A cradle is generally mounted on rockers, similar to bassinets. Its small design allows it to fit next to your bed with ease, and the gentle rocking motion soothes babies, helping them fall asleep quickly. This article is here to help you make an informed decision and alleviate some of the guesswork of choosing the perfect cradle for your new baby.
Best Baby Cradles
Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet
The Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet is a beautiful and functional sleeper with many features that make it stand out.
Your baby will get used to sleeping on a flat surface just like they’ll have when they transition to a crib or bed.
This bassinet is very lightweight at only 15 pounds. The frame is aluminum and it is fairly easy to take down and use for travel. It comes with a travel and carrying bag.
If you have carpet you can slide it around on the rockers. The bassinet includes a retractable canopy and bug net. It is 30 inches tall, which makes it an easy reach when situated by mom’s bed.
It has a smooth, gentle rocking motion on the curved runners. Baby may get it rocking a little bit all by herself. Their round portals on the sides so you can get a glimpse of baby through the mesh without looking directly down. The openings also help with the airflow.
This cradle comes with a firm mattress for newborn safety and a slipcover sheet. You’ll probably want to order extra sheets. The slipcover is washable and you can clean the other fabric in place by taking the mattress out.
Find the best baby dresser for baby’s nursery in our dresser review.
Chicco LullaGo Primo Portable Bassinet Cradle
Cradle and bassinets are great to have, but sometimes you need to take them on the road. That’s when a portable bassinet is great to have. The Chicco LullaGo Primo Portable Bassinet cradle is ideal for using at home and then packing up to go to a grandparent or caregiver’s house. It folds completely flat and has metal lets that snap on and off. Once folded and put away, you can carry it in a carrying bag that’s only the size of a large tote bag.
It has mesh sides for visibility and breathability. It also has a canopy and two soft bird toys for baby to play with and look at. The best part is the memory foam mattress that keeps baby comfortable. The cover and sheet zip off and can be machine washed. In fact, all of the fabrics used are machine washable!
Parents love that you can set this thing up in less than a minute! But they don’t like that the foldable mattress tends to dip in the middle, creating a crater that baby can roll into.
Find more bassinets like this in our Best Portable Bassinet article.
Best Baby Bjorn Cradle
Baby Bjorn Cradle
The Baby Bjorn Cradle tops our list as the best and most recommended cradle of 2022. It is stylish and well built!
The Baby Bjorn Cradle is made for infants from newborn up to 6 months or around 17 lbs. It is compact and mobile so it can be where you are. It is quite durable. The rubber tips on the feet keep your floors from being scratched and give the cradle stability.
It is made for rocking. It will rock easily from the motion of your baby, and of course, it swings easily so you can rock it yourself with little effort.
I like being able to see my baby through the fabric that forms the sides of the cradle. The material allows some air to flow through because it is mesh. It also looks nice while providing an enclosed environment for baby to sleep. Because the sides are all fabric, you don’t have to be concerned with bars.
The mattress is waterproof and removable for washing as is the cloth siding. You can buy a canopy and fitted sheet for the mattress separately.
Parents rave about this cradle because it is beautiful, functional, light, and safe. Although it’s one of the more expensive cradles in our list, parents claim its durability and safety are worth every extra penny.
You’ll also find this amazing cradle on our Best Bassinet list.
Best Wooden Cradles
While the Dream On Me Rocking Glider and the Dream On Me Luna Cradle are both fairly lightweight cradles (from 17-23 lbs) that could be moved from room to room, the Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Wood Bassinet weighs 22 lbs but easily folds in the middle, making it much more portable to carry from room to room or even to cart to Grandma’s house for baby’s naptime.
Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Wood Cradle
The Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Wood Bassinet is a highly rated, portable, rocking bassinet.
It has the unique ability to fold in the middle for easy carrying and storage. It is not the lightest on this list but at just over 22 lbs isn’t too heavy either. One downside to the folding capability is that the mattress folds in the center. Although a few people complained that the line, where it folds, makes it less comfortable for their babies, the vast majority have nothing but good things to say.
This cradle rocks and can be made stationary. The mattress area is flat and the mattress itself is included. It is made for newborns through 5-month-olds or up to 15 lbs.
The bassinet pictured is a classic wood but there are several other variations, some with a more modern look. The sides are made with mesh that allows for airflow and visibility. And there is a fold-up canopy to keep sun or light off of baby’s face.
Overall it is a quality piece of furniture at a moderate price compared to something like the Halo Bassinest.
Dream On Me Rocking Cradle
The Dream On Me Rocking Cradle has a beautiful, old-world, vintage charm and boasts a much lower price tag than its competitors. Made of wood, it comes in four finish options – cherry, espresso, natural, or white.
This cradle is for newborns up to 20 pounds. You’ll want to move the baby to something else after they start pushing up or rolling from side to side. The cradle can be made stationary with a simple support pin. Although this cradle does not come with wheels, parents claim that it is lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Parents appreciate the low price, simplicity, and beauty of this cradle. They do not, however, appreciate the thin, flimsy mattress that is included. When asked, several parents agreed that the low price and sturdiness of this cradle was worth shelling out a little extra cash for a better mattress.
Orbelle Trading Ga Ga Cradle
The Orbelle Ga Ga Cradle is a beautiful hand-crafted cradle. Its heirloom quality is sure to be part of your family for generations to come. Constructed of solid wood, this cradle features beautiful, detailed curves. Parents can choose from three color options when purchasing this cradle – cherry, espresso, or white. A mattress is included with this cradle, as well as stoppers if you prefer a stationary cradle.
