10 Best Cradles Reviewed and Rated in 2024
BornCute
Angeline Mirenda
Are you in the process of becoming a parent? What an exciting time! There is so much to be done before the birth of your child. In particular, selecting the right cradle is an important decision you need to make before you bring your child home from the hospital.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. We have put together this ultimate guide that will cover what all the best cradles are, why they are great, as well as other important information you need to know, answers to questions, and more!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 18 hrs of research
Cute puppy design
Lots of customizable features (swing direction and speed)
Includes mirror dome overhead and animal mobile
Nature sounds and soothing songs play
Rocks front to back and side to side
10 Best Cradles Reviewed
1. Fisher-Price Sweet SnugaPuppy Dreams
Cute puppy design
Lots of customizable features (swing direction and speed)
Includes mirror dome overhead and animal mobile
Nature sounds and soothing songs play
Rocks front to back and side to side
There’s a motor sound that accompanies this but it’s not abrupt and disruptive
Motor-limiter does also impede upon range of motion
Lullabye and goodnight; your baby will be dreaming only the sweetest of things with this darling cradle swing. Designed with an open-armed, fuzzy puppy just waiting to give out hugs, it’s a great place to cuddle up. Two recline positions allow for optimal comfort and children can swing front-to-back or side-to-side. With six different speeds, sixteen soothing sound clips, and a plush insert providing head support, this cradle is suped-up and ready to help your little one settle down.
Read moreDesign
Having a ruff day? Maybe a nap will turn things around. This cradle swing is as comfortable as it is cute! The puppy pillow design is a welcome and friendly sight for children. It provides all the proper support for kids to be comfortable and safe, and it plugs straight into the wall for easy setup. Plus you can remove the inserts and machine-wash them to get rid of pesky germs without all the hassle of handwashing or dry cleaning.
Accessories
An overhead mobile features three cute little animal plushies and turns all on its own. The cradle swing has six different speeds and sixteen different sound effects, varying from nature clips to gentle melodies. A motor limiter means it’s not as abruptly noisy when the swing starts up but the range of motion is also limited so if your little one needs a more aggressive rocking, try something else.
Value
This item is priced pretty typically for its features. Cradles tend to have a wide price range due to the varying technology involved in each design. This particular swing comes highly recommended by other users due to its customizable nature and agreeable cost.
2. Fisher-Price Sweet SnugaBunny Smart Swing
Sixteen soothing sounds to choose from
Three seet positions
Two reclining positions
Can rock front to back or side to side
Mobile and mirror overhead for visual stimulation
Loud motor, especially in newer models
Newer models also aren’t as sturdy
Rockabye your baby in the Fisher-Price SnugaBunny Smart Swing! This swing features sixteen different songs and nature sounds, six speeds, three seat angles, two reclining positions, and two plush inserts for ultimate comfort and support. The u-shaped head pillow sprouts two rabbit ears at the top, making your little snuggle bunny look like a real bunny when they’re napping peacefully in their favorite swing. This swing is the very picture of serenity now.
Read moreDesign
The Snugabunny is a mix of gentle pastels meant to help your child feel relaxed and nurtured. It plugs straight into the wall for easy power and can face forward, left, or right. Set your swing to rock back and forth or side to side--whichever Baby prefers! Plug the unit right into the wall for easy access to power and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with well-rested babies. The motor on the Snugabunny is more powerful than the one on the SnugaPup but it’s also noisier.
Accessories
A tethered plush bunny pillow makes a perfect cuddle partner for your little cutie. Overhead, a mobile with three little birds carrying pine cones keeps them visually stimulated and a mirror helps them with facial recognition. Choose from sixteen soothing nature sounds and songs to help lull them into dreamland. And the inserts for support are all removable and machine washable to make life just a little easier. The motor on this model is pretty notable, so factor that in if you have a light sleeper.
Value
This unit is priced within the median range for its features and capabilities. Fisher-Price offers multiple models that seem similar at varying price points. (Much of this has to do with the motor noise and power levels). Make sure you read the features carefully and take note of the popular consumer reviews so you’re always well-informed about what you’re investing in!
3. Orbelle Trading Ga Ga
Baby cradle with dimensions: 38.5 inches long, 27.6 inches wide, 36 inches tall
Mattress included
Made of wood, painted an espresso color
Can be rocked or used in a stationary position
Easy to assemble
Some people complain the mattress isn’t comfortable/too thin
If you are looking for a more traditional looking cradle to add to your nursery, this cradle from Sorelle will be perfect for you. The traditional style is beautifully designed, and the cradle itself will keep your child comfortable all night long.
