During the Middle Ages, it was common for the whole family to sleep in one bed. For a baby this often proved lethal, with the baby being suffocated during the night or falling out of the bed. A cradle was the solution.
Cradles came in different forms, largely reflecting the social class of the family. The lower classes were more likely to make a simple cradle out of planks. Another option for those who could not afford an iron, wicker or wood cradle was hanging a hessian bag for the baby to sleep in.
The traditional cradles used by wealthier families would be passed down from generation to generation.
It was considered beneficial for the baby’s health to live with a wet nurse in the countryside. This practice was common among aristocrats.
In a time of high infant mortality, this healthy start to life for the first year or two was considered desirable. Working class parents also tried to give their children the same advantages if they could find the money.
