Life — September 5, 1930 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Cafeterias for Babies" by Don Herold This satirical article mocks the early 20th-century trend of applying scientific "modern" parenting methods to infants. The author ridicules Dr. Davis's suggestion that babies should select their own food and doctors, rather than following parental guidance. The cartoon illustrations show absurd scenarios: a baby choosing between watermelon, ice cream, and pie; another selecting from various undesirable items (ground glass, door knobs, wines). Herold argues this philosophy is ridiculous—infants lack judgment and knowledge. The satire targets the era's faith in "scientific" child-rearing that strips parental authority and common sense. His point: not everything modern is an improvement; babies need guidance, not independence in crucial health decisions.