This week, we're taking a look at a slightly more recent practice: the pox party! There are plenty of people alive today who have been to one. Jen gives some history on pox parties, their modern day equivalents, and some unintended "pox parties" happening during the coronavirus pandemic!
It's hard to imagine there was ever a time in our history when we lacked the tiny incubators designed for premature babies that we see in the NICU nowadays. We have a man named Dr. Couney and his turn of the century amusement park side-shows to thank for these life-saving machines. But who was Dr. Couney, and was he actually even a doctor? In this episode we explore the man behind the modern-day NICU staple, and how he saved thousands of babies from certain death.
Jen set out to provide a brief history into children's toys, but quick discovered what a foolish plan that had been. The wealth of information on any one toy is astounding! So Jen dug into one of the most foundational children's games - knucklebones. Listen in to learn about this game and where the name comes from. And in our listener story segment, "Your Parents Did What?!" we share some sweet, fascinating, and creepy tales from some of our favorite listeners.
Of all the mythical figures we know and love, the Tooth Fairy seems to have the most elusive backstory. Where did she come from, and why the heck do we put our teeth under our pillows for her to find?! Thankfully, a woman named Rosemary Wells made it her mission to track the source of all things related to the Tooth Fairy. And surprisingly, it all started with a French mouse. Intrigued?? We were, too.
Run Time: 32 minutes, 23 seconds Little boys in "skeleton suits"Teen boy with frilled collarHistoric photo of boy wearing skeleton suit.Illustration of a child in a "creeping apron" The history of children's clothing leads Jen and Diane to some unexpected places. They learn about the practice of breaching and how fashion was used as a way to show male dominance. Jen also tries her best to adequately describe skeleton suits and creeping aprons, because their names aren't super helpful. Come learn...
Run Time: 30 minutes, 7 seconds Diapers as we know them today are a fairly new commodity in the grand scheme of the history of parenting. But, before Pampers and Huggies, our ancestors used some pretty crazy materials to diaper their babies. Wood shavings and moss, anyone? Tune in to this episode to learn more! RESOURCES: Ospedale_degli_InnocentiHow Grandma Did DiapersThe Woman Who Invented Disposable DiapersBrief History of the Disposable DiaperHistory of Diapers and DiaperingThe Fascinating Hi...
Run Time: 37 minutes, 10 seconds Peas, and apples, and carrots, oh my! When did baby food become commercialized, and what on earth is dessert baby food?? We cover this, and so much more, on this week's episode! Join us as we explore the history of baby food, and how it came to be the insanely huge industry it is today! RESOURCES: Books: Inventing Baby Food: Taste, Health, and the Industrialization of the American Diet by Amy Bentley Websites: Surprisingly Huge Moments in the History of Baby Food...
Run Time: 31 minutes, 36 seconds Have you ever heard of the Tot Guard? We hadn't, either! Until we took a deep dive into the history of car seats. In this episode, we go way back to the 1930's and follow the evolution of car safety for babies and children. You'll be both fascinated and horrified by the bizarre contraptions our grandparents and parents were subjected to! RESOURCES: The Evolution of Kids CarseatsThe General History of Car Seats: Then and NowCar Seat History in 60 SecondsCar Seat H...
