One of the most common questions we hear at BABY LAND has to do with the nursery furniture. Should I get a cradle, a bassinet, a co-sleeper or a crib? Maybe I should get a combination of a few of these? What is the difference between them? Do I really need them all? …Relax. We are here to help make this experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. We will answer all your questions and load you up with all the information you need. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind when considering furniture for the nursery.
Since many parents want to keep baby in their bedroom in the early months, both bassinets and cradles are ideal before moving the baby to the nursery into a full size crib. Many bassinettes have musical and vibrating features to help soothe a fussy baby. Cradles are generally more old-fashioned in their function and do just what they say – cradle the baby from side to side. These are both nice options especially if you are nursing and/or live in a large space, and getting up every 2-3 hours to run across the house isn’t your idea of a good time. The other advantage to a bassinet or cradle is that they are usually much more mobile than the average crib. So if you want to have the baby close by as you prepare some lunch of check your email, it would just be a matter of wheeling it over from one room to the next. Also, these work well in homes with several floors, because parents will generally keep the bassinet on the main floor and the large crib upstairs in the nursery. I would personally recommend getting a crib and a bassinet or cradle because I found it very convenient. I’m (a bit) neurotic, so it put me at ease knowing that my kids were close by when I was downstairs – otherwise, I’d be running up and down all day… on second thought, it may have helped me shed some baby pounds faster…
Keep in mind that as soon as your baby begins to roll over and become more active, you should move him or her into a standard-sized crib. Bassinets and cradles are not designed to handle the weight and activity of an older baby.
Maybe your little one will sleep best in your bed? Try the co-sleeper! It's very handy as a crib alternative. It's a great happy medium to have baby very close by for night time feedings and yet not be afraid or rolling over him/her.
But before you put your little one down to sleep, you'll probably head to your glider. Many parents admit that the best part of the day is rocking their little one to sleep - so don't forget the glider. The only one who will enjoy it more than you is the baby! Rocking chairs have undergone some remarkable improvements in recent years. Rocker/recliners offer a wide seating area, have generous padding and are very comfortable. Growing in popularity are the glider-rockers which come with foot stools that mimic the same action. These rockers are wonderful for nursing mothers, and are so comfortable they will stay in the family for years.
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