Types of Cradles in India

By Jaishri,

Everyone here would know how anxious we all get few weeks before delivery. It’s not just the pressures of childbirth. Making place for the most important person who is arriving our home is definitely not easy.

I used to panic about stuff like, where my baby would sleep, where do I keep her things. Her wardrobe, her toys, her mattress, list is never ending.  I hardly had place left at home to accommodate so much.

My initial plan was to get a baby cot with railings but a friend of mine told me that babies don’t like to sleep alone. They need the cozy warmth from their mothers and that it’s almost impossible to carry a baby every time for feeds. So I dropped the idea.

My dad got us a regular cradle; again my baby would not like to sleep on it for long. She would search for me turning her head from side to side. I used it only a couple of times.

We got a nice mattress (gadda set) from “mom and me” the same day she was born, that was enough to put her on the bed on my side. Do place the baby a little higher else you might crush the baby.

Finally the best cradle we settled upon- any guesses??? my mom’s saree. I used to find the saree cradles so outdated and misfit for our modern life. But it landed up being our savior.

It mimics the womb so well, the baby does not fear as she feels so warm and protected. Also, since it covers the ears they hear outside noise with a lesser intensity.

It’s a little tedious to rocks the baby, but it’s an excellent exercise for the arms. Rocking for 15 mins is enough to make your baby sleep. It’s the best for crying babies. Most babies cry and fuss for sleep.

How to make it:

• If you have a loop on the roof, most old houses has it. You need to get S shaped hooks with a chain from the hardware store. If you don’t have a hook on the roof, you can use the one for the fan, but you need to remove the fan and all wiring with it.
• Later pass a nice old cotton saree through the ring of the chain and knot the saree.
• This will make a fine cradle. Always put some cloth inside and then place your baby, and don’t forget to wash the saree once in a while.

I simply love this cradle it’s very safe and my baby sleeps for a long time in it.

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