The fire basket
Oh how cold it must have been in winter, in such a draughty house with single-brick walls and single glazing! Especially considering the fact that winters back then we’re a lot harsher than nowadays. Of course it helps if you’re wearing thick clothes, But a baby does have to bare its bum during a nappy change. Luckily, there was the fire basket.
Warming up and drying nappies
On a fire basket, the nappies and clothes were warmed. You can find such a fire basket near the box bed in the back room. In a hanging basket underneath the basket, glowing embers were placed. These warmed up the cloths that hung above it. Nappies that were only peed in, were also hung to dry on the fire basket. Without washing them first! The baby itself could also be placed in the basket, to get nice and warm.
