Cradleboards have been used for travel and infant sleep spaces for over 10,000 years in the Interior Salish Plateau. In 2022, cradleboards were recognized for the first time as an appropriate infant sleep surface in updated safe sleep guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A cradleboard consists of a firm, flat piece of wood that has a piece of cloth or leather attached to it. The cloth or leather is made into a sack-like structure that laces together. An infant is always placed on its back in a cradleboard. The infant’s face is exposed but its arms, body, and legs are contained in the cloth or leather portion of the cradleboard. Infants may be swaddled prior to being placed in the cradleboard or can be placed in it without swaddling. Infants are unable to roll over when they are placed correctly in a cradleboard. Care should be taken that infants do not overheat while in a cradleboard.

Some health care providers may recommend against the use of cradleboards because they do not know much about cradleboards or because they believe myths about cradleboards. One common myth is that cradleboards cause hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip socket does not form properly. Cradleboards do not cause hip dysplasia if they are used correctly, similar to infant carriers. While in a cradleboard, an infant’s hips should be positioned in slight flexion and abduction. The knees should also be maintained in slight flexion. Both the hips and knees should be able to move while swaddle or in the cradleboard. Caregivers should be aware of the correct position of the hips and knees while using a cradleboard for their infant.

Figure A showed a baby with legs fully extended and knees straightened. That position contributes to hip dysplasia. Figure B shows an infant’s hips in the correct position: slight flexion and relaxed out to the sides of the body. The knees are slightly bent or flexed.

Cradleboards are multipurpose: they provide a safe sleep space and a place for baby to be safely put down so that parents can be hands free. While in a cradleboard, infants are able to watch and learn about the world around them while feeling content and secure. We at hełmxiłp encourage families to use cradleboards and are happy to provide more education and support regarding cradleboards to families in Spokane County. Hełmxiłp also provides education for health care providers when requested.