Top 7 Best Baby Cradles to Buy in 2021

Best Baby Cradles

If there is one thing we know babies for, then it will be sleeping. That and pooping at every given opportunity. Babies sleep a lot and it is important their parents or guardians make them comfortable as much as possible.

There are several sleeping options for babies, there are bassinets, cribs, and then cradles. These are all intended to keep your baby safe and comfortable through the night but they all have their pros and cons that may or may not impact your decision to buy or not to buy.

In this article, we will try to touch a little bit on these three major types of baby beds before delving deeper into the world of best baby cradles.

Recommended Best Baby Cradle

Our recommended best baby cradle is the BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib for a host of different reasons. The cradle is safe, it is breathable, comfortable, strong, and durable. It also will not quickly outgrow your baby making it well worth its money’s value.

It is easy to assemble, it has a unique adjustable height feature, and it is primarily made with soft, comfortable, and breathable materials.

List of Top 7 Best Baby Cradles

Title

Photo

Rating

Buy

Dream On Me Rocking Cradle

 BABYBJORN Cradle

Orbelle Trading The Orbelle Ga Cradle

Electric Baby Swing Cradle

XJJUN Rocking Wheel Wooden Cradle

Dream On Me Universal Convertible Cradle

BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib

What’s the difference between a cradle, crib, and a bassinet

What is a Bassinet?

Many people do not know the different types of baby beds. A bassinet is almost completely made with wickers and canes, they look like hooded baskets. They are small and portable enough to fit in the same room as the newborn’s parents’ room.

It doesn’t take up much space and it is easy to move around. Bassinets are small and primarily ideal for younger babies and parents that do not have a nursery or a separate room for their baby. If you intend to have your baby sleep in the same room with you then you may want to consider looking at some bassinets.

Tips to Buy the Best Baby Bassinet

To get the best bassinet in the market today, there are few things to consider like safety, size, comfort, and of course your budget.  

Bassinets with mesh or cloth designs on the sides allow for better air circulation and are generally safer if your baby happens to turn their face towards the sides of the bassinet when they sleep.

It is also preferable you purchase a bassinet with a comfortable and thin mattress. The mattress should have no gaps between it and the bassinet. If you intend to purchase a foldable bassinet, then be sure to get one that comes with a lock.    

Pros:

  • Small, lightweight, and portable
  • Affordable
  • Made with organic wickers and canes
  • Cozy and comfortable

Cons:

  • They are generally made for younger babies and babies outgrow them quickly

What is a Crib?

Cribs are the biggest of the 3 types of baby beds, they are also the most common. They occupy quite a lot of space and most likely cannot be used in the same room with the baby’s parents except it’s a very big room, cribs have to be in their separate room or nursery.

Cribs are tall and generally safer for babies and they do not quickly outgrow them. some cribs have sides that can be lowered but this is considered to be less safe for babies. Some cribs have adjustable mattress height and this proves to be very convenient and safe.

Also, parents should endeavor to source cribs that are compatible with the baby’s chewing just in case the baby starts teething. Chewing on wooden bars would not be safe for the baby. Some parents prefer to purchase cribs with wheels but be sure to get one that has a lock for the wheels. And as always the mattress in the crib should have no gaps or space in-between. 

Pros:

  • Very safe because of the high walls
  • Preferable for homes with nurseries or separate baby’s room
  • Sturdier, strong and has long usability because babies do not quickly outgrow them 

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Occupies a lot of space and maybe too big to stay in the parent’s room
  • Cribs do not have easy mobility   

What is a Cradle?

Now that we have taken a look at the first two types of baby beds, let us dive into the last one, the Cradle. The cradle is in between the bassinet and the crib. They are of course bigger than bassinets but a little less sturdy than cribs.

They are generally and primarily almost always made out of wood and they have a unique feature and functionality that always sets them apart. This feature is the rocker or glider feature that enables parents to gently sway their babies from side to side.

