Belt for babies, England, 1800-1870

Elastic belt for babies, English, 1800-1870

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Elastic belt for babies, English, 1800-1870
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Elastic belt for babies, English, 1800-1870

Do you have an ‘innie’ or an ‘outie’? The belly button is the remnant of a foetal feeding tube called the umbilical cord. This connects mother and baby within the womb. The tube is severed after birth. This belt binded the baby around the waist after birth to flatten the umbilicus and protect this area during the baby’s first days. It is made of silk, elastic and kid (goat) hair.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A630833
Materials:
silk, kid and elastic
Measurements:
overall: 2 mm x 373 mm x 68 mm, 0.008 kg
type:
belt
credit:
Thornton, W.