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:
*
Bassinets
*
Cradles
*
Moses Baskets
*
Co Sleepers
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:'''
**
'''Kolcraft'''
**
'''Eddie Bauer'''
**
'''Simplicity'''
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:'''
**
'''Da Vinci'''
**
'''Angel Line'''
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:'''
**
'''Target'''
**
'''Tenera'''
Co-Sleepers
*Designed to rool up next to bed for easy night time feedings. To read up on cobed.htm'>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.
* What to look for: Wheels, convertible styles, adjustable height.
* Average price around $125.
* '''Top Brands:'''
**
'''Arms Reach'''
**
Related Buying Guides
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External Links
* Baby Center: Read up on tips for getting your baby to sleep.
*
Expectant Mother's Guide: A checklist for what your baby will need in the first few weeks and months.
