If you are a future parent, there are many tasks to do when preparing for your baby’s arrival, and buying essential baby items is the most important of all. In doing so, you may be wondering whether or not to invest in a crib or crib. The answer is a resounding yes! And we will tell you why.
What your child needs is something spacious, safe and resistant, and the good news is that there are many cribs and cribs available on the market. But how do you understand which is right for you? Take a look at our compilation of the top ten cribs and cribs to make your search easier.
Our Top Pick
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10 Best Cradle Review
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When do you need a bassinet?
Baby bassinets are essential items that you can use as soon as you bring your babe home from the hospital. While they might not be ready to sleep by themselves in a crib, a bassinet is usually a portable solution that you can move between the rooms in your home.
This can be very important in the early days when your child is waking frequently — especially overnight. A bassinet can keep your child close at hand in your bedroom, while still providing a safe space for them that isn’t your bed.
Another pro: A baby bassinet is also easier for you to maneuver a baby in and out of than a crib. This is an important factor to keep in mind when you’re still healing from childbirth and managing everything from sore muscles to uncomfortable stitches.
However, bassinets have weight limits and are outgrown once baby can roll over on their own, so most will transition to a crib within a handful of months — in this respect, some people might feel that a bassinet isn’t a good investment.
But based on the families we’ve polled — including informal conversations with our Healthline family — we have found that more parents advocate for bassinets than those who don’t!
How we chose
Bassinets are such an essential tool for baby’s first few months, and we put a lot of thought into making our recommendations. First and foremost, safety matters. If you’re buying a new bassinet from a reputable vendor, you can rest assured that your purchase meets current safety standards.
But if you’re inheriting an older or preowned bassinet, it’s always a good idea to check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure that your preowned pick isn’t on a recall list and still meets current safety recommendations. It’s also not wise to use a bassinet that’s been hanging out in a family member’s attic or basement for years.
Safety aside, we also focused on the following features:
- portability
- multitasking
- adjustability
- storage
- additional features such as music and vibrations
- positive ratings and reviews
How to Choose a Cradle For Your Baby
Many babies sleep better in a cradle than in a crib during their first months. This is probably because they feel safer in a smaller area than in a roomy one. At this point, your baby is at the most fragile stage – with very tender bones and body parts that are yet to be fully developed. Therefore, you have to be super selective in buying the best cradle for your baby. Hopefully, the following tips will make your search less stressful.
Safety and Functionality
Of course, your main focus on selecting a bassinet or cradle is how safe it is going to be for your newborn. The best cradles available today, like those listed above, are built from high-end materials, a sturdy base, high sides, and non-toxic finishes. The mattress should fit perfectly, not leaving any space around the edges as it can cause the baby’s head to get wedged and could suffocate her. Some cradles feature padded headboard and footboard for a safer and cozier environment for the baby.
Furthermore, since your baby will be using the cradle for just a very limited time, you would want to maximize its use. The best cradles available today do have additional features that parents find to be very useful. Some have pockets or storage underneath to serve as storage for diapers, clothes, blankets, and more. Some cradles can be used as a changing table while others can be converted into a bedside sleeper which attaches to an adult bed.
Movement and Features
Cradles are designed to gently rock your baby. But because of safety concerns, manufacturers of cradles have incorporated more movement features. Some cradles incorporate an electronic control technology which allows parents to time and adjust the swing motions. Other models glide while the wheels stay stationary.
In addition to the movement options, you will appreciate the cradles which are equipped with entertainment features especially when your baby starts to have longer waking hours. These may include toys, sounds, and music.
Portability
Portability is another thing that you should consider when buying a cradle. In most cases, you will have to move the cradle to different areas in your house so you may want something that’s durable yet lightweight. Assembly and disassembly is a great feature especially if you plan on bringing the cradle when spending a few nights away from home. Some cradles do have casters which allow you to roll the entire cradle around.
Mattress
Most cradles come with a mattress. Make sure that the mattress is at 1-1 ½ inch thick and there is very little (almost no) gap between it and the sides of the cradle. Some units come with a liner/skirt, hood cover, and sheet. Others are surrounded by mesh so it’s breathable and prevents smothering hazards once the baby ends up leaning against the side of the cradle. Lastly, the fabrics used for the bedding should be kid-friendly, hypoallergenic, and washable.
A high-quality cradle is a wonderful addition to your nursery – being a perfect place for your newborn to sleep. The best cradles available today bring comfort, safety, portability, and functionality all in one snuggly, comfy and beautiful little sanctuary.
The Differences Between Cribs, Bassinets, And Baby Cradles
Cribs
Cribs are what you typically see in a nursery. They usually have wooden or metal slats on the sides and are bigger than both bassinets and cradles.
