Swinging and Rocking: Two Millennia of Debating the Cradle

In most societies, devices evolved to enhance the mother’s working capacity. This article depicts cradle’s development in some countries and delineates scientific debate that led its demise 19th century. A few basic forms of infant cots survived centuries from antiquity: carrying board, trough, hammock, sling, transverse rockers, forward rockers. Romans discerned 2 types: cuna stood on floor was moveable by wooden Lecti pensiles were suspended beds. Cradleboards Native Americans revealed remarkable variety shapes decorations. The hood a 16th century development, intended protect baby’s face flies, sunlight, evil eye. Already second CE, Galen mentioned controversies about rocking. fervent began 18th Propagators reasoned rocking perpetuates habitual fetal movement, exercises child, avoids need for somniferous drugs. Opponents claimed is dangerous, producing an unnatural sleep harmful brain, impeding milk digestion. 20th century, cradles replaced pushchairs prams, but they did not disappear. Despite debate, robust studies have never been conducted, it remains unclear whether has any benefit or harm infant.