Since prehistoric times to the foundling wheel, from the first ‘baby hatches’ to the modern ninna ho ‘baby hatches’. The abandonment of unwanted children has always been a common practice wordwide throughout the ages. Children, in particular newborn babies, were once considered as objects to be disposed of if of no use. Certain cultures did not permit them to be killed, but allowed illegitimate children to be sold or abandoned. In others infanticide was not considered illegal.