Bassinets

You'd be surprised how little your new baby will appear.  For many parents, thinking about nestling a newborn into a relatively enormous crib seems daunting.  Rest easy nervous Nellies, the options on this page may be your solution.

Top alternatives to cribs:

• Bassinets 
• Cradles 
• Moses Baskets 
• Co Sleepers 

Read on to learn the pros and cons to each sleep system.

Bassinets

• Usually come with handles or wheels for ease in moving baby from room to room, these items are smaller than a crib.
• Pros:
• Your baby will fit better.
• Portable.
• Cons:
• Another piece of furniture for a possibly overcrowded nursery.
• Baby is going to outgrow this item in a month or two.
• What to look for: Sturdy bottom, wheel locks. Expect to spend $100 or more.
• Top Brands:
• Kolcraft 
• Eddie Bauer 
• Simplicity 

Cradles

• Small piece of baby furniture that provides a soothing motion.
• Pros:
• Rocking motion may help your child get to sleep.
• Much smaller than a traditional crib.
• Cons:
• Not a necessary item.
• No wheel lock or way to stop rocking motion.
• May be heavy and bulky, making it hard to carry from room to room.
• What to look for: Wide base, space between slats should be no larger than 2 3/8",
• Prices start around $100.
• Top Brands:
• Da Vinci 
• Angel Line 

Moses Baskets

• More of an accessory, this small item is a nifty place to tuck away your little one for a nap.
• Pros:
• Small size won't take up much room. Easy to store when child move to crib.
• Very light and portable.
• Cons:
• Some of these items feel flimsy.
• Baby is going to outgrow this quickly.

• What to look for: Bedding that is easy to launder, comfortable handles, and solid handle attachments.
• Prices start around $50, but fancy versions can be as much as $150.
• Top Brands:
• Target 
• Tenera 

Co-Sleepers

• Designed to rool up next to bed for easy night time feedings. To read up on co-sleeping visit the Natural Family website.
• Pros:
• Wheels make these items easy to maneuver.
• Many of these transition to traditional cribs or playards.
• Allows baby to safely be close to mom for easy breast feeding (The National Institute of Child Health and Development doesn't recommend babies sleep in bed with their parents).
• Cons:
• Larger than a moses basket.
• Not generally as stylish as a crib or bassinet.

• What to look for: Wheels, convertible styles, adjustable height.
• Average price around $125.
• Top Brands:
• Arms Reach 
• Universal Co-Sleeper 

Related Buying Guides

Crib Bedding	Strollers	Playards	Baby Gyms	Changing Tables

External Links

• Baby Center: Read up on tips for getting your baby to sleep.
• Expectant Mother's Guide: A checklist for what your baby will need in the first few weeks and months.