Cradle and Bassinet Buying Guide

Cradles, bassinets, and Moses Baskets are all designed to fulfill an important but temporary need for your new baby: to provide him or her with a cozy, secure, swaddled nest that is an alternative to the crib from Baby's birth to about 4 months of age.

Standard crib mattresses generally measure about 57 by 27 inches. That may feel like a vast expanse of space to the average newborn. Child care experts also discourage filling a crib with pillows, stuffed toys or other soft items that may be comforting, but also increase risk of suffocation.

The more secure confines of a cradle, bassinet or Moses Basket, which are approximately the size of a large drawer, are more baby-friendly for infants who are too small to roll over.

Cribs vs. Cradles and Bassinets

Cribs are a crucial part of the nursery, and serve as anchors for the room. Cradles and bassinets allow parents to move sleeping babies with more relative ease than a crib, allowing greater flexibility in completing household tasks with Baby securely nearby.

Cradles are lovely because they provide a gentle rocking motion that soothes tiny newborns. In fact, today's cradles often feature automated rocking motions. Bassinets, as well as lighter, more portable Moses Baskets, can be used while traveling or as an alternative baby rest station in multi-level homes.

Many bassinets and Moses Baskets come with stands that not only place the baby at a comfortable level for adults, but also provide a place to stow necessities underneath.

Here on our site you'll discover a wide range of finishes and styles of cradles and bassinets. Wood of all colors frames our cradles and bassinets.

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Babies need lots of quality sleep early in their lives. So do their parents! Many experienced parents recommend a crib in the nursery and a cradle or bassinet near the parental bed for easy late-night feeding, particularly if the mother has had a caesarean section.

If your baby sleeps well in a bassinet, but fusses in the crib, try simply placing the bassinet in the crib until the baby "fits" the crib better.

We've found some wonderful cradles and bassinets with features like vibration, sound, and rocking, all innovatively designed to provide your baby the ultimate in comfort & which means for you the ultimate in snatching a little sleep.

In the most crucial early months, the lives of parents and baby will be made easier by the flexibility that a cradle, bassinet or Moses Basket allows. Take some time to peruse our site so you can see all the features, styles, and top brands available to create superlative comfort for Baby.