cradleboards
Cradleboards are a traditional infant carrying device developed by Indigenous peoples of the Americas. A cradleboard consists of a rigid frame, usually wooden, that supports a fabric cradle or basket in which the infant is placed. The child is secured with soft ties or wraps and is carried on the caregiver’s back or chest; a hood, shield, or decorative elements may protect the infant from sun, wind, and cold. The design keeps the infant upright and close to the caregiver, allowing mobility while providing support for the head and spine.
Construction and use vary by culture but share common features: a flat or curved board, a fabric
Historical role and contemporary presence: cradleboards enabled caregivers to move freely while keeping infants protected and