50 Historic Photos That Could Change How You See the Past

The Infant Cage, 1937

In 1937, the “baby cage” emerged as an unusual but practical solution to a common problem—how to give babies fresh air in overcrowded urban environments. Suspended from the side of a building, this tiny enclosure provided a glimpse of the outside world for a small child, who gazed out with wide, curious eyes, much like our own. It was a bold, albeit unconventional, way to solve a modern parenting dilemma in the midst of city life.

While it may seem strange or even unsettling by today’s standards, this peculiar contraption represents an era filled with innovative—and often quirky—attempts to improve life for the next generation. In a world of rapid change, parents of the time sought creative ways to care for their children. This photo serves as a reminder of their sincere efforts, even if it meant taking a literal leap of faith from solid ground for the sake of fresh air and sunshine.