Parents adore this cradle for its classic, antique appearance and beautiful construction. On the other hand, they were critical of the thin, flimsy mattress and lack of wheels for easier mobility.
Dream On Me Luna Cradle
Prepare your little one for a restful night’s sleep in the Dream On Me Luna Cradle. The cradle is made of solid wood and comes in espresso, pink, steel grey (which is a metallic grey color), and grey and white.
The construction gives it a solid feel. It rocks on rockers side-to-side and has a stabilizer to keep it stationary when you don’t want the rocking to wake up baby.
This cradle is affordable at a lower price point than several on our list. It comes with a mattress and is sized to fit newborns up to 3 months.
Overall, this is a good-looking, sturdy cradle at a good price that will work fine until your baby starts to get up on hands and knees.
The Best Baby Cradles Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.Baby Bjorn Cradle 8.0 9.0 346.58 Orbelle Trading Ga Ga Cradle 5.0 8.0 241.98 Ingenuity Foldaway Rocking Wood Cradle 8.1 9.6 159.99 Dream On Me Rocking Cradle 7.8 9.2 157.68 Dream On Me Luna Cradle 8.6 9.2 89.78 Safety 1st Nap and Go Rocking Bassinet 9.9 9.2 88.98 Chicco LullaGo Primo Portable Bassinet Cradle 3.9 9.2 -
Guide to Selecting a Baby Cradle
According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), the best place for a baby to sleep is in his parents’ bedroom. He should sleep in his own crib, cradle, bassinet, or in a co-sleeper safely attached to the bed, but shouldn’t be in his own room until he is at least 6 months. This is because studies have shown that when babies are close by, it can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
Harvard Health Publishing reports that having the baby sleep nearby helps with breastfeeding. It’s a simple fact that because breast milk is digested more quickly than formula, breastfed babies tend to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies. When babies are in another room, it’s harder and mothers may give up and switch to formula earlier.
A cradle is a safe, stylish way to keep your baby near you at night time. Listed below are a few things to consider when buying a cradle.
Price
Price is a major factor in any purchase, and everyone has a different budget. This article features a wide variety of cradles, from super affordable to expensive. A good rule of thumb to remember is the more expensive cradles tend to have better durability. If this is your first baby and you’re planning on having a house full of little blessings, it may be worth investing in a more expensive cradle to use for years (and babies) to come.
Ratings
User ratings and reviews are an excellent way to determine the quality of the product you are purchasing. If the majority of parents are pleased with their purchase, chances are, you will be, too. On the other hand, if the majority of people were unhappy with their purchase, it is a good idea to pass on that product and check out other options.
Portability and Ease of Use
Find what fits your individual lifestyle. Will you be moving the cradle from room to room frequently? If so, a cradle with wheels may be a good option for you. Is your space limited? If so, a sleeker, smaller cradle may work better for you.
Manufacturer’s Reputation
Some manufacturers have better reputations than others. A product from a manufacturer with an unsafe reputation and history of numerous recalls shouldn’t be considered when purchasing an item for your newborn.
FAQs – Baby Cradles
Where can I purchase cradle accessories?
It is important to take extra precautions when purchasing accessories for your infant’s cradle. Most manufacturer’s offer mattresses, sheets, and other accessories made specifically for your chosen cradle. However, in many instances, other sheets and mattresses will fit your cradle. Before you allow your infant to sleep in the cradle, you must make certain the sizing of the accessories is exact and the sheets fit properly – this is a major safety hazard.
Should I invest in a rocking cradle?
Many parents consider the rocking motion of a cradle to be a major plus. The gentle rocking motion is soothing to babies and helps them fall asleep quickly. The majority of rocking cradles come equipped with locks or stoppers that allow you to leave the cradle stationary, if desired.
Can my newborn sleep in a crib?
There is no rule that says a newborn cannot sleep in a crib. However, the cradle provides a comfortable, more cozy atmosphere for your baby. Cradles are smaller than cribs and fit conveniently near the parent’s bedside.
What should I take into consideration when purchasing a used cradle?
Buying gently-used items is a great way to save money. Since babies only use a cradle for a short time, purchasing a used cradle from a friend or family member can be a great, cost-saving idea. As with anything, the safety of your newborn should be your number one priority when buying a used product.
Check for recalls. Thousands of products are recalled daily. Make certain that you aren’t purchasing an unsafe cradle for your baby.
Read recommendations and reviews. Just because a product has not been recalled doesn’t mean it is fully safe. If many parents review that it feels unsafe or they aren’t happy with the cradle, it is best to look elsewhere for a cradle.
Ask for the instruction manual or find the instructions online. This is always a good practice when buying any used product. Do this to ensure that your cradle is properly assembled.
Inspect for missing parts. If the cradle has missing parts, it may be extremely unsafe for your baby.
Test the rocking and stability features. Ensure that the cradle is working properly before first use. If either of these features do not work properly, you should consider finding a new cradle.
Can I build my own cradle?
With the rise of internet availability and websites like Pinterest, do-it-yourself plans have become increasingly popular. This is generally frowned upon for baby products unless the person building your cradle has excellent woodworking and craftsmanship skills. It is extremely important to keep your newborn’s safety in mind when considering a DIY project.
