Definition of cradles:
(n) :
A bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or swinging on pivots.
(n) :
(figuratively) The place of origin, or in which anything is nurtured or protected in the earlier period of existence.
(n) :
(figuratively) Infancy, or very early life.
(v) :
(transitive) To rock (a baby to sleep).
(v) :
(transitive) To contain in or as if in a cradle.
(v) :
(transitive) To wrap protectively, to hold gently and protectively.