Read moreDesign
This cradle can be rocked, but it also has a stationary mode for when you don’t want the cradle moving around. This is perfect for once your child has fallen asleep or when you put them down for a nap and don’t have time to rock them.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 38.5 inches long, 27.6 inches wide, 36 inches tall
Mattress included
Made of wood, painted an espresso color
Can be rocked or used in a stationary position
Easy to assemble
Value
This is a fairly reasonably priced cradle, it is much more affordable than some others you will find. Due to its sturdy construction and beautiful design, it is a great value for the money and will make a great addition to anyone’s home.
4. Badger Basket Portable
This is one of the most affordable cradles on this list and combined with the numerous features, it has one of the greatest values for the money. Even if you are on a more limited budget, you can likely afford this cradle, and given the numerous features, it is worth the money. You will be able to use this cradle (in various forms) for years to come!
You do have to assemble this when it arrives and there are a lot of different features
If you are looking for a multi-purpose cradle, this model from Badger Basket is the one for you. Complete with storage features, a removable base, and more. You will love this cradle just as much as your baby will!
Read moreDesign
What is great about this cradle is that the bottom base has numerous functions. As a cradle, it is located beneath the bassinet and can hold baby’s clothing or other supplies. When your child outgrows the cradle, the base converts into a beautiful toy box that can remain in their room for years to come.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 32 inches long, 24 inches wide, 42 inches high (this is the overall size of the product, just the bassinet itself is smaller, but with base is larger)
Includes an adjustable canopy, mattress pad, and a sheet/bedding set
Bedding is machine washable, and a mattress pad is vinyl so very easy to clean
The bassinet can either have wheels for moving it or be used as a rocking cradle
Use until the baby is 20 pounds or when they roll over on their own
Bassinet lifts off from the base so you can travel with it easily
The base turns into a toy box
Value
This is one of the most affordable cradles on this list and combined with the numerous features, it has one of the greatest values for the money. Even if you are on a more limited budget, you can likely afford this cradle, and given the numerous features, it is worth the money. You will be able to use this cradle (in various forms) for years to come!
5. Orbelle Trading Gabriella
Beautiful design with full canopy- only one color option but will work for a boy or a girl
Sturdy wood construction makes you feel more safe
Rocking feature and stable feature is convenient
Wheels help make it easy to move, good for busy parents or single parents who need to be able to move it on their own
Does not include cradle sheet
Fairly expensive
If you are looking for a beautiful cradle that you will want to keep in the family for generations to come, this one from Orbelle Trading is perfect. Its beautiful design will look perfect in any nursery, and its list of functional features also makes it a practical decision as well.
Read moreDesign
This cradle does not come with the standard canopy that you think of with baby products. This cradle features a gorgeous long cascading canopy that looks beautiful, and will also help your baby sleep better.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 39 inches long, 27.5 inches wide, 7.9 inches tall
Cradle is made of solid wood with a cherry finish
Long full canopy
Includes a fitted mattress
Cradle can rock, but also has an anti-rock pin for when you want it stable
Wheels make for easy transport and also lock into place when not in use
Value
This is one of the pricier models, but it is beautifully designed and very unique. It is a great value for the money and if you want to keep this cradle in your family for years, you can easily do so (and you’ll want to as well!)
6. Green Frog Allegro
Beautiful modern design
Can use rocking or stable, perfect for getting your baby to fall asleep
Sturdy construction
No bedding is included
If you are looking for a more contemporary looking cradle, you will love this design from Green Frog. The sleek design and straight lines make it perfect for any contemporary couple looking for the perfect addition to their nursery.
Read moreDesign
This is a rocking cradle that can also lock into place safely, but without sacrificing design. This lock feature is hardly visible, but safely does the job of keeping the cradle in place.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 37.9 inches long, 32.8 inches wide, 6.3 inches tall
Made from New Zealand pine wood
Painted an espresso color with non-toxic paint
Mattress included
Can be used rocking or stable
Use until baby can push up onto their knees
Value
This is one of the more affordable cradles on this list, but given its sleek design, it looks like it would cost a lot more. It is a great value for the money and is still an option for parents with a more limited budget.
