Looking to get a bed for your baby but can’t decide between a bassinet vs cradle?
Some parents who prefer a SNOO but have a tight budget would probably opt for a cradle.
It’s cheaper, it’s safe and it can rock a baby to sleep!
But how does a cradle fare against a bassinet? What’s the main difference between a cradle vs bassinet? And what’s the practical, best choice – a cradle or a bassinet?
You’ll get the answers in this article and more.
I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
List of Contents
Cradle vs Bassinet: Main Differences
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the key difference between a bassinet vs cradle.
- All cradles can be rocked manually, at a steady pace, to lull a baby to sleep.
- Some bassinets can also be rocked manually or automatically. But most are just stationary and don’t have any rocking mechanism features.
besrey Bedside Bassinet
Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle
Bassinet vs Cradle: Comparison Chart
This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the Cradle vs Bassinet.
| Features | Bassinet | Cradle |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy | Yes (most brands) | Yes |
| Longevity | Can be used for a few months | Can be used for a few months |
| Portable | Some brands | Some brands |
| Accessories | Available | No |
What is a Cradle?
According to Brittanica, a cradle is an infant bed furniture made of wood, wicker, or iron.
In the olden days, they were suspended from a bar, hung from a frame like a hammock, or mounted on rockers.
They were made to rock or lull a baby to sleep.
Nowadays, they looked, more or less, like a rocking bassinet with wooden slats or rails.
A few come with a mesh wall, like the BabyBjorn Cradle. Which is also considered a non-toxic bassinet! (By the way, check out my detailed BabyBjorn Cradle review here)
Most can also be made stationary if needed or have a mechanism to adjust their rocking, so it won’t rock at a certain angle.
Pros of Using a Cradle
- Safe and sturdy
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Rocks and glides to soothe a baby
- Suitable for small spaces
Cons of Using a Cradle
- Can only be used for a few months
- Not safe for older or mobile babies
- Can only be used for sleeping or napping purposes
- Rocking can sometimes be unsteady, depending on the flooring
- Can’t be placed right beside the bed as it would hamper its rocking
What is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a baby bed furniture that is also a great portable cribs alternative.
Most are lightweight and can be moved from one room to another.
Some bassinets, like the SNOO, can auto-respond to your baby and rock them to sleep.
While most can either be rocked manually or are stationary.
Pros of Using a Bassinet
- Safe and sturdy
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Some can be placed right next to your bed or on it
- Some can be easily folded for travel or storage
- Some can come with accessories, eg. canopies, wheels, storage, etc
- More affordable options
Cons of Using a Bassinet
- Can only be used for a few months
- Not safe for older or mobile babies
- Can only be used for sleeping or napping purposes
ANGELBLISS Bedside Bassinet
Dream On Me Luna/Haven Cradle
FAQ on Cradle vs Bassinet
Are cradles and bassinets the same size?
In the olden times, cradles were usually heavier and bigger than a regular bassinet.
But nowadays, they are more or less, have the same size and weight limit.
Do you need a bassinet and a cradle?
No, you don’t need both a bassinet and a cradle. It would be impractical to buy both, especially if your budget is tight.
Is a cradle safe for a newborn?
Yes, cradles are safe for newborns. They are actually intended for newborns, to help them sleep via their rocking and gliding motion.
How long can baby sleep in a cradle swing?
A baby can sleep in a cradle swing until they’re more mobile.
If your baby starts rolling on their side or is starting to push themselves in a sitting position, it’s best to transition them to a crib, for safety reasons.
What is the difference between a cradle and a crib?
The difference between a cradle and a crib is its dimension and its rocking feature.
A cradle is smaller and lighter than a crib. It can be rocked manually to lull a baby to sleep.
Bassinet vs Cradle – Which One Should You Get?
Cradles are great but there are a lot of bassinets nowadays that look like and can even rock like a cradle!
So I’d highly recommend just getting a bassinet.
Besides, bassinets have a lot more options to choose from!
Cradles have very limited models nowadays whereas bassinets are more varied.
There are bassinets for tall beds, bassinets for reflux, small spaces, auto-rocking bassinets, and more!
