Morphine was used from the late 1800s to the 1930s as a main ingredient in children’s medicine.

Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup was marketed to mothers as the essential aid to child-rearing. This syrup was supposed to help soothe babies’ pain and discomfort while teething. Ever heard someone say, rub some whiskey on the babies’ gums? 

Well Winslow’s Syrup took things to a whole other level. Every bottle contained one grain of morphine (65 mg) per fluid ounce. The syrup was effective at quieting infants. In fact, it was too effective. Babies started dying because of the morphine overdose and the “soothing syrup” became known as “baby killers.” 

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