White child's dress of heavy cotton lace. Sleeveless bodice with arm holes edged with 3cm ungathered broderie type lace. High round neckline with 5cm lace flat collar. Back opening to waist with 5 x 1cm white buttons. LHS is seamed with buttons attached. RHS edge has button holes pushed through edge of lace. 5mm cotton tape is threaded through seam at neck line to form ties at the back. Skirt is made up of two layers of fabric gathered onto the bodice. Underneath layer is 25 cm deep - 12 cm plain fabric from waist with 13 cm edge of broderie type lace with scalloped edges. Top layer of 13cm of broderie type lace with scalloped edges. Unlined. Machine stitched. Skirt pieces are single pieces of lace fabric with seam at centre back.costume, children's, infant boy's dress

Heavy white cotton lace dress. High round neckline with cotton drawstring ties. 6cm lace collar with scalloped edged. 7cm cap lace sleeves with fine scalloped edges. Casing at the waist with cotton ties to back. Back opening from neck line to 9cm below waist. Cotton tie at neckline at back. Two x 1cm white buttons spaced at 6cm and 12cm below neck. Hemmed edges of lace form the edges of the back opening. Two machine stitched button holes on RHS with 4.5cm layer of lace covering the button holes. LHS of opening is plain. Lace skirt made of single piece of lace fabric gathered at the waist. Seam at centre back. Skirt 31 cm. Scalloped edges dipping to V shapes. 5mm cotton ties at waist and neck go through metal ties. Machine stitched.costume, children's, infant boy's dress

Part of Frank Forster's baby feeding bottle collection. In Australia, this type of bottle was known as "Truflow"; and was manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. The missing 'c' on this bottle makes this bottle rare and of greater value than similar ones with the correct spelling. (Verbal communication: Helen Johnson) In Australia this type of bottle was known as "Truflow" which was also manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.Broadly cylindrical glass bottle, but flattened to create six sides. Graduations in ounces and cubic centimetres written on two sides. With cream coloured plastic top. The first 'c' in cubic is missing in the text on the bottle. Bottle carries the text "evenflo", "MADE IN U.S.A", "BOTTLE CONFIG. R". Text on base reads "FF (in circle) 18"infant feeding, dr frank forster

The neck of this bottle is quite wide and would have been fitted with quite a large teat. The use of an inbuilt thermometer on this bottle by the manufacturers, Kuwa, was quite innovative.Cylindrical glass feeding bottle, with calibrations for 1 to 8 (ounces) and 50 to 200 (mls). There is a vertical recess in centre front of the bottle, which contains a thermometer. There are two vertical seams in the glass, and a longitudinal bubble in the glass near the neck. Embossed on the neck of the bottle: "Kuwa" and "Made in Germany" on the lower front of bottle near the base."KUWA"; "MADE IN GERMANY"infant feeding

Maws were a well known British medical instrument and supply manufacturer. Originating as J and S Maw in 1828, the company changed names a number of times and was renamed Maws Pharmacy Supplies Limited in 1940. It continued trading as such until the company was sold to an American company (ITT) in 1973. Clear glass feeding bottle with four rounded edges, tapering to s short neck. Calibrations for ounces and mls imprinted on opposite sides of the bottle. Bottle in inscribed "MAWS" and "HEAT RESISTING". On base, "MADE IN BELGIUM".infant feeding, infant care

This design was modelled on Queen Victoria's nursery bottles and would have been in use during mid 1880s to the early 1900s. This item is very similar to the Alexandra Feeding Bottle featured in the Maws catalogue of 1868. It was named after the then Princess Alexandra of Wales, later Queen Alexandra. This model had a glass stopper and a long rubber tube which connected at one end to a teat and to a glass tube at the other. The fittings were very difficult to clean and would hold milk particles, making them a breeding ground for the formation of bacteria. Sterilisation of feeding bottles by boiling, and boiling of milk and water, were not practiced effectively at this time.Globular shaped feeding bottle embossed with a crown on the upper surface. Next of bottle fitted with a glass thread. Writing imprinted on front of bottle, inside a ring, reads "THE VICTORIA FEEDING BOTTLE". The bottle has a flat shaped bottom to allow it to balance on a surface while being used."THE VICTORIA FEEDING BOTTLE"infant feeding, infant care

Crown Crystal Glass were an Australian glass manufacturer, who were the Australian vendors for Pyrex from 1926, importing from the UK. In 1961, Crown Crystal Glass began manufacturing their own Pyrex, under the name Agee Pyrex (until 1963), Crown Agee Pyrex (late 1960s), Crown Pyrex (1970s), Crown Ovenware (1970s) and Pyrex Ovenware (late 1970s until early 1980s). Source: That Retro Piece, 'PYREX | Australian', https://thatretropiece.com/collections/pyrex-australian "The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment." Source: Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc., 'Bottle, The Perfect Agee Feeding Bottle, Mid 20th century', https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/592fe71ad0cdd520341b3954Octagonal glass bottle tapering to a narrow neck. Calibrations for ounces and mls imprinted on the sides of the bottle. Text inscribed on bottle reads " THE IDEAL AGEE/PYREX/FEEDER"."THE IDEAL AGEE/PYREX/FEEDER"infant feeding, infant care

