Native American Cradles

The cradle is one of the most striking symbols of native American childhood. When and where they were first used is not known. They probably arrived in North America with the Bering land bridge migrants. However, archeological evidence suggests a longer tradition of cradle usage. What we do know is that cradles were used in most of North America and parts of South America. Although their appearance differed from group to group, their overall form remained the same. Each cradle had a “bed”, some sort of covering, padding, and lashing. Other features, like handles or dangling trinkets, were widespread but not universal. Likewise, materials varied from region to region. 

Cradle-making was often reserved for the most accomplished and skilled artisans. In fact, most cradles were made as gifts for special newborns. Families that didn’t have their own cradle often borrowed one from a friend or relative until the child outgrew it. As such, a single cradle was often used for generations.

Usage varied from group to group. Some women carried their children on their backs with the aid of a tumpline around the forehead or chest. Others carried their cradles by hand. Some hung their cradles from their horse’s saddle or on a nearby tree. Regardless of its location, the cradle kept the baby secure, immobile, warm, and out of the way. Many cradles could be used horizontally or vertically, which allowed mothers to put children to bed without waking them.