Cradles & Bassinets: Product Guide & Review of Styles, Features, & Safety
A bassinet or cradle offers a convenient and effective way to rock-a-bye your baby to sleep during those first few weeks and months. Since they’re small in size, they allow you to keep your little one in your bedroom until he or she moves to a full-sized crib (ideal for newborns). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends you share a room (not your bed) with your infant for the first six months.
STYLES
FEATURES
SAFETY
CRADLE FAVORITES
PLACES TO BUY
STYLES
| | | In addition to choosing either a modern, traditional, or vintage design, here are various styles to consider:
Gliding/Rocking Cradle • These designs move or rock back and forth to help soothe baby. Usually heavier than a bassinet.
Bassinet • A stationary and usually lightweight design.
Co-Sleeper • Has an open side that can be placed flush against your bed (attaches to your bed). This is convenient for late night feedings.
Hammock • This offers a gentle, natural motion with a womb-like design and feel.
Eco-Friendly • Made from “green” materials. |
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FEATURES
| | | Wheels
To move from room to room.
Folding
For easy storage.
Canopy
Some styles offer a canopy to enclose baby and keep out light. |
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SAFETY
| | | Choose one with a wide stable base and sturdy bottom.
Ensure there are no sharp points or edges (inside or outside) and no splinters (if made of wood).
Mattress should be firm with a snug fit. Only use a mattress provided by the manufacturer – it should be no more than 1 inch thick.
Use a fitted sheet provided by the manufacturer.
Ensure that all screws and bolts are tight and secure (check this periodically).
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight and size of babies who can safely use the product.
If it has foldable legs, make sure the legs will lock securely in place when in use.
If it has wheels, make sure the wheels have a locking mechanism.
Buy new. Heirloom bassinets or cradles are great for decoration only, not for a sleeping baby.
Once baby can push up on his or her hands or knees, it’s time to move baby out of the cradle or bassinet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend Co-Sleepers (safety standards haven’t been established yet).
Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Certification Seal. Products with JPMA certification are notated below. Currently JPMA certification is voluntary, although certain safety standards will be mandatory within the next 2 years. If you have any questions about a product's safety, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly.Extra safety note: Keep all pillows and extra bedding out of the cradle or bassinet; place baby on his or her back to sleep.For more safety tips, visit the JPMA. |
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CRADLE FAVORITES
| | | Eco-Friendly • Made from "green" materials.
| |  | Rocking Cradle
Rocking motion |
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| |  | Earth Folding Bassinet
Foldable • Canopy included |
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Traditional • For the traditional nursery.
| |  | Ebony Sleigh Cradle
Rocking motion |
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Modern • A contemporary design.
| |  | Bassinet
Rocking motion |
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| | | Classic Bassinet
Stationary |
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| | | | | | | | | |  | Rocker Cradle
Attaches to the Orbit Stroller bassinet |
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| |  | Nest Bassinet
Stationary |
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Vintage • More of an antique look and feel.
| |  | Honey Nod Bassinet
Rocking motion |
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Co-Sleeper • Has an open side that can be placed flush against your bed (attaches to your bed).
| |  | Honey Nod Bassinet
Attaches to your bed • Available
in mini or regular size |
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Hammock • This offers a gently natural motion with a womb-like design and feel.
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PLACES TO BUY
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