7. Green Frog Antique White
Easy to assemble
Beautiful classic design
Plenty of safety features, especially the stabilizing bars
No bedding is in included
This next cradle is also from Green Frog, but this time is a cradle that is perfect for more traditional parents looking for a more ornate looking cradle. Beautifully designed, this cradle will look great in your nursery. It is a unique, beautiful design that everyone is sure to love
Read moreDesign
If you are environmentally conscious, you will love this cradle. For each cradle that is purchased, Green Frog will plant a tree. Because this cradle is made of wood, you can feel better that you are still giving back to the environment.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 39 inches long, 23 inches wide, 36 inches tall
Made from New Zealand pine and painted an antique white
Handcrafted with beautiful wooden molding elements
Can be used as a rocker or still due to stabilizing bars
Use until baby can push up on hands and knees
Value
This is a moderately priced cradle, it is not the most expensive but also not the most affordable. However, for the beautiful craftsmanship involved, the slightly elevated price tag makes sense, and it is still a great value for the money. If you are looking for a more traditional, elegant cradle, this is the perfect option for you.
8. Sorelle Dondola
Addition of the fitted sheet is very convenient
Wheel and rock options which can both be stabilized are very handy features
Sleek, yet traditional design is nice and won’t clash with any existing decor
Sturdy design and safety features give you peace of mind
Can only be shipped within the US
This next cradle from Sorelle is a beautiful and sleek designed cradle that can adapt to just about any situation and any style nursery. It is a perfect mix of contemporary and traditional and also has all of the safety features you look for in a cradle.
It’s a perfect combination!
Read moreDesign
Not only does this cradle come with a mattress, but it also comes with a fitted sheet. This is rare and most cradles do not come with the fitted sheet. This might not sound like a huge deal but with mattress sizes varying just slightly, it can be hard to find a sheet that is a perfect fit.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 38 inches long, 22.5 inches wide, 34 inches tall
Comes with both a mattress and a fitted sheet
Wheels attached to the bottom of the base
Cradle itself rocks or can be stabilized
Meets or exceeds safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Built from New Zealand pine
2 color options (espresso and white)
Value
This is another moderately priced cradle, it is priced right in the middle. Given the numerous features and sturdy design, it is a great value for the money and likely is a cradle you could use for numerous children and keep in the family for years to come.
9. Dream On Me
Very affordable
Simple design goes with any decor and color options give you the option to pick what you want
Safety features like stabilizing pins and non-toxic paint make you feel safer
Easy to assemble
Slumber pad is very thin, need to purchase a mattress to use with it
If you are looking for a simple, safe, and affordable cradle, this Dream On Me cradle is perfect. It has landed in our top two because of the great value it has. A simple design, leaning slightly more traditional, it is still easily adaptable to any decor. Combined with all the traditional features you’ve come to expect from a cradle, this is a perfect option for any couple.
Read moreDesign
You can easily use this cradle as a rocking cradle or stationary due to the easy to use support pins on either side of the cradle. Simply push them in place and the cradle will stay completely still.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 53.5 inches long, 33.5 inches wide, 4 inches tall
Wooden design with arches on either end
Rocking cradle can also be stabilized with support pins
4 color options (cherry, espresso, natural, and white)
Non-toxic paint used to give the colored finish
Use until baby weighs 20 pounds or can push up on their own
Comes with a slumber pad
Value
This is an incredible price and a great value for the money. No matter your budget, you will be able to afford this great cradle. However, even with the low price, it is still a great quality item with all the safety features you would want in a cradle.
10. Babybjorn
Sleek design looks nice and is also very convenient and helpful
Mesh sides are completely safe and provide great airflow
Accessories are a canopy and a fitted sheet- it is good to have options that you know will work with your specific cradle
Lightweight design is very convenient for parents
Cannot stabilize the cradle, it will always rock even if just a little
Our number one pick comes from BabyBjorn. This cradle is expertly designed, sleek in appearance, easy to transport, and more. It also comes with numerous accessories that make this cradle even better.
If you want to ensure your child will be safe and sleep well, you can’t do much better than this BabyBjorn cradle.
Read moreDesign
There are plenty of features that make this cradle unique, but most importantly, this cradle is special because it doesn’t contain any metal or wooden bars that your baby could potentially hurt themselves with. This cradle is completely made of durable mesh fabric that is safe and will help keep your baby cool.
Accessories
Baby cradle with dimensions: 31 inches long, 23 inches wide, 26 inches tall
Mesh sides make it easy to see your baby, keeps them safe, and provides great ventilation
Cradle rocks in a smooth motion that will soothe your baby all night long
Mattress cover and fabric of the cradle itself are machine washable and easily removed
Lightweight design makes it easy to move it anywhere
Foot grips keep the cradle in place but won’t damage floors
Use until your baby is 6 months old or 18 pounds
Low height makes it easy to monitor your baby at any time
Value
This is a fairly expensive cradle, although it is not the most expensive by far. Considering the unique features and sleek design, it is a great price and an exceptional value for the money. If you are able to spend a little more, it is worth it to have a cradle as nice as this one.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
The amount of positive innovative useful design may well depend on which established or little known brand is chosen, established brands have a good name to maintain so they will focus on the importance of design. Some manufacturers have a better reputation, and in this case, that is something to keep in mind. Items for your child are too important to not pay attention to things like reputation and safety. An unsafe manufacturer is the last thing you need when selecting a cradle for your newborn baby.
