When riding a cradle most beginners place their arms straight out in a T motion and pike their legs in fear of NOT being caught by thier bases below. Other just don't know how to ride a cradle correctly.
In order to ride a cradle you must wait for the bases pop, snap your arms firmly to your sides, ride your hips up, stay tight, and keep your legs together. Right before you hit the bases arms is when you want to pike and grab your bases firmly for the safe landing.