Crown Crystal Glass were an Australian glass manufacturer, who were the Australian vendors for Pyrex from 1926, importing from the UK. In 1961, Crown Crystal Glass began manufacturing their own Pyrex, under the name Agee Pyrex (until 1963), Crown Agee Pyrex (late 1960s), Crown Pyrex (1970s), Crown Ovenware (1970s) and Pyrex Ovenware (late 1970s until early 1980s). Source: That Retro Piece, 'PYREX | Australian', https://thatretropiece.com/collections/pyrex-australian "The use of pyrex bottles became more prevalent in Australia in the second half of the 20th century and baby’s bottles made of pyrex were popular as they were easily sterilised in the home environment." Source: Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc., 'Bottle, The Perfect Agee Feeding Bottle, Mid 20th century', https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/592fe71ad0cdd520341b3954 Clear glass bottle tapering to a short narrow neck. Calibrations embossed on the glass in ounces (0-8) and mls (0-240). Embossed on the side: "Agee/PYREX/Feeder"."Agee/PYREX/Feeder"infant feeding, infant care

These bottles were used in hospital maternity wards to relieve baby's thirst, particularly in the immediate postpartum before the mother's milk came in.Small clear glass bottle tapering to a wide neck with a thread for a screw top. Metal screw top lid. Calibrations embossed on glass in millilitres (0-120). Embossed on front of bottle: 'Nestle'. Printing on paper label adhered to bottle reads 'Sterile Feeding/Water/Name/Ward'.infant feeding, infant care

Purchased from an Antique shop in Willunga, South Australia by Dr Malcolm Barnett, who then donated it to the collection.Glass feeding bottle. Bottle is loosely banana shaped, with a wider section in the middle narrowing to a neck at either end. The bottle has a flat base and is embossed with the word "Liptight" at top."LIPTIGHT"infant feeding, infant care

Purchased from an antique shop in Willunga, South Australia by Dr Malcolm Barnett, who then donated it to the collection.Glass feeding bottle. Bulbous glass bottle with openings at either end. The upper surface is rounded, and the bottom surface is angled to allow the bottle to sit on a flat surface. The upper end has a wider neck suitable for a rubber teat, whilst the lower end is narrower and may have had a valve attachment. Graduated measurement markings for tablespoons and ounces run along each side of the bottle. Embossed writing on underside of bottle reads "REG NO/47457", and on upper side reads "THE/SITAR/FEEDER/8 OZ/OR/225 ML".'THE/SITAR/FEEDER"infant feeding, infant care

Scales like these were used to weigh babies.Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated the obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The gladstone bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period. Set of small, portable spring balance scales. With case/enclosure.infant care

Prue Forster believes this to be the bottle given to her by 'Auntie' Maud Pepper, for Frank Forster's collection. Prue met her when she was working for the Aboriginal Health Service (1980-1993). 'Auntie' Maud Pepper was living in Preston at the time but had come from the Western District. The bottle was her own and she told Prue how fine material was used over the mouthpiece instead of a rubber teat. 'Auntie' Maud Pepper was a founder of ACES (the Aboriginal Elders Residence & Convalescent Home.) Additional sensitive notes on file.Glass boat-shaped feeding bottle with one end flattened and a spout at the other. There is a larger opening with a lip on the top surface. There is a small chip on the flattened end.infant feeding, infant care

This is a one pint general purpose enamel jug. Dr Mitchell Henry O'Sullivan worked in the Victorian country town of Casterton as a general practitioner from 1919 until his death in 1977. He also practiced obstetrics. His son, Dr David More O'Sullivan donated his obstetric bag and its contents to the College in 1999. The bag and contents are a unique time capsule of the type of instruments and pharmaceuticals used in the inter-war period.Cream coloured jug, made of enamelled metal with a blue rim. Inside the jug are markings for imperial and metric capacity.infant care

Bulbous clear glass bottle with necks/openings at either end. Embossed lettering reading "The/STAR/Feeder" on the front/top of bottle. Underside of the bottle is flat to allow for the bottle to sit on a flat surface. "HOWRAH" embossed on underside.The/STAR/Feeder; HOWRAHinfant care

This feeder was used by the parents of Gerard Anderson to feed him Lactogen in 1922. Correspondence on file from donor.Clear glass feeding bottle. Bottle is curved, somewhat resembling the shape of a banana, with a bottle neck at either end. A flat depression on the underside allows the object to lie on a flat surface. The back of the bottle is marked in ounces, and the front is marked in tablespoons. Embossed on the front is a picture of a beehive on a stand with the words: 'EVER SWEET/SANITARY FEEDER'.'EVER SWEET/SANITARY FEEDER'infant care, infant feeding

