Context: A child was believed to be a possible target for fairy theft before baptism. Across Scandinavia, Scotland and Northern England and Wales (where the changeling is known as a plentyn-newid) pieces of bread, herbs, garlic or even carving knives would be placed in the cradle as protection during this time. In some places a piece of clothing belonging to the father was believed to be the most effective deterrent. If left to grow, it was thought the child would become ugly and a terror to its poor mother. | 
