Finding the right Cradle, Cribs & Bassinet could be stressful considering that there no manual guiding you on each stages of motherhood, here are a list of mother’s trusted top choices put together by our team for you to pick from;
With a low height and breathable sides, the BABYBJORN will ensure parents have a comfortable peace of mind while baby sleeps. The simplistic design has no bars that could potentially allow baby to get stuck. This cradle’s claim to fame is the gentle rocking motion. Safe for newborns (8 lbs) to six months (17 lbs), the compact cradle is able to be rocked manually by a parent or be gently lulled using baby’s own movements. Easy to set up and lightweight, the BABYBJORN cradle is a must-have. Optional accessories include a canopy and fitted sheets.
2. Sorella Dondola Cradle ($189.64)
As one of the sturdiest cradles available, the Sorella has a weight capacity of 30 lbs. Though a very basic cradle (i.e. no bells and whistles), the gliding motion is what really stands out. Many cradles are able to rock, but the glide is unparalleled. Used as a soother and as a comfortable sleeping option for baby, the Sorella is a staple in the nursery. It also features four rolling wheels to allow it to easily be moved from room to room, if needed. Includes the cradle mattress and a fitted sheet and is available in either Espresso or French White finish.
3. Dream On Me Alexa 5 in 1 Convertible Crib (starting at $177.69 depending on color/style)
If you’re looking for a cradle option that will last past infancy, the Dream On Convertible Crib is a great choice! With three height options, the mattress platform is easily adjusted to suit baby’s needs. The slats on the bed are within safety standards. The Dream On crib can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed to a day bed to a full bed. Note: the toddler bed conversion kit is sold separately, as is the mattress for each sized bed and any rails desired. By utilizing the crib’s head and footboard, this is a long lasting piece for the family. Many color and design options exist to suit the style best for your needs.
4. Arm’s Reach Concepts Cambria Co-Sleeper Bassinet ($186.97)
As a nursing mother, I found it difficult (and tiresome) to leave my bed in the middle of the night, change and pick up my daughter, and get comfortable again in order to breastfeed her. A co-sleeper solves many of these problems. With the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper, it offers an alternative to bed sharing as the bassinet attaches to your bed. Also helpful is the wheels on the bassinet enabling movement and correct positioning. There is a storage level below the bassinet to hold diapers, nursing accessories, etc. Though in the midrange of prices, the ability to keep baby near you during sleep while also offering a safe, secure place just for them is valuable.
SPLURGE!
5. SNOO Smart Sleeper ($870)
This bassinet is currently the hottest on the market. But at the price tag, one has to wonder what makes it different from others? The SNOO touts itself as the safest baby bed ever made with organic cotton features and special clips to keep baby from rolling. This bassinet offers a rocking motion, as well as white noise to keep baby calm, which is activated when baby cries. The SNOO bassinet is only used with the SNOO Sack, a special swaddle built for SNOO. I can understand the price being definitely out of range for many, but the SNOO offers a 30 day risk-free trial to help baby develop healthy sleep habits. Included in the price are the SNOO sleeper, one fitted sheet, one mattress, and three SNOO Sacks (Small, Medium, and Large). Accommodates newborns to 6 months of age.
VALUE!
6. Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard Bassinet Changer Snuggle Suite LX Baby Bouncer, Abbington ($259.99)
Classical music and nature sounds keep baby entertained while using this bassinet. There’s also a nightlight, definitely a lifesaver for middle of the night diaper changes. The bassinet/bouncer offers vibration, too, to help baby fall asleep and stay sleeping, if needed. I know my own daughter loved the bassinet and we still use the playard (she’s 18 months old now). I love how easy it is to turn this product into a safe play place! The portable infant bouncer is rated for babies up to 18 lbs, while the playard is suitable for toddlers up to 30 lbs and unable to crawl out.
7. Fisher-Price Soothing Motion Bassinet ($119.99)
With the ability to be rocked by you or using your baby’s own movements, the Fisher-Price bassinet is compact and sturdy. It features dual-mode lighting: allowing you to choose between projection or night light. The light projector is removable. This bassinet also has a vibrating function, as well as music and sounds to calm your little one. Additionally, this Fisher-Price bassinet includes an overhead mobile to encourage sensory development. Ease of assembly gives this bassinet high marks.
The following product is not technically a cradle or bassinet, but definitely belongs on this list. Keep reading to hear why!
8. Fisher-Price Deluxe Newborn Auto Rock ‘N Play Sleeper With Smartconnect ($118.03)
Nearing my due date, a friend who recently gave birth to her own daughter called to tell me she had gone to the store at 3am to find “anything that would help rock my baby to sleep and keep her from crying constantly”. What she stumbled away with in a sleep-deprived state was this rocker: the Auto Rock ‘N Play Sleeper from Fisher-Price. I laughed off her story until my sweet munchkin was about a week old. I clearly recall telling my spouse to go forth and do good things and not to come back until he had one of these magical sleepers in his possession. Today I will describe it as worth every penny you spend. Sleep wasn’t hard at all from that point forward.
The Fisher-Price Deluxe Newborn Auto Rock ‘N Play Sleeper with Smartconnect can be controlled through the Smart Connect app downloaded to your smartphone. It rocks and plays music/soothing sounds. It also vibrates which was my daughter’s sleeping key. The two modes are customizable with two separate rocking speeds and differing sounds, like white noise or gentle nature tunes. I was worried about issues associated with the sleeper being inclined, but, according to many, the slight incline can actually help with reflux and indigestion. (Always check with your pediatrician/newborn clinic if baby is experiencing these problems.) This sleeper has a three-point connection restraint to keep baby from rolling or sliding. I had my sleeper set up on carpet and hardwood floors; it works well with either, no scooching around or moving while rocking. Pretty sure I used this rocking sleeper for all naps until my daughter was about 6 months old and I can’t sing enough of its praises. Makes a great sanity reliever for yourself or a baby shower gift for expectant friends and family!
