Swinging and Rocking: Two Millennia of Debating the Cradle

Abstract

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