger seat
This is not an ideal seat for a baby. She’s practically being thrown up in the air already!
29. What baby carseats used to look like
“Baby car seat from the 1950’s. This is my brother, Kenny. Born in 1956.”
30. Really promoting safety here
“Ad for Rambler 1962.”
31. Plastic-wrapped baby
“Strange 1950s advertisement for cellophane. Guess child safety wasn’t an issue back then?”
32. My, how the tables have turned
“Despite what her dog might think, this lady is doing parenting wrong.”
33. Children playing in literal trash
“Children playing in ruins or in clunkers, in a part of New York City that looks like an european distric after the World War II…”
34. Taking the baby for a… bike ride?
35. “Sky-Cot”
“You live, you learn.”
36. Bag baby
Why not carry your toddler around in a bag…
37. Traffic
“Paris, 1969.”
38. Babies away!
The baby never did come back down…
39. Front seat rider
We don’t see any safety precautions being taken here…
40. Not the best carseat
More like one big metal bar. Seems legit.
41. At least this baby is wearing a helmet
This vintage carseat is actually kind of cute, but still! Dangerous!
42. Another carseat
What is with these carseats? Why did we think they were a good idea?!
43. So cheap, too!
Must be super reliable! (We’re being facetious.)
44. Hangin’ around
Just hanging… out of a car. It’s fine. Everything is fine.
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