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Standardization of BabiesThe twentieth eentury method of doing things calls for a standard of quality as well as quantity.The standard is the guide-post by which man has made such progress in the production of high class grain. This same idea of working to an adopted standard has enabled him to work wonders in the improvement of livestock. By strict adherence to a fixed standard, a wild and worthless grass plant has been converted into a grain whose golden harvest supplies the world with bread; the *Tail-splitterM exists in memory alone while the deep tleshed, standard-bred porker furnishes pork chops for all mankind.By this same method of standardization, by which this country has caused the world to take notice of its “bumper” crops of grain and meat, it is proposed the world must, likewise, acknowledge the authority of the American baby. Now' the standardization of babies is not to be a government institution but the ends for which the “Better Babies movement” has been inaugurated are to be accomplished by the parents.The New York milk committee, a powerful organization, whose purpose is the conservation of child-life, has endorsed the movement as a means of raising the standard of health and the citizenship of Greater New York. No better place could be selected to try out the system, unless it be Chicago.The Better Babies movement has been launched in twelve states. The progress that is made in this great work is to be determined by bolding a baby fair.In speaking of one of these new contests, The Woman’s Horae Companion, an able champion of the cause, in its June number, says:“At these new contests correct proportions, fine human mechanism and intelligence, not dimples and curling locks, win prizes and put on their mettle the parents of babies who fail to qualify. You cannot make a homely baby over into a dimpled cherub or Cupid, but you can make a delicate, dull child strong and bright. No baby is permanently disqualified in a Better Babies contest. Straight ahead stretches next year, with the chance that sensible, scientific care, as outlined by the physicians in charge of the contest, will evolve a ‘Better Baby’ for the next fair.“A Better Babies contest is just about the most optimistic and hopeful gathering you can picture. Its appeal is universal and unfailing. It appeals to scientists, those grave men who, in the centers of learning in Germany, Bohemia, France, and England, are forming societies for the conservation of child life, a valuable asset to every nation. It appeals to physicians, who know how’ much misery could be prevented, how much unnecessary disease abolished, if babies were given the right start. It appeals to state and city officials, who know that healthy children mean a healthy municipality and state prosperity. And it appeals first, last, and always to the parents.”
Newspaper Details
New Albany Tribune
New Albany, Indiana, US
Sat, May 24, 1913
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Wendy S.
USA 16 Apr 2025
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