Wood Baby Cradle

Dimensions(A) Overall: 35.6 x 44.8 x 40.6 cm
(B) Overall: 92.7 cm

Credit LineGift of Miss. Matilda Davidson, London, Ontario, 1966

Object number1966.006.001

Label TextJohn Davidson of Elias Street, London, Ontario, made this cradle in the late 19th century. It illustrates the evolution that occurred in cradles over the course of the 19th century. Since the Middle Ages, cradles were often crafted from boards. They often had hoods to protect the baby from drafts and they sat on rockers. The sides of some cradles were pierced along the top edge so that a baby could be tied into the cradle. The cradles were often small and light enough to be carried short distances. This meant, the baby could be kept close to the family. As the 19th century unfolded, however, medical authorities developed new ideas about the importance of fresh air and exercise. Enclosed cradles began to give way to cradles and cribs made of slats or spindles, which allowed the free flow of air. The rockers also came into question. In the early to mid-19th century, experts believed rocking mimicked the movement the baby experienced in the womb. This crib is not on rockers but it is mounted in such a way as to rock. From the mid-19th century on, experts feared that babies could be injured through excessive rocking. They advocated fixed beds instead. Cradles gave way to cribs, which have remained dominant ever since.

NameCradle