If you’ve got your measuring tape out, know that cribs come in two sizes: standard, with the mattress measuring 52″ long and 28″ wide, as well as mini, with the mattress measuring 38″ long and 24″ wide.
Because cribs are big, they aren’t made to be moved from room to room. But their size comes with one major advantage: it will be years before your baby grows out of their standard-sized crib!
Since cribs are an investment for the first several years of your baby’s life, you want to focus on quality. Check to make sure the materials of your baby’s crib are sturdy, safe, and durable.
For example, some cribs are designed with a trundle drawer to support the mattress structure. Before buying, always be sure to inspect if the drawers open and close smoothly.
Additionally, check if the bottom of the drawer is sturdy enough. Does it have a thin, cardboard insert that might bend under the weight of baby clothes? Or is it made of the same thick material as the rest of the crib?
These are quality checks you may want to consider!
Bassinets
Bassinets are smaller than cribs and designed to be moved easily and fit into small spaces.
They often have wheels, a hood or canopy, and mesh or wicker sides. Some are even equipped with technology that plays music or makes the bassinet rock.
The pro of its small size is that a bassinet will fit nicely in your bedroom, making it easy to have your baby sleep in your room (but not in your bed!) for the first few months.
Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first few months of life, a bassinet might be a great option if your master bedroom is tight on space.
Even if your space is big enough for a crib, you may benefit from the portability of bassinets. You can move the bassinet around the house to keep your baby nearby no matter the time of day (or night!).
Bassinets are also easier for you to lean over and grab your little one from if they need to be cuddled after waking in the middle of the night.
All of that said, the con of the small size of a bassinet is that your little one will quickly outgrow it! Babies typically become too big for a bassinet by the time they’re four months old, if not earlier.
Still, if you prefer to have your baby sleep in a bassinet for the first few months of their life, that’s perfectly OK!
They can sleep just as safely and soundly in a bassinet as they would in a crib. Just be sure to keep it clear of any extra bedding. Your baby can always upgrade to a crib when they (and you!) are ready.
Cradles
Cradles are a bit more of a throwback!
You might have an heirloom cradle handed down from your parents or grandparents. They usually have wooden slats on the sides and rock or glide back and forth.
They’re similar to bassinets because they’re a temporary bed for your little one and usually more portable than a crib. Baby cradles are smaller than a crib but might be bigger than a bassinet.
Depending on the size and design of the cradle, you will probably need to move your baby from their cradle to their crib when they’re around four months old or when they start rolling over.
That being said, there are several safety considerations to take into account no matter where your baby is sleeping. In this article, we’ll focus on safety tips for baby cradles.
Wooden Vs Modern Cradle?
Now, you might be wondering if you should choose a wooden cradle or a modern cradle. A wooden cradle is sturdier and durable and is usually bigger in size. It has a rocking or gliding feature and can be used for both sleeping and playing babies. However, since they are big in size and heavy, it is difficult to move them around the house. They also don’t include a cradle mattress so you have to purchase it separately.
A modern cradle, on the other hand, can often come with a foldable feature and is lightweight which makes it portable. There are different designs available as well and different sizes, depending on your requirements. And it often includes a cradle mattress and some extras such as canopy, mosquito net, music system, and so on.
So, if you are looking for a strong and long-lasting cradle for your baby for a few years then a wooden cradle is a good option. However, if you are looking for a flexible and multipurpose model then a modern cradle fits the bill.
What are the Various Types of Baby Swing?
1. Full-size Baby Swing
If you are looking for a swing indoors, then a full-size baby swing should be your choice. These swings ensure that your baby is comfortable along with this and it also provides space for your baby to swing.
This swing is ideal if you have plenty of space in your home as well as it is loaded with amazing features.
2. Combination Baby Swing
As the name suggests, these swings come with the combination of rocker, cradle, glider, or bouncer. Combination swings are pocket-friendly as well as not required much space due to their compact size.
Generally, it operates on the battery and also generates some low noise that can affect the baby’s sleep. Moreover, it could be used for babies up to one and a half years.
3. Baby Glider
A baby glider gives your baby a similitude of floating as it resembles in the armchair. It ensures the baby’s comfort, hence, it has a cushion. If we talk about its movement, it moves back and forth, slightly.
Baby gliders are easy to move, hence, you can keep your baby nearby.
4. Portable Baby Swing
The portable baby swing is perfect if you don’t want to keep using it inside the home but outside too. These swings are typically used for the newborn to the baby 1-year-old and the weight of the baby should be 2.5-12 kg.
5. Bouncer Baby Swing
Baby bouncer baby swing is suitable for the baby of the age 8-13 kg. It comes with a detachable swing seat and you can also use it as a bouncer. Bouncers provide various moods and preferences to choose from.
6. Cradle Baby Swing
If you are looking for a swing that can provide varied motion for the baby, then cradle baby swing is the swing. It provides motions such as gliding from side to side or head to toe.
