Louisiana hosts first Better Babies Contest at State Fair

1908. At the beginning of the 20th century, many social reformers, medical professionals, and ordinary citizens were concerned about the high infant mortality in the United States. They began a campaign to reduce infant mortality by regulating normal child development. The Better Babies Contests emerged within this context.

The first “scientific baby contest,” initiated by Mary Degarmo, was held at the Louisiana State Fair in 1908. Physicians measured the participant’s physical and mental developments and recorded them. As the contest moved forward, it became increasingly laced with eugenic ideas, and those involved used the contest to spread those ideas in conjunction with exhibitions, fairs, and other forms of media to raise eugenic awareness.

-Erna Kurbegovic

Louisiana hosts first Better Babies Contest at State Fair

1908. At the beginning of the 20th century, many social reformers, medical professionals, and ordinary citizens were concerned about the high infant mortality in the United States. They began a campaign to reduce infant mortality by regulating normal child development. The Better Babies Contests emerged within this context.

The first “scientific baby contest,” initiated by Mary Degarmo, was held at the Louisiana State Fair in 1908. Physicians measured the participant’s physical and mental developments and recorded them. As the contest moved forward, it became increasingly laced with eugenic ideas, and those involved used the contest to spread those ideas in conjunction with exhibitions, fairs, and other forms of media to raise eugenic awareness.

-Erna Kurbegovic