Fans of the TV show 'Call the Midwife' may be interested in ‘The Baby Book’, a charming little booklet produced in 1966 for new parents by Sandleford Maternity Unit in Newbury (document reference: P/HA7/4/2/1). The 1960s era is brought to life in this booklet which was financed by the advertisers of various popular baby products – not to mention Harrods! The gender conformity of the time is reflected in the pink and blue striped cover. 

Adverts included the ‘new Comfy Disposable Nappies’ which were burned after use, as well as the traditional cloth ones which could be reused and were more eco-friendly. A challenge especially for those who did not have a washing machine at home! The dirty nappy would be soaked in a bucket of cold water and then washed with clothing. Some areas had Nappy laundries which collected dirty nappies weekly and washed them. Nappies were still officially called napkins, reflecting their linen origins. 

Advice was given about formula feeding and then weaning baby on to solids, including cereal from just three months old. Sweet food was discouraged, however, to avoid dental decay. 

Antenatal classes were a recent innovation, and the booklet gives advice about the stages of childbirth. Visiting hours were limited; no family children could visit at all. Husbands were allowed to visit their wife and new baby for one hour every evening, strictly 7.15-8.15, and other visitors might come between 2.30 and 3.30 on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only (no more than two per mum). 

Expectant mothers were given a packing list for their hospital stay. They would have worn special maternity wear during the pregnancy, perhaps a homemade pinafore dress. They would have prepared a ‘layette’ of clothes for baby; it was recommended to have four woollen vests, four nightgowns, four day dresses, two shawls, three matinee jackets, three pairs of bootees, two pairs of gloves, two pairs of waterproof panties, 24 towel nappies and 24 muslin nappies. The most fashionable babies wore a Babygro (onesie). Many of baby’s clothes would have been hand knitted at home, and the booklet gives instructions for making suitable items. Why not try one out if you have a baby in your family? 

Parents were given advice about how to decorate the baby’s room, called the nursery. He or she slept there in its own cot from the newborn stage – but without pillows to avoid a tragedy. A playpen was a must, where baby could play securely, and from the age of seven months a high chair was needed. There are instructions how to bath baby.  

The first time mother in 1966 had usually worked prior to the birth, but now expected to be a stay at home mum, combining care of the baby with all the housework. A rather optimistic timetable allowed for an evening relaxing with your husband. 

The writer (a male professor of obstetrics and gynaecology) recognised that not all babies were the same – some thrived on routine, others needed more attention. It was normal to leave baby in a pram in the garden for hours while Mum went out shopping. Prams were large and the baby looked up at mum – or the sun if left outside alone.  

It was still common practice that baby would be baptised, the ceremony being followed by a reception for family and friends. ‘The centre of attraction at this gathering is, of course, the Baby, but second to the child is the Christening Cake’. This cake was a single tier fruit cake, iced in white, with pink or blue icing depending on the baby’s sex. 

The book includes a list of possible names with their meanings. The writers were possibly a little out of touch with ‘60s parents with suggestions including Algernon and Obadiah for boys, and Anastasia and Ophelia for girls! Other names are more evocative of the era. 

This booklet gives a snapshot of the attitudes and fashions relating to raising a baby in 1966. It is fascinating to consider the advice that has changed dramatically over time or that which has remained steadfast popular opinion with new parents.