The Baby Crib

Cribs have an evolution chain dating back several hundred years. The first and most common type of infant bed was more like a cradle. It was basically an emptied-out half log to provide a secure resting place for baby. Many cradles were constructed on a frame so they could rock gently. Once the baby outgrew the cradle it moved up to a trundle bed considered a toddler bed. The trundle bed was made to conform easily under the parent's bed to conserve space.

Bedrooms were uncommon until the mid-17th century. During the 19th century, the crib came into existence as homes became bigger. Infant beds were usually homemade and passed on from child to child and passed on through generations since they were made of solid wood. During this time there were numerous children in a family and each one would use the infant bed for the first year or until the next child came along. The nursery started as a small nook located across from the parent's bedroom. Eventually the idea of the child having his or her own room came to be a normal thing. Wealthy families who could afford a nanny were able to have an entirely different room for the child. Homes were built with more bedrooms so they could fit more children.

 

 

Infant bed design through the years has shown a steady evolution of features yet the same basic shape and form have remained the same. Today infant beds are under continually changing for the better like safety rules to ensure that children are safe in their cribs.