This stethoscope , or auriscope, came from the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital in 1958 when the maternity unit was transferred to the new City Hospital. Dr Walker in his correspondence states: "The foetal auriscope is from the days of modesty, came from the Royal Devon & Exter Hospital in 1958, when its maternity ward transferred to the new City Hospital and storage for memorabilia was unavailable." This item is similar to Stoke's stethoscope, or Barclay's stethoscope, as illustrated in Tiemann's catalogue of 1899. The stem of this stethoscope is, however, much longer than either of these. The stethoscope came with a letter written to Dr Walker's maternal grandfather by Dr. James Young Simpson. This letter was transferred to the RANZCOG Archives following conservation treatment by the Conservation Centre.A lightweight wooden stethoscope with long stem and a black ebony bell on one end. The bell is almost flat. 37.5 cms in length.infant care

Clothing. High lace-edged round neckline - lace 1.3 cm deep. Long sleeves-gathered at the shoulder, and edged at the wrist with a 4.5 cm deep, gathered broderie anglais, featuring a shamrock, and flower design. The bodice has a centre front panel of lace. 9 cm wide at the neckline, tapering to 4 cm wide at the high waistline. This panel is edged with a 4 cm wide scalloped edge at the broiderie anglais trim. Three rows of pintucks, give a finish to the filigree braid, and the gathered broiderie frill. The long skirt is gathered at the lower bodice, and is 70 cms long. The lower 20.5 cms at the hemline has alternate bands of three pintucks, a 4 cm panel of flowers and cutwork broiderie, three pintucks, 4 cm panel panel of broiderie, three pintucks and a 4 cms deep machine stitched hem. Bodice has a back opening, with only one 1 cm diameter covered button evident, a cotton tape passes through a casing, and ties at the back waistline.costume, female, infants nightdress.

Clothing ,white cotton christening gown. Low round neckline with casing and cotton tape ties. Bodice at front and back.Casing at waist with cotton tape ties to back. Back opening 31 cm. Long sleeves trimmed with 3 cm broderie lace and vertical pintucks. Front of christening gown has inverted V section from waist to hem of broderie lace (9 cm at waist to 51 cm at hem). Centre panel edged with 3 cm lace from neckline to hem. Hem at back and sides has 4 cm border of broderie lace below three tucks. Old box 524.costume, children's, christening long gown

Clothing, white cotton christening gown. Low rounded neckline with casing and cotton tape ties. Bodice at back and sides. Casing and cotton ties on sides and back to centre back opening (25 cm). Full length centre front panel of embroidered lace fabric with two panels of horizontal pintucks. Lower edge of centre panel ends with two layers of broiderie lace ( 9cm and 17 cm). vertical edges of centre panel trimmed with 5 cm strip of lace. Centre lace panel widens from 8 cm at waist to 54 cm at hem. Hem of back and sides is trimmed with one layer of 9 cm broiderie lace below a 2.5 cm tuck. Double layer lace to form short cap sleeves. Old box 524.costume, children's, christening long gown

Most likely purchased by former curator Melissa Campbell from a market or antique store.Advertising sign, enamel paint on metal, "AUSTRALIA'S/ FOSTER MOTHER/ NESTLE'S MILK". H 45..0.x w 75.4cminfant feeding

Cupping glasses were in use from the early 1700s onwards. Their purpose was to draw the nipple out from the areola in preparation for breast feeding. They were also used for expressing small quantities of breast milk. Other possible uses include drawing fluid from other parts of the body for conditions such as oedema of the limbs or abdomen.Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993. Cupping glass, consisting of a glass tube connection and red rubber hand pump.midwifery, infant feeding

This appliance can used in two different ways: externally to spray antiseptic mist on to the skin or internally on the back of the throat. Insufflator is the clinical term for spraying. This was used by a midwife in the care of mother and newborn babies. (Becton Dickson)Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.White metal applicator, probably made from nickel plate. Consists of three sections - application cup (.1), watch spring attached to a piston and flange (.2), and a section of metal connection (.3). Applicator was originally attached to a glass tube mounted on black vulcanite by metal connections of various sizes. Inscribed 'BECTON DICKSON & CO/PAT. DEC. 06", "RUTHERFORD N.J."midwifery, infant care

Baby Marge Hastie seated in a wicker chair. c1920s or 1930s, maybe earlier?tatura, hastie, costume, infant, furniture, domestic

The photographic collection at the RCH has been identified as especially significant, and comparative research suggests that it is one of the biggest and most diverse visual records of children’s health held by any hospital in Australia. Spanning more than a century, the collection traces the changes in how children have been cared for. It also reveals the daily experiences of hospital staff and patients over its long history, and the deeply personal stories of medical care that can result in sorrow or relief.Black and white photograph with a white border loose in sleeve"Sister Elinor Davies ('Dave') at RCHOS Copyright, The Argus F440" is written in pencil on reverse of photograph.