Bassinets

You'd be surprised how little your new baby will appear.  For many parents, thinking about nestling a newborn into a relatively enormous crib seems daunting.  Rest easy nervous Nellies, the options on this page may be your solution.

Top alternatives to cribs:

Read on to learn the pros and cons to each sleep system.

Bassinets

  • Usually come with handles or wheels for ease in moving baby from room to room, these items are smaller than a crib.
  • Pros:
    • Your baby will fit better.
    • Portable.
  • Cons:
    • Another piece of furniture for a possibly overcrowded nursery.
    • Baby is going to outgrow this item in a month or two.
  • What to look for: Sturdy bottom, wheel locks. Expect to spend $100 or more.
  • Top Brands:

Cradles

  • Small piece of baby furniture that provides a soothing motion.
  • Pros:
    • Rocking motion may help your child get to sleep.
    • Much smaller than a traditional crib.
  • Cons:
    • Not a necessary item.
    • No wheel lock or way to stop rocking motion.
    • May be heavy and bulky, making it hard to carry from room to room.
  • What to look for: Wide base, space between slats should be no larger than 2 3/8",
  • Prices start around $100.
  • Top Brands:

Moses Baskets

  • More of an accessory, this small item is a nifty place to tuck away your little one for a nap.
  • Pros:
    • Small size won't take up much room. Easy to store when child move to crib.
    • Very light and portable.
  • Cons:
    • Some of these items feel flimsy.
    • Baby is going to outgrow this quickly.
  • What to look for: Bedding that is easy to launder, comfortable handles, and solid handle attachments.
  • Prices start around $50, but fancy versions can be as much as $150.
  • Top Brands:

Co-Sleepers

  • Designed to rool up next to bed for easy night time feedings. To read up on co-sleeping visit the Natural Family website.
  • Pros:
    • Wheels make these items easy to maneuver.
    • Many of these transition to traditional cribs or playards.
    • Allows baby to safely be close to mom for easy breast feeding (The National Institute of Child Health and Development doesn't recommend babies sleep in bed with their parents).
  • Cons:
    • Larger than a moses basket.
    • Not generally as stylish as a crib or bassinet.

Related Buying Guides

Crib Bedding

Strollers

Playards

Baby Gyms

Changing Tables

External Links

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