Best Baby Cradles Reviews and Buyers Guide

Baby cradle rockers are now wildly popular and this is one of the reasons we are going to be focusing on the best baby cradles in this article. We would be reviewing some of the best baby cradles and also provide a detailed buyer’s guide and things to look out for when purchasing one.        


Dream On Me Rocking Cradle

Dream On Me Rocking Cradle

Best known for its Dual Functionality

Reviews

The Dream on me rocking cradle is a wooden-made rocker cradle that can be used to gently nurse your baby to sleep. It has dual functionality of both serving as a rocker and a stable cradle that doesn’t rock, giving parents and babies more versatility.

The dual functionality is controlled with a control and support pin designed on the sides of the cradle. The cradle has an ergonomic modern design with smooth finishing that not only offers comfort but also safety.

The cradle can be used for newborns as well as older babies that are strong enough to push up by themselves. It is JPMA safety certified. The cradle is strong and sturdy and weighs about 17.5 pounds. The chair is durable and it is not nearly too expensive. The chair is easy to put together and parents find it very convenient and useful.

It is not as expensive as cribs but it costs a little over $100. The cradle is lightweight and easy to carry around. With this mattress, you may want to purchase another mattress to go along with it because babies require firm and thick.

Some parents may also prefer to line the cradle with breathable mesh crib liners but either way this cradle is one of the best cradles for your baby.      

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to move aroundnGreat finishing and beautiful designnAffordablenEasy to assemblenDurable, strong, and sturdynDual rocking and stand-still functionality n
Cons
  • The factory mattress may be too thin and flimsy for your baby

 BABYBJORN Cradle

 BABYBJORN Cradle

Best known for its safety and comfortable rocking function

Reviews

The BABYBJORN cradle is a unique cradle that can put your baby to sleep with its gentle and relaxing rocking feature. It has a signature soft, comfortable, and breathable mesh design on its sides that makes it super safe for babies and convenient for parents who worry about the cradle bars of regular cradles.

It is easy to move around and very lightweight with a weight of 13 pounds. The cradle promotes air regulation and it can accommodate both newborn babies and babies that are 6 months old. The height of the leg can be adjusted to suit the height of the parent for ease and convenience.

This cradle has the bouncy and rocking functionality that can either lull babies to sleep or keep them in a playful mood. The mesh material is washable and easy to keep clean. The cradle is sturdy and strong and it has a beautiful design with perfect finishing but it costs over $300 making it a bit too expensive for parents who may be restricted by their budgets.

The cradle and the mattress may have some space in-between but always keep in mind that you can always get another mattress for the comfort of your baby.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Soft and comfortable breathable mesh designnStrong and sturdynEasy to assemblenLightweight and easy to move aroundnSafe cradle and your baby’s arms do not get stuck in-between cradle bars nEasy to wash and clean n
Cons
  • It may be too expensivenCan only accommodate newborn babies to 6-month-old babiesnSome parents have complained that there is a little gap between the mattress and the cradle n

Orbelle Trading The Orbelle Ga Cradle

Orbelle Trading The Orbelle Ga Cradle

Best known for its beautiful handcrafted elegant design

Reviews

The Orbelle Trading Ga cradle is beautiful and well-crafted indeed. The detailing on the cradle is intricate and beautiful. The cradle has a modern and minimalistic look design that makes it fit right into any bedroom.

Typically, when your baby is big and strong enough to lean over the bars of this cradle then they have outgrown it and it is time to get them a bigger crib because they can fall out. This means that the Orbelle cradle can be used for nursing both newborn babies and bigger babies.

