Dark History Podcast Episode 178: The Most F*ed Up Baby Products in History

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: Bailey Sarian
Produced by: Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In Episode 178 of Dark History, host Bailey Sarian delves into the unsettling evolution of baby products, uncovering historical practices that posed serious risks to infants. From morphine-laden pacifiers to hazardous diapers, Sarian explores how seemingly benign products often masked dangerous ingredients and practices.

Early Baby Products: Sugar Tits Pacifiers

[05:15] Bailey Sarian:

"The very first version of pacifiers were actually called sugar tits. They were essentially a piece of linen covered in bread soaked in honey, dipped in alcohol to numb the baby's gums."

In the Victorian era, pacifiers known as "sugar tits" were commonly used to soothe teething babies. These rudimentary devices contained bread soaked in honey and dipped in alcohol, which not only numbed the gums but also had the unintended effect of inducing drowsiness in infants. Despite their widespread use, these pacifiers carried significant risks due to their alcohol content.

Ms. Charlotte Winslow's Soothing Syrup and Morphine Addiction

[12:45] Bailey Sarian:

"Ms. Winslow's soothing syrup contained morphine, an opiate, which was one of the few available medicines in the 1800s. This syrup became a popular solution for teething pain but led to widespread addiction among infants."

Charlotte Winslow, a midwife from Maine, developed a "soothing syrup" intended to calm teething babies. Her original concoction, lacking formal regulation, was later modified by her son-in-law, Jeremiah Curtis, who added morphine to enhance its efficacy. The addition of morphine transformed the syrup into a potent opiate solution, inadvertently causing infants to become addicted.

Impact and Consequences: Baby Deaths and Regulatory Changes

[20:30] Bailey Sarian:

"By the 1880s, it became clear that the real danger wasn’t disease but the morphine syrup itself. Babies were suffocating due to the combined effects of morphine and alcohol in the syrup."

As the use of Winslow's soothing syrup surged, so did incidents of infant mortality. The combination of morphine and alcohol led to respiratory depression, causing babies to suffocate. Initial deaths were misattributed to prevalent diseases like dysentery, delaying the recognition of the syrup's lethal potential. Persistent media exposure and investigative journalism in 1905 eventually exposed the syrup's dangers, leading to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, which mandated ingredient transparency.

The Era of Baby Cages

[28:50] Bailey Sarian:

"In 1922, Emma Reed invented the baby cage, a wire-covered container placed outside apartment windows to provide babies with fresh air. Although innovative, this practice exposed infants to environmental hazards like frostbite and suffocation."

Amidst urban overcrowding and rampant tuberculosis in the 1920s, fresh air was touted as a curative measure. Emma Reed's invention of the baby cage was a misguided attempt to protect infants while allowing exposure to fresh air. Despite endorsements from figures like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and widespread adoption, the cages often resulted in accidental deaths and frostbite, highlighting the perils of unregulated baby care innovations.

Transition to Disposable Diapers: Marian Donovan and P&G's Pampers

[35:30] Bailey Sarian:

"Marian Donovan revolutionized diapering in the 1940s with her invention 'Boater,' a reusable diaper featuring snaps and absorbent inserts. Her success paved the way for the disposable diaper industry."

Marian Donovan's introduction of the "Boater" diaper marked a significant shift from cloth-based diapers, addressing issues like leakage and odor. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the commercialization of disposable diapers, eventually inspiring Procter & Gamble to develop Pampers in the 1960s. Victor Mills' innovation of the disposable cellulose pulp core made Pampers highly absorbent and user-friendly, leading to their dominance in the market.

Pampers' Controversy and DryMax Technology

[44:09] Bailey Sarian:

"In 2010, Pampers faced a backlash over their DryMax technology, which was marketed as ultra-absorbent but was linked to severe diaper rash and chemical burns in infants."

Despite Pampers' initial success, the introduction of DryMax technology led to unforeseen skin issues among babies. Reports of severe rashes and chemical burns prompted class-action lawsuits and significant consumer distrust. Procter & Gamble initially dismissed these claims, but mounting evidence forced the company to discontinue DryMax diapers by 2011. This controversy underscored the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and transparency of baby products.

Modern Baby Products Industry Overview

[50:25] Bailey Sarian:

"Today, the baby industry is a $358 billion global market, driven by constant innovation and celebrity endorsements. While many products aim to enhance convenience for parents, the industry's history serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of safety and regulation."

The modern baby products industry thrives on innovation and marketing, often leveraging celebrity endorsements to boost sales. However, the historical misuse of hazardous ingredients highlights the critical need for stringent safety standards and transparency. Despite advancements, ongoing debates about product safety and ethical marketing practices continue to shape the industry's landscape.

Conclusion and Reflections

[57:40] Bailey Sarian:

"The history of baby products is a stark reminder that not all innovations are beneficial. While advancements have undeniably improved infant care, vigilance and regulation are essential to prevent past tragedies from recurring."

Bailey Sarian concludes by emphasizing the importance of informed consumer choices and robust regulatory frameworks in the baby products industry. Reflecting on past mistakes, she advocates for continued skepticism and advocacy to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations.

Notable Audience Engagement

Throughout the episode, Bailey engages with her audience, addressing comments and suggestions related to historical topics. This interactive approach fosters a community of listeners who contribute to the podcast's evolving narrative.

Episode Teaser

Looking ahead, Sarian hints at the next episode, which will explore the Teapot Dome scandal—one of the largest government scandals in U.S. history, involving corruption, bribery, and a massive cover-up.

Final Thoughts

Episode 178 of Dark History unearths the dark and often dangerous history behind baby products, shedding light on how industrial advancements and lack of regulation once endangered infant lives. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Bailey Sarian highlights the critical balance between innovation and safety in the relentless pursuit of convenience.

Stay tuned for more gripping tales from the shadows of history in upcoming episodes of Dark History.