Rock-A-Bye Baby: The Origin, History, and Benefits of Swinging Cribs
For countless generations, rocking a baby has been an important part of the parenting experience. Whether it be with a gentle sway of the arms, or a more vigorous rhythmic rocking - the gentle motion can soothe and calm a fussy baby. But rocking a baby isnt always so easy. To make life easier for parents, swinging cribs have become essential pieces of baby furniture.
In the middle of the nineteenth century, the first swinging crib – also known as a cradle – was developed. Its origin stems from the invention of the first baby carriage by Mathias Halliburton from England in 1733. Halliburtons design was based on a vehicle used to transport the disabled. By the 1660s, baby carriages had become a common sight in the streets of London. Since baby carriages had a fixed base, the idea of a swinging crib soon became alluring.
In 1848, John Issac Hawkins from London designed a bed for his young daughter with a crank that allowed the bed to move in a swaying motion. This baby bed design was listed in a popular magazine and soon became a desirable product.
Historically, swinging cribs have been used in the home as well as in public places. Organizations like the Cradle Society of London provided impoverished parents with rocking cribs throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, in 1940, the organization provided over 20,000 cribs to mothers who had lost their jobs due to the world war and could not afford a proper bed for their baby.
Today, in spite of the modernized rocking chairs and swings, swinging cribs remain popular baby furniture. Many obtain them as a first purchase, given the timeless style and soft, safe environment they provide for newborns. When a baby is put to bed, the pulling motion provides a relaxing environment for the babies to rest, which helps them fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
The benefits of a swinging crib are numerous. Parents can take turns rocking their babies, which helps to foster bonding. The motion helps to provide oxygen to the babys body, which in turn helps the babys blood flow. The motion also works well to provide stimulation for the baby’s inner ear and can also help with post-natal depression in mother.
No matter what style of rocking cradle or crib you choose, rocking your baby gently can be a calming and special experience. Its a wonderful way to connect with your baby and make your baby feel safe and secure.
