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.
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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.
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
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!