Cradle, 1850-1900

Summary

By the 1800s, many American parents viewed the free flow of air as beneficial to a growing child. Parents began to abandon swaddling and the use of cradle lacing pegs designed to keep a child confined inside a solid wood-sided cradle. Slat and spindle cradles grew in popularity. This cradle let fresh air surround the infant, now dressed in loose-fitting garments.

By the 1800s, many American parents viewed the free flow of air as beneficial to a growing child. Parents began to abandon swaddling and the use of cradle lacing pegs designed to keep a child confined inside a solid wood-sided cradle. Slat and spindle cradles grew in popularity. This cradle let fresh air surround the infant, now dressed in loose-fitting garments.

Artifact

Cradle (Child's bed)

Date Made

1850-1900

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

44.158.234

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Henry & Clara Ford.

Material

Chestnut (wood)
American sycamore (wood)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Height: 29.5 in

Width: 32 in

Length: 39.5 in

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