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

These pictures show just how tough kids raised in yesteryear were. A far cry from the cotton wool parenting of today – parents of the past raised their kids tough. While the Mumsnet generation of parents must be reaching for the smelling salts, we can only say: Please, don’t try this at home!

Got a light, kid? These kids look far too experienced at smoking cigarettes for their age.

Hung out to dry: These babies certainly don’t look like they are enjoying hanging out the washing.

Fighting fit: Baby boys given tiny boxing gloves in a makeshift boxing ring.

Children receiving sun ray treatment at the child welfare centre in Harrow Road, west London. It was thought the treatment prevented anaemia and chest infections.

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

That’s one way of making sure your baby gets fresh air. This baby is suspended in a wire cage hanging from an apartment block.

Children sleeping on the roof of a school, for orphans.

A toddler is left in an empty mesh rubbish bin while his brothers have gone to play.

This concerned mother fastened a sign to her son asking motorists to watch out for him.

A day nursery in the East End of London, where the children shelter in a linen cupboard during an air raid