7. Toddler Swing
The toddler swing is comfortable and is effortless to load and it moves back and forth. Additionally, this helps in improving the motor skills of the toddler. It is ideal for a baby of 6 months to 3 years old.
8. Rocker Baby Swing
This swing is different from other types of swing because it only moves back and forth. It is perfect for colicky babies as it soothes them.
9. Hanging Swing
Hanging swings are ideal for young ones, all you have to do is to provide overhead support to the same to hang it.
What are the Factors to Consider Before Buying the Baby Cradle Online? (32 Factors)
1. What is Your Baby’s Age?
Considering baby’s age is essential, hence, you have to look after before buying baby cradle,
- The baby of Age 6-8 Months
Your baby should use the cradle within this time period.
- The baby of 8 months-3 Years
After your baby reaches the age of 6-8 months, you can transfer your baby to the crib from the cradle.
- Toddler More Than 3 Years
Mostly, parents put their toddlers on the bed. However, you need to check out for the signs of whether your toddler is ready for the bed or not.
Likewise, before buying the baby swing, you should consider the age, weight, and height of the baby.
2. How Comfortable Your Cradle/Swing is?
For your baby’s comfort, consider buying a comfortable mattress for a cradle. However, ensure that the mattress should not be too saggy because it could result in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
3. Is Your Baby Cradle/Swing Safe for Baby?
As your baby is going to be in the cradle, hence, you need to consider its safety features. So, make sure that your baby cradle has passed all the safety standards or not.
Along with this, ensure that your baby cradle is certified. That should have cleared European Standards for safety.
Moreover, for your baby’s safety buy a swing that has 5-harness safety points. For older kids, a swing with a 3-harness safety point is fine.
However, straps should not harm the baby and are comfortable. Along with this, always buy a certified baby swing.
4. Is Your Baby Cradle/Swing Durable?
A durable and sturdy cradle/crib would ensure that you can use it for a long time as well as it would keep your baby safe.
Additionally, as your baby is going to settle in the swing, then it is important to look for the swing that comes with a seat to provide proper support to your baby. Hence, ensure that it should be durable.
5. Does Your Baby Cradle Come With the Sturdy Mattress?
The mattress of the baby cradle should be sturdy as well as it should not have loose ends but it should be comfortable. Hence, look for durable mattress support.
6. Do Your Baby Cradles Have Wheels?
If yes, then you should look for the wheel lock feature in the same, this will prevent your cradle from moving due to the baby’s movement.
Well, you won’t face issues when your baby cradle does not have wheels.
7. Does Your Cradle/Swing Allow Your Baby to Sleep the Baby? (Automatic Swing Feature)
To make your baby sleep, the best thing you can do is swing your baby like a hammock. But certainly, you can not do it all night, right?
Hence, you can look for a baby cradle that can swing your baby safely and automatically.
Yes, some baby swings enable you to set the timer so that motion will stop as soon as the time is up. On the other hand, some swings do not have this feature.
So, if you remain busy, then you can go for this feature. Else you can keep an eye on your baby.
8. Can Your Baby Cradle Sing Lullabies for Your Baby?
After slow swinging, singing lullabies is the most effective way to put your baby to sleep. And I’m sure, your husband can not sing these, even if he does, it might be possible that you both are not present.
Thus, you can buy a baby cradle that can sing lullabies for your baby on your behalf.
9. Can You Put a Sleep Positioner in Cradle?
Sleep positioners allow your baby to sleep on the back, which could be helpful in preventing Sudden Infant Health Syndrome. Yet, it is not true!
Why?
Because a sleep positioner can impose the chances of your baby being suffocated. So, instead of depending on the same, you can check out your baby every while and then.
10. What is the Height of the Cradle?
Here, the height of the cradle also matters because it will enable you to put the baby out of the cradle when your baby is awake for food, to change diapers, etc.
The perfect height allows you not to bend more to put the baby up.
11. Can You Take Your Baby Cradle/Swing Anywhere?
If you’re looking for a cradle that you can take in any of your rooms, then you should go for a cradle with wheels. On the other hand, if you travel often, go for a foldable cradle.
However, when it comes to baby swing, you can buy a baby swing that you can fold and take it anywhere. A foldable swing can also be easy to store, either in-home or in a car.
12. Is Your Baby Cradle Breathable?
It specifically applies to the sides of the cradle. Mostly, the cradle comes with the cradle wooden slats, that ensure that it allows the flow of air.
13. Is Your Baby Cradle/Swing Easy to Assemble?
Buy a baby cradle/swing that is easy to assemble. If your cradle/swing has complicated assembly, in that case, you have to hire a professional.
14. What Should be the Size of a Mattress?
Your mattress should be perfectly fit in the cradle, in short, the mattress and cradle should not have large space between them.
