Cradle, cradle, shak, pitching - Russian words filled with special warm meaning for mothers of the past and present. What is a cradle? This is a small bed with high sides for newborns.
Traditional cradle
In most of the world's material cultures associated with the family, there are cradles of various materials, of various shapes, but with the same basic function - motion sickness of a child. Probably, once the mothers noticed that the baby falls asleep faster and sleeps better if swaddled and slightly rocked. Today there is a scientific hypothesis that rhythmic swaying reminds the child of his serene intrauterine existence. The brain assesses external conditions as absolutely safe and loses sleep mode more easily. The invention of the cradle was also facilitated by the need for mom to free her hands for routine homework in the absence of assistants.
Typically, the cradles were made of wood or wove from a vine. Their width did not exceed half a meter, and the length was a meter. The small size of the berth provided the baby with maximum comfort. The whole world of traditional folk culture was filled with protective symbols of magical thinking. And a person’s life from birth was guarded by special ritual actions built into the everyday life of the family. So, on wooden cradles carved charms, applied drawings, invoking a good dream. Together with the icons, they placed rag dolls in the cradle, which spun from their parents' clothes and were considered the strongest amulets. A woven canopy was hung from above, protecting the baby from light, alien glances and evil forces.
Modern cradle
What is a cradle in our time? The first sleepy bed for a small person is arranged by young parents in the same way as before, with great love and trepidation. All the needs of the child and mother are taken into account, materials and fabrics are selected, practical properties and appearance of the cradle are evaluated. Usually the cradle is used until the baby grows up to about 5-6 months. Then he is moved to a larger crib. A swinging cradle is not a safe place for an awakened baby who wants to roll over on his stomach or climb on the sides.
Types of Modern Cradles
- A classic rocking cradle, standing on special runners for swinging, sometimes even equipped with shock absorbers.
- The cradle on castors or stable legs, equipped with a special vibration mechanism, swinging it measuredly. Such small cradles with wheels allow mom to go about their business next to the baby, moving the sleeping child in the home space without disturbing his sleep.
- Cradle suspended on long ropes or panels from the ceiling or to a holding pole. Ergonomic model allows more rational use of the space at home.
Now the cradle is a maneuverable and compact piece of the first children's furniture. It is complemented by various accessories: from educational music mobiles to projectors of the starry sky. It is equipped with electronic mechanisms that help to quickly respond to the baby's signals, and soothing him. But, despite the many transformations, the cradle has survived to this day, retaining its main function - the creation of a cozy space for children's sleep.