1) RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NEW DAD
The expectant mother had plenty to do, but so did the expectant father. Which of these was suggested as one of Dad's new tasks early in the pregnancy?
B - Negotiating the doctor's fee.
Mom's having a baby, and Dad thinks he's buying a car. Be careful if he requests to 'kick the tires.'
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2) READ THE BIB, BUB
Some hospitals dressed babies in bibs with an unfriendly message to parents. What did it say, and what belief caused the hostility?
C - Do not kiss me. (Smooching the kid spreads germs!)
From the hospital Our Lady of Perpetual Friendliness. Don't you wonder what was in their gift shop?
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3) CHOKE ON IT
A baby can be at his or her crankiest before the appearance of new teeth. To sooth a teething child, Moms were advised to rub their gums with which of the following choking hazards?
B - A silver thimble
Early teething was once thought to be a sign of superior intelligence.
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4) HANDS OFF
Experts warned against excessive handling of your new baby. They were not to be played with, bounced, or even held for long periods of time. What belief led to this warning?
C - Babies' bones are extremely soft and such handling could cause irreparable damage.
Holding a baby, in particular, was thought to cause curvature of the spine. So much for snuggling.
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5) SUCKER!
Which of the following was actually recommended to prevent a child from sucking his or her thumb?
B - Wrapping the thumb with adhesive plaster.
Seems a little permanent, doesn't it? The same author of this wisdom suggested a complete ban on pacifiers, and teeth-cleaning with boiled white rags.
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6) SHOW-OFF
Parents were instructed to keep public displays of young children to a minimum, for a number of reasons. What did experts warn would happen if Mom and Dad repeatedly showed-off the kid to others?
A - The toddler would get overly confident in his or her own importance, which may result in insanity.
According to this expert, being shown off too much meant a near-certain trip to an insane asylum, joining others exhibiting an 'exalted ego.'
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7) MILK: THE SILENT KILLER
Experts believed that when properly cared for, milk would provide growing children with enough nutrients to topple a cow. When misused, however, milk could become a threat of epic proportions. According to experts, which of the following destroyed milk's power to do good?
C - The milkman's unclean hands
Who knew what horrible germs that filthy milkman carried? Bottles were to be washed and sterilized before even placing them in the ice-box.
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8) BAD TASTE?
Giving bad-tasting medicine to a youngster can be as about easy as spoon-feeding soup to an alligator. Super Anahist -- a cough syrup of yesteryear -- promoted a taste so delicious that children would ...
D - . . .want to put it on ice cream
Ads promised that Super Anahist would break deep congestion, relieve tickles, and best of all ... 'children will love it!'
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9) WHEN YOU CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE ...
When parenting became too overwhelming, some adults sought the aid of Habitutors, which were ...
A - Objects designed to make everyday tasks fun. Tumbo the Clown, for example, held your toothbrush and toothpaste, encouraging dental hygiene.
Other Habitutors included the Tidy Trio towel holder and mirror set (makes it fun to clean up!) and Blinky the animated switch plate (glows in the dark!)
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10) FINANCIAL EDUCATION -- THE EARLY YEARS
Before there was Googolplex, parents depended on Wonderland Toys to provide young people with "peaceful play habits that encourage thrift." The result? A series of odd playthings that were animals, vehicles, and banks all rolled into one. Which of the following was not part of these self-described 'adorable animal-character' toy sets?
D - Bungles the Monkey Motorbike
Sadly there was no Bungles the Monkey Motorbike. The other three, however, enjoyed long satisfying lives as animals and/or banks and/or vehicles ...
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