Don't tell social services! How a new book proves that yesteryear's little darlings were real toughies

By Daily Mail Online Reporter

Published: 17:36 EST, 5 September 2016 | Updated: 20:07 EST, 5 September 2016

Those were the days before they put the word ‘care’ into childcare. Author Chris Wild has unearthed some astonishing historic photos for his new book — The Retronaut Guide To Raising Children: The Past Like You Wouldn’t Believe. 

While the Mumsnet generation of parents must be reaching for the smelling salts, we can only say: Please, don’t try this at home! 

Have you got a light boy? Two young lads look like experienced smokers in their ornately furnished secret den

Have you got a light boy? Two young lads look like experienced smokers in their ornately furnished secret den

No hitting below the, er, nappy: Little mites, who can hardly lift gloves, are put in a makeshift boxing ring in the fifites

No hitting below the, er, nappy: Little mites, who can hardly lift gloves, are put in a makeshift boxing ring in the fifites

Synchronised swimming: Novice bather's learn on a 'merry go-round' at their school in Cincinnati in 1930

Synchronised swimming: Novice bather's learn on a 'merry go-round' at their school in Cincinnati in 1930

Hung out to dry: These babies are not enjoying being 'kept out of trouble' on the washing line

Hung out to dry: These babies are not enjoying being 'kept out of trouble' on the washing line

Cupboard love: Sheltering from an air raid in London during the Blitz

Cupboard love: Sheltering from an air raid in London during the Blitz

Uneasy rider: Mother ensures drivers will give her boy a wide berth

Uneasy rider: Mother ensures drivers will give her boy a wide berth

Bin abandoned: A tot left in a park waste basket while his brothers play

Bin abandoned: A tot left in a park waste basket while his brothers play

Googlebox: Sun ray therapy in 1938 after it was said to ward off chest infections and anaemia 

Googlebox: Sun ray therapy in 1938 after it was said to ward off chest infections and anaemia 

High flyer: Baby gets fresh air in cage hung outside of a top floor flat in 1938

High flyer: Baby gets fresh air in cage hung outside of a top floor flat in 1938

A hard day's night: Children sleep on wooden-framed canvas beds in the open air on the roof of a school for orphans

A hard day's night: Children sleep on wooden-framed canvas beds in the open air on the roof of a school for orphans

Comments (1575)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now