The cradle is easy to put together and it also has the dual functionality of a standstill cradle and a rocker cradle. It has a support and control pin positioned at the sides of the cradle. The cradle has a fitted, soft, and comfortable mattress. The cradle weighs about 31 pounds and has a recommended weight of about 5 pounds.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has dual functionality of a standstill and rocking cradlenBeautiful finishing and a minimalistic modern designnIt is easy to assemblenStrong, sturdy, and durable nThe cradle is safen
Cons
  • The mattress may be too thin for the comfort of your babynIt may be too expensive for some parents n

Electric Baby Swing Cradle

Electric Baby Swing Cradle

Best known for its electrical, intelligent sleeping functionality

Reviews

The electric baby swing cradle could easily also function as one of the best bassinets in the market. The cradle is a lightweight type that weighs just 6.5 kg, making it easy to move around.

It has a carrying capacity of 25kg and it can accommodate babies that are a day old and babies that are 24 months old. It is safe and it has a very relaxing and comfortable mattress that lulls babies to sleep.

It has an inbuilt MP3 12-piece song that has a replay function. It also has a pluggable U disk and remote control. It is strong and sturdy and has a strong and thick steel pipe that ensures babies are relaxed and comfortable even though the cradle is halfway suspended in the hair. It has four corner feet that plant firmly on the ground.

This suspended design of the cradle enables it to swing back and forth. It costs just a little over $100 making it one of the more affordable cradles out there. This cradle comes with a soft and comfortable pillow and a basket-like cover for the head region.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Can accommodate babies from 0-24 monthsnIt has electrical features that can be controlled with a remote controlnIt is lightweight and easy to move around the housenEasy to assemblenAffordablenStrong, sturdy, and durablenIt has MP3 playback functionality with 12-piece inbuilt music nSafe, relaxing, and comfortablenMade with a breathable, sweat-absorbing mesh material nMade with playful and child-grooming puppet toysn
Cons
  • The cradle may be a bit too low for some babies that are very restless and mobile

XJJUN Rocking Wheel Wooden Cradle

XJJUN Rocking Wheel Wooden Cradle

Best known for its wheels and multiple functionalities

Reviews

This cradle is made with a solid wood material that is strong and durable. The cradle is super safe and it doesn’t have a certain factory smell that many wooden cradles seem to have.

The cradle can be used by newborn babies and bigger babies, it can accommodate babies of 0-3 years old. Babies do not outgrow it quickly and it would still be safe for your child. The cradle has a roller wheel that makes it super easy for mobility and to move around.

The wheels however come with a mute brake that keeps the cradle at a standstill when needed. It has a swing function that makes it one of the best rocking cradles on our list. The cradle has multiple functionalities; it can be used as a cradle, of course, it can also be used as a shaker, a change desk and a play game bed or a rolling bed, as well as a baby fence.

All these functions are probably why this cradle costs a little over $400, making it rank amongst some of the most expensive cradles out there. The cradle weighs about 30 pounds, which is probably why it comes with a wheel for easier movement. It has a smooth finishing and it also keeps your baby safe, comfortable, and relaxed. It also comes with a soft and comfortable mattress.   

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • It has a swinging, rocking feature that lulls babies to sleepnIt is safe and secure with an anti-rollover nStrong, sturdy, and durablenIt has a wheel for easier mobilitynSmooth finishing and minimalistic designnCan accommodate 0-3 years old babiesnIt has multiple functionalities; it can be turned into a changing desk, a rolling bed or a playing game bed, or a baby fencen
Cons
  • It is expensivenSome users may find it tedious to assemble n

Dream On Me Universal Convertible Cradle

Dream On Me Universal Convertible Cradle

Best known for its detachable guard rails

Reviews

The dream on me universal convertible cradle is a very unique type of cradle. The ‘convertible’ aspect of its name comes from the fact that its toddler’s guard rails can be converted for most of its model types.

