The Baby Tender
Jan 18th, 2019 by bachmann
19th century homes posed many hazards for babies and toddler, such as open fires and cooking utensils. Static wood cradles and other barriers were the default safeguard for preventing tragic accidents. However, most households did not use such devices, instead relying upon older children to watch over younger siblings. In the 1860s, Dr. J. Silas Brown, who practiced at the Hygiene Hospital, Boston, constructed an elaborate contraption that could serve a multitude of functions. This “magic cradle” was a single device that could serve as a crib, cradle, baby jumper, or a hobby horse. All in all, it allowed for 9 unique setups to amuse and protect a baby or toddler. Pleased with the outcome of his invention, Brown abandoned his profession and devoted himself almost exclusively to the business of selling and perfecting his magic cradle. The ambitious concept for an “all in one” type of device is remarkable for its time and in many ways anticipates the current range of baby related consumer products today that claim too integrate educational, entertainment, and safety aspects in one gadget. It is unclear if Brown had any real financial success with his invention.
The Baby Tender is neither new nor untried. The present (ottoman) style was first introduced to public notice in August, 1861. Since that time it has met with constantly increasing favor from all classes of the community. Not only has it given entire satisfaction to those who had used it, but in most cases has exceeded the highest expectations formed of it. The variety of forms which it is easily made to assume, the greater variety of uses to which it may be applied, the immense relief which it affords to mothers, and the comfort and delight which it gives to infants and children, all combine to render it exceedingly popular wherever known….Mr. Angell, the well-known and highly esteemed Superintendent of the “ Home for the Friendless,” No. 29 East Twenty-ninth street, New York, writes : “ It is altogether the most complete and desirable article of the kind I have ever seen. Children prefer it to the arms of mother or nurse.”
THE BABY TENDER BRIEFLY EXPLAINED. It is not only a noiseleess and charming cradle, but is easily and instantly changed into either of the following articles—each in itself complete and perfect, viz. : A Reclining and Sitting Couch for infants. A Baby- jumper, allowing perfect freedom of motion. A Baby-horse for children of either sex. A Baby-walker, attractive and useful. A – Nursery Chair. A High chair for the table. An Ottoman, and A delightful Hobby-house for boys or girls. The Baby Tender is entirely safe, simple, and easily understood, and with ordinary care will last for many years. It stands on castors (no part being suspended), occupies no more space than a small trunk, and may be safely moved by a child of 3 years. Those who have never used it have no conception of the toil and anxiety which it saves to those having the care of infants and children.
“The baby jumper — amply provided with healthful exercise and the means of amusing themselves, children will remain in the Baby-jumper for hours together without the opportunity of doing or receiving harm, or the ability to release themselves. The Baby-jumper alone is worth, to many mothers, the whole cost of the Baby-tender.”
“The HobbyHorse (Figs. 10 and 11) is the last in the list of articles into which the Magic Cradle maybe converted. This change, like either of the others, can be made in from 5 to 30 seconds by persons accustomed to the use of the Baby Tender. Without disconnecting the chair from the iron bed-piece on which it rests, lift chair and bed-piece together off of and from the ottoman, and put the horse in its place. This charming horse possesses the following advantages : 1st. The exercise and motion obtained by its use, very much resemble those derived from actual horseback riding. 2d. It is noiseless, does not wear the carpet, and occupies but little space, 3d. It affords safe, pleasing, and healthful exercise foi children under 5 years. 4th. It possesses both a vertical and revolving motion, which is true of no other Hobby-horse in use.”
- Description:
- Brown & Co. (New York, N.Y.) issuing body. Brown’s patent baby tender, or magic spring cradle converted into nine other delightful and useful articles for mothers and children, the whole design to take the place of a nurse. New York : Wynkoop & Hallenbeck, printers, 1864.
- Persistent Link:
- https://nrs.lib.harvard.edu/urn-3:FHCL:37921787
- Repository:
- Widener Library
- Institution:
- Harvard University