Oof! A Lot of Baby Gear was Absolutely Ridiculous
Summary
Hosts Ben Bullen and Noel Brown explore the bizarre history of baby gear, from deadly early car seats to clockwork cradles and dangerous window cribs. They discuss how well-intentioned parents fell for risky inventions like the Bunny Bear seat and Ernest J. Henry’s window cages, often unaware of industrial pollution hazards. The episode highlights the evolution of childcare technology, contrasting modern safety standards with the absurd and sometimes lethal remedies of the past.
Topics discussed
Intro: New parents, baby gear stress, and snot suckers
Historical parenting advice vs. modern science
The history of baby car seats: From toys to safety
Ads: Epclus, Visible, Husky, Vital Proteins, Tudor Dixon
John Bullcolt's automatic cradle and Lullaby Furniture
Window cribs: Fresh air trends and urban housing
Window cribs: Safety concerns and industrial pollution
Other inventions: Milking machines and environmental toxins
Outro, credits, and iHeartRadio podcast promotions
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