Did you know: Parents hung babies outside windows in ‘baby cages’ for fresh air

Did you know: Parenting practices have evolved dramatically over the past century, but some historical childcare methods appear almost unbelievable today. One such unusual practice involved suspending babies outside apartment windows in wire-enclosed “baby cages” so they could get fresh air and sunlight. Although it may sound like a bizarre myth, historical records show that this practice was real and even considered beneficial for children living in crowded cities.

The concept of the “baby cage” emerged in the early 20th century when doctors and health experts strongly advocated the importance of fresh air and sunlight for infants’ health. At the time, urban families often lived in tightly packed apartment buildings without access to gardens or outdoor play areas. The solution, according to some inventors and parents, was a cage-like structure that could be attached to a window, allowing babies to nap or play outdoors while remaining inside the apartment’s vicinity.

The Invention of the Baby Cage

The most widely known version of the baby cage was patented in 1922 by Emma Read of Spokane, Washington. Her design described a “portable baby cage” that could be suspended outside a window, creating a safe space where infants could receive fresh air and sunlight even if their families lived several floors above the ground.


According to the patent description, crowded city housing created difficulties for parents trying to give children sufficient outdoor exposure. The cage was designed as a small enclosure made of wire mesh that allowed air and sunlight to pass through while preventing the child from falling. It could also include bedding, toys, and protective curtains to make it comfortable for babies during naps.

While the concept might seem alarming today, many parents in the early 1900s saw it as a practical solution to the challenges of urban living.

Why Fresh Air Was Considered Essential

The popularity of baby cages was linked to prevailing medical beliefs of the time. In the early 20th century, doctors widely promoted “open-air therapy” to combat illnesses such as tuberculosis. Fresh air and sunlight were thought to strengthen children’s immune systems and help them grow healthier.

This belief extended to childcare advice, with many experts recommending that babies spend time outdoors every day. However, for families living in cramped city apartments without yards or balconies, taking infants outside frequently was difficult. Hanging a cage outside a window became an unusual but convenient solution.

Some parents even believed that regular exposure to outdoor air could help babies develop stronger lungs and reduce the likelihood of colds.

Popularity in Cities and Apartment Blocks

Although the baby cage originated in the United States, the idea gained significant popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in London during the 1930s. Community groups such as the Chelsea Baby Club reportedly distributed cages to families who did not have gardens so that their children could spend time outdoors.

The devices were typically attached securely to window frames or walls, projecting outward over the street. From the outside, they looked like small metal balconies with mesh walls. Inside, babies could lie down, sit, or play while caregivers supervised them from the window.

Despite the unusual appearance, the cages were marketed as safe and beneficial for children.

The Gradual Disappearance of Baby Cages

The use of baby cages gradually declined after World War II. Changing safety standards, improved building designs, and growing concerns about the dangers of suspending infants outside windows contributed to their disappearance. In addition, suburban housing developments provided families with gardens and outdoor spaces, reducing the need for such inventions.

Advances in medical science also reduced the emphasis on open-air treatments, further diminishing the appeal of the cages.

A Curious Chapter in Parenting History

Today, the idea of placing a baby in a cage hanging several floors above the ground might seem shocking. Yet the baby cage represents a fascinating example of how social conditions and medical beliefs can shape parenting practices.