Every parent wants the best for their child, but some of the vintage baby contraptions listed below might make you scratch your head and wonder what someone was thinking when they actually put an infant inside it.
Others, however, will actually make you wish the designs would come back in style for modern moms and dads! For instance, I know more than a few parents who wouldn't mind strolling around with their bundle of joy snug inside a buggy like #7.
Whether they're crazy-cool or just plain crazy, each of the vintage baby strollers, cradles, walkers, and more in the photos below definitely had me turning my head for a second look. It's always fun to look back and see what family life looked like back in the day!
Take a look to see if you'd put your kids (or grandkids) in any of the items shown below.
And don't forget to SHARE the blasts from the past with your friends!
1. 1910s Horse Stroller
This pretty pony belonged to a prince of the former Kingdom of Hawaii, John Aimoku Dominis, shown here with his father, John Owen Dominis, in 1913.
The youngster's mom, Liliʻuokalani, was the last reigning monarch of Hawaii.
2. 1950s Italian Stroller
This li'l buggy is nicer than any car I've ever owned! Talk about riding around in style.
3. 1920s 18-Seater Pram
Back in 1925, this nurse at the Park Royal Hospital in London likely found the donkey-driven device to be quite convenient for her little patients.
4. 1860s Cot
Used by children of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this looks like they borrowed the netting from some local fishermen.
5. 1570s Lavatory Seat
I'm glad potty training has evolved to a less boxy design since 1577. Plus, that wooden foundation only makes me think of one thing: splinters.
6. French Cradle
It's unclear just how old this cradle is from the Eco Musée Maisons Comtoises de Nancray dans le Doubs, but it's certainly a creative way for the parents who owned it to keep their baby calm without leaving bed in the middle of the night!
7. Victorian Wicker Stroller
Just imagine how long it took to weave those gorgeous spirals together.
8. 1870s Gebrüder Thonet Cradle
The Thonet Brothers were renowned for their ability to bend wood into intricate designs like this exquisite cradle.
9. 1920s Geometric Cradle
German furniture designer Peter Keler's clever cradle was inspired by his studies of the Bauhaus art movement.
10. 1970s Space Age Stroller
Walking around with her baby in this chic stroller, this Hungarian mom in 1975 would fit right in with The Jetsons.
11. 1840s German Laufwagen
This contraption from 1843 literally translates to "trolley." They were early versions of the walkers toddlers use to learn their steps today, but look pretty uncomfortable to me.
12. 1920s Window Cot
Though they aren't quite dangling outside of the window, resting above the radiator instead, I can't help but think the wide open front is a dangerous design flaw.
Were you surprised by some of the things folks put their little ones in back in the day? Be sure to SHARE the fascinating photos with your friends!
