| Cradleboards are the original Native American | | | | distinguish between males and females. They are |
| baby carriers. Cradleboards played an important | | | | decorated with fringe, hide and beads. The |
| role for both mother and infant and in the culture | | | | cradleboards were smudged and blessed prior to |
| of Native Americans. They are used to keep and | | | | the baby's arrival. |
| baby safe, secure while allowing the mother to go | | | | Besides being a safe mode of transportation for |
| about her daily tasks. The boards are strapped to | | | | the infant cradleboards were also designed to |
| the mothers back from either the head or the | | | | keep the baby's back and legs straight which |
| shoulders. They could also be hung from saddles | | | | allows for proper growth. The head is secure but |
| for travelling. Most mothers used them until the | | | | allows for movement so the baby is aware of his |
| child could safely walk. | | | | surroundings. As the baby is carried around on the |
| Depending on the tribe they were made from | | | | mothers back the baby can hear and see what is |
| either flat pieces of wood or twigs such as hazel | | | | going on around them and this enhances their |
| or willow. They were cushioned with lichens, moss | | | | vision and hearing growth. Not only helps the |
| or shredded bark. The child was safely and | | | | physical development of the child but also the |
| securely tied to the board with only allowing for | | | | emotional and mental development. Also the baby |
| head movement. | | | | is aware of the mothers walking and breathing |
| Depending on the tribe there are various versions | | | | patterns and strengthens the bond between the |
| of the cradleboard. One type is a a type of | | | | two. The baby is also aware of the interaction |
| basket that looks like a small boat that was used | | | | with other people and learns about the lifestyle |
| for newborns. Another was a hoop with back | | | | they will be growing up in. Of course, all of these |
| slates, boards, or stretched buckskin that was | | | | actions are subtle but the stimulation for the baby |
| used once the baby was strong enough to hold | | | | is much better than being kept away in an |
| it's head up. They are made with head covers | | | | isolated location while the mother goes about her |
| from willow or wide wooden hoops. In some | | | | daily business. It is one more way that Native |
| tribes the weave of the basket was different to | | | | Americans focus on life as an entire tribe. |