Cradle, cradle, unsteadiness, pitching - Russian words filled with a special warm meaning for mothers of the past and present. What is a cradle? This is a small crib with high sides for newborns.
Traditional bassinet
In most of the world's material cultures associated with the family, there are cradles made of different materials, different shapes, but with the same main function - rocking the child. Probably, once mothers noticed that the baby falls asleep faster and sleeps more soundly if he is swaddled and slightly rocked. Today there is a scientific hypothesis that the rhythmic swaying reminds the child of his serene intrauterine existence. The brain evaluates external conditions as absolutely safe and more easily goes into sleep mode. The invention of the cradle was also facilitated by the need for mothers to free their hands for routine housework in the absence of helpers.
Usually cradles were made of wood or wicker. Their width did not exceed half a meter, and their length - a meter. The small size of the bed provided the baby with maximum comfort. The whole world of traditional folk culture was filled with the protective symbolism of magical thinking. And the life of a person from birth was guarded by special ritual actions built into the householdfamily life. So, protective patterns were cut out on wooden cradles, drawings were applied that called for a good sleep. In the cradle, along with the icons, rag dolls were placed, which were spinning from parental clothes and were considered the strongest amulets. A woven canopy was hung from above, protecting the baby from light, other people's views and evil forces.
Modern cradle
What is a bassinet nowadays? The first sleeping bed for a little person is arranged by young parents in the same way as before, with great love and awe. All the needs of the child and mother are taken into account, materials and fabrics are selected, the practical properties and appearance of the cradle are evaluated. Usually the cradle is used until the time the baby is older, around 5-6 months. Then he is moved to a larger crib. The swinging cradle becomes not a safe place for the awakened baby who wants to roll over on his stomach or climb on the sides.
Types of modern bassinet
- A classic rocking cradle, standing on special rocking skids, sometimes even equipped with shock absorbers.
- Cradle on casters or stable legs, equipped with a special vibration mechanism that swings it evenly. These small cradles with wheels allow the mother to do her chores next to the baby, moving the sleeping baby around the home without disturbing his sleep.
- A cradle suspended from long ropes or panels from the ceiling or from a holding pole. Ergonomic modelallows for better use of space at home.
Now the cradle is a maneuverable and compact item of the first children's furniture. It is complemented by various accessories: from developing musical mobiles to projectors of the starry sky. Equipped with electronic mechanisms that help to quickly respond to the signals of the baby, and soothe him. But, despite many transformations, the cradle has survived to this day, retaining its main function - creating a cozy space for children's sleep.