It is made with solid wood that makes it a strong, sturdy, and durable cradle. It is a lightweight model of about 2.59 pounds, making it quite easy to move around. It is also a very affordable cradle.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very lightweight and easy to move aroundnVery affordablenHigh guard rails for babies and toddlersnComes with a soft, firm, and comfortable mattressnSmooth and beautiful finishingnConvertible guard rails n
Cons
  • It may be too small for some parent’s comfort

BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib

BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib

Best known for its breathable materials and adjustable height feature

Reviews

The BreathableBaby breathable mini crib is one of the best cribs in the market. This crib model is a mini-sized one that can fit into the room of the parents for co-sleeping. It has an adjustable height that can adjust into two different height positions.

This adjustable height comes in very handy when your baby begins to grow to the stage where they can sit up by themselves or roll over. It weighs 59 pounds and it is strong and sturdy. Your baby does not quickly outgrow it and the materials used in making it is strong and durable.

It has a breathable mesh material that is both soft and comfortable for your baby. It has a mattress that comes with it but it may be too thin and flimsy for your baby. The adjustable height feature makes it convenient and easy for parents to monitor the child’s activities and adjust the bed accordingly.

It does not have the conventional guard rails or bars of most cribs and cradles, which means that babies do not hit their hit on the bars or get their head stuck when they roll over or wave their arms around.

The crib is easy to put together, it has a smooth and beautiful finished design. It can accommodate 0-2 years old babies or children that are 35†tall. It costs close to $300, which doesn’t exactly make it affordable for parents on a budget.  

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Adjustable height featuresnSafenSoft and comfortable breathable mesh materialsnStrong, sturdy, and durablenCan accommodate babies between 0-2 years nDoesn’t have cradle bars or rails that could become unsafe for babiesnEasy to assemble n
Cons
  • It may be too expensive for some parents nFactory mattress may be too thin and flimsy n

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Baby Cradle

I know we have gone over some of the best cradles, cribs, and bassinets in the market but a buyer’s guide is still necessary for parents who are want to go out on their own and hunt for the best cradle or crib for their baby. We can’t blame them but here are a few compulsory things you have to look out for when you are on the lookout for the best cradle for your baby.

  1. Safety: Whether you choose to buy a crib, a cradle, or a bassinet, one of the biggest buying decisions you should ever make is your baby’s safety. No sane person would intentionally cause harm to a baby but it does happen and your baby’s safety should be of high priority to you.
  2. Breathability is always better: The airflow and breathability of your baby are super important, I cannot over-emphasize. Most babies are known to shift during the night and press their faces to the sides of their bed and this is when a breathable or mesh material is important. Babies have been known to suffocate during their sleep.
  3. Fitness of the mattress: Many new parents do not take into account the size of their baby’s mattress and the size of the cradle. There must be no gap between the cradle and the mattress so that your small baby doesn’t slip in a hand, a leg, or their wholesome and small self into the gap when you aren’t watching.
  4. Stay away from cradles with factory smell: Many people know this as off-gassing, it’s the release of chemical smell into the environment when you first unbox your new cradle. Breathing in this smell is very dangerous and can cause irritation and other health conditions.
  5. Always choose a sturdy cradle: Sturdy cradles are stronger, more durable, and generally considered to be safer. Also, a rocking cradle is all well and good but you should always get one that rocks safely and doesn’t leave your baby bumping from side to side. You could also make sure the baby is unsupervised while the cradle is still rocking
  6. Avoid extra beddings: The extra beddings might sound like the ultimate comfort for your baby but they could get in the way of your baby’s breathing and free movement at night. Babies need mattresses that are firm and comfortable.

Title

Photo

Rating

Buy

Dream On Me Rocking Cradle

 BABYBJORN Cradle

Orbelle Trading The Orbelle Ga Cradle

Electric Baby Swing Cradle

XJJUN Rocking Wheel Wooden Cradle

Dream On Me Universal Convertible Cradle

BreathableBaby Mesh Mini Crib

Conclusion

You will not regret it if you decide to go with one of our reviewed cradles and cribs but just in case you decide to go another route, read through the buyer’s guide. You will not regret it.