To be precise, to check the perfect size, ensure that you should not be able to fit more than two fingers in the same.
15. What is Off-gassing?
Off-gassing is the process in which chemicals and volatile organic compounds are released into the air. And if breath-in these chemicals can result in irritation and other health issues.
Thus, buy a mattress that contains fewer chemicals. But how are you going to know this, well that easy, simply look for Greenguard Certification that tests the chemical emission of every kind of product.
16. What You Should Keep in the Baby Cradle?
Nothing!
You should not keep anything in the baby cradle, like blankets, pillows, bumpers, and more. Because these could harm the baby.
17. Can Your Baby Cradle Impose Choking Hazard?
If your baby cradle has small parts, then it could impose choking hazard and could also hurt the baby’s skin. Thus, ensure that your cradle should not have sharp points, loose screws, and more.
Along with this, avoid underneath blinds strings, and curtains.
18. Can You Adjust the Speed of the Swing?
Speed adjusting features of the swing is essential because swinging the baby at high speed can damage the baby’s brain. Hence, keep it slow as much as possible.
19. What About the Swing Pad of the Swing?
Well, the swing pad of the baby swing should neither be too thick nor too thin. It is important to consider because it ensures the baby’s comfort and keeps the baby relaxed.
20. How Many Reclining Positions Your Swing Has?
Why is a reclining position important?
Well because it ensures that as your baby grows he can enjoy all the position views. Some baby swings come in three reclining positions, while others in two.
Moreover, you should recline your newborn completely. Though, your older baby can sit.
21. Can You Easily Clean the Baby Swing?
You always have to keep your baby in a hygienic environment because babies are likely to catch infections, bacteria, etc. So, buy a baby swing that you can clean with a wipe, if not this, you can simply buy a baby swing that has a washable seat cover.
22. How Many Types of Motions Your Baby Swing Has?
Some swings have rockers, others have rhythmic motions that imitate the mother’s womb. Likewise, you can find more types of motions.
Moreover, some baby swings varied types of motions, however, some only have a motion.
23. In Which Direction Your Baby Swing Sway?
Different swings come with varied sway directions. Such as side to side, back and forth, etc
Some models have the ability to swing in every direction. Hence, what features you need, depend on which models you are buying.
24. Which Material is Used to Make the Baby Swing?
The material of the swing helps in increasing the durability as well as the safety of the baby in the swing.
So, if your baby swing is made of plastic, hence, ensure it is durable as well as it should be chemical-free.
However, I would advise you to go for the swing with a metal frame as these are more stable and durable than plastic.
25. Are You Scratching Your Head to Operate the Baby Swing?
Well, sometimes it is tough to operate the baby swing. Hence, buy a baby swing that is effortless to operate.
26. Does Your Baby Swing Provide Support to Whole Construction?
You should buy a swing that has a sturdy construction, hence, buy a baby swing that has a broad base. Though, a wider base of the swing could also be an obstacle when you have to clean things in a hurry.
27. What Additional Features You Should Look for in a Swing?
In a baby swing, you can look for some of the features that can help your baby be engaged. Some of these features are toys, lights, mobiles, and more. Along with this, you can also look for features like Bluetooth enable, to operate the swing from distance.
28. Where Should You Place Your Baby Swing?
Placing the swing is important because placing it on an uneven place can hurt the baby as it can tip over. Hence, place the baby swing on a flat surface.
Along with this, don’t place it in a place you or others are working because you can bump into the swing that results in serious injury.
29. How Does Baby Swing Works?
A baby swing can either work with batteries or plug-in. A baby swing with a battery is pocket-friendly, though, not perfect for the baby who takes time to sleep.
In that case, you can go swinging with plug-ins. However, the plug-in swing won’t work if electricity is not present.
30. How Much Noisy Your Baby Swing Is?
Some swings make noise while working. However, that could disturb your baby’s sleep. Hence, go for the swing that could work silent or make less noise.
31. What is the Price of the Baby Cradle/Swing?
The price of the baby cradle/swing would be varied depending on the type of baby cradle.
32. Does Your Baby Cradle/Swing Come Under Warranty?
The warranty of the product allows you to repair and replace it if needed.
Let’s go through our 7 best baby swings in India in 2021 that helps your infant in a comfortable position. And make it easy for you to handle your little one.
Rockabye Baby
A baby cradle can make it easy for you to have your newborn close by and rock them into a sound sleep at night. Just be sure to look out for your baby’s well-being and choose the safest cradle!
Since your little one will only use a cradle for a few months, remember to keep sleep safety in mind when it comes to your baby’s crib as well. For the most peace of mind, put them to sleep on a breathable Newton Baby Crib Mattress.
Here’s to years of sound, safe sleep for your little one!
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