Glossary Term Babies' Home

Functions

Glossary Term and Type of 'care'

Alternative Names

• (Foundling hospital)

Summary

The term 'babies' home' generally refers to institutions for children under the age of three. In the nineteenth century, such institutions were often known as infant asylums. These institutions were usually associated with services for unmarried mothers, and often functioned (officially or not) as adoption agencies. Staff in babies' homes were usually trained nurses. Some institutions also provided training for mothercraft nurses.