Date: 1910

Origin: City of Toronto Archives

The Baby Show

Between 1910 and 1978, proud parents from all parts of Ontario and the northern United States entered their children in the Baby Show at the Canadian National Exhibition. There were eight classes under which babies could compete:

* Boys, 6 months to under 9 months;
* Girls, 6 months to under 9 months;
* Boys, 9 months to under 12 months;
* Girls, 9 months to under 12 months;
* Boys, 12 months to under 18 months;
* Girls, 12 months to under 18 months;
* Best twins, either sex or boy and girl, 6 months to under
12 months; and
* Best twins, either sex or boy and girl, 12 months to under
18 months.

From the winners of those classes was chosen the “Grand Champion,” the all-round best baby girl or boy.

In awarding points, Baby Show judges considered the health, cleanliness, general appearance and neatness of attire of the babies.

A warning on an early Baby Show entry form cautioned that “The Judges will not enter into a discussion with parents regarding babies,” and that “All decisions of the Baby Show Officials are final….”

The winners were awarded cash prizes and CNE medallions. In 1968, for instance, the “Grand Champion” received $50.00 and a gold-filled CNE medallion.