cradleboard

Cradleboard is a traditional baby carrier used by many Indigenous peoples of the Americas. It features a rigid, curved frame, usually wooden, with a soft pouch or covering in which the infant is secured using ties or straps. The infant is placed on the back with the head supported, and the cradleboard is carried on the caregiver’s back or, in some cultures, on the chest. The design frees the caregiver’s hands while keeping the child close.

Construction and variation: Frames are often made from bent wood, bone, or birch and covered with hide, fabric, or rawhide. The exterior may be decorated with beadwork, quillwork, or painting. Some versions include a hood or flap for sun and wind protection. Materials, sizing, fastening methods, and decoration differ by people and region.

Use and cultural context: Cradleboards have been used by groups across North America, from Arctic and subarctic communities to the Plains, Southwest, and Northwest Coast. They supported mobility for nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles and allowed caregivers to work while keeping the infant secure. Infants may stay in a cradleboard for months before being carried in other ways. The English term papoose is often used to refer to a baby in a cradleboard.

Modern status: Some Indigenous families continue to use cradleboards, especially in ceremonial contexts, while many people opt for other carriers. Cradleboards are also documented in museums and scholarship as important examples of material culture and child-rearing practices.