Gather information to be fully sure the product is designed to meet your requirements for your baby. The more information you can have about the specific cradle you are purchasing, the better. Since you are buying the crib used it is more than likely already installed, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a need for the instructions manual.
Other helpful information could be listed there, and it is also a way to double check that the cradle was installed properly. Ask the person giving you the cradle if they kept any of the paperwork for it.
No luck? Check online! Many brands now put their manuals on their website so you always have access. Try to locate the exact manual for the product you have, and take a brief look at it. If the seller doesn’t have the manual and you also can’t find it online, consider finding a different cradle.
If the cradle is that old that there is no info about it online, that is more than likely a cradle that is far too old and potentially unsafe for your baby. Again, it is never worth the risk of your child’s safety when it comes to used products. If any part of you is unsure, trust that instinct.
Accessories
Accessories and fittings
Most products will not arrive ready assembled, even when you are in the store and choose a product it still needs to be sold to you in a package. If you buy online, take note of any promised accessories.
Condition
Also look closely at these products for the actual condition, durability, good materials and those important fittings and accessories. At some point, you need to stop looking online for info about the brand and product and inspect the actual cradle you might be purchasing. It might be a great brand, but if the cradle itself seems to be in bad condition, you obviously need to walk away. Inspect the cradle and see if it appears to be missing any parts. Also, feel free to ask the person who is selling or giving you the cradle if any parts are missing.
If you are getting the cradle as a “gift” it might feel rude to ask if it is in good condition, but the reality is that your child’s safety is most important, and any parent should understand that. Take whatever information they give you, along with your inspection of the cradle, and decide if it seems in good enough condition to keep using.
Value
Price is one factor we consider when selecting cradles. Everyone has a different budget, so we always strive to select items that have a wide range of price points. Some cradles are more expensive, but some are also very affordable.
User ratings are important for selecting our list items. The best way to feel confident about making a purchase is to see how other people have reacted. If you see a bunch of unhappy parents, it would be hard to feel confident about purchasing that item. We keep this in mind as we develop our lists, especially with items such as cradles, which are so important and are used when a baby is so small.
This is another important factor to consider. Some manufacturers have a better reputation, and in this case, that is something to keep in mind. Items for your child are too important to not pay attention to things like reputation and safety. An unsafe manufacturer is the last thing you need when selecting a cradle for your newborn baby.
Design Accessories Value 
Most cradles come with a rocking feature and some have wheels at the base for easily moving it around the house. These are great features, but ones you need to make sure can still be halted. Make sure that the wheels can still fully lock and test that the cradle stays still even when you push on it. As for the rocking feature, most cradles have a lever or pin or some other way of stopping the cradle from rocking. Make sure you have that feature and know how to work it. Test to make sure it still works and that the cradle is completely still. If either of these features can’t be stopped, find another cradle.
When choosing a crib or cradle, you will often be supplied with a mattress and sheet, though you should look closely at these, as they may not suit your baby. If the cradle comes with a mattress or fitted sheet, consider purchasing a new one. It is tempting to save money and use the existing products, but fabric items like these are harder to clean and can pose a safety hazard. At the very least, be sure to purchase a new fitted sheet for the mattress.
Most importantly, make sure the sheet fits securely and cannot slip up or off of the mattress. This is a major safety hazard.
Other Factors to Consider
Capacity
Capacity here is applied in the sense that reviewing a product covers a lot of points which look at the capacity for functionality, performance and any additional needed extras.
Purchase the proper mattress
Some cradles come with a mattress, but you might find the mattress is not comfortable, or you may select a cradle that doesn’t have one. If that is the case, be sure to measure the space and get a mattress that fits perfectly. It can be a safety hazard if there is extra space around the edges that your child can grab or move.
Find the right fitted sheet
This is just as important, if not more important than finding the right mattress. A loose sheet can come off of a mattress and could possibly be a suffocation hazard for your baby. The fitted sheet you select should be the right size and fit snugly and wrap around the mattress securely so that it cannot come loose during the middle of the night.
Understand the weight or age limit
You cannot use cradles for a long period of time, as they are just not meant for that type of usage. The typical limit is around 20 pounds and is based on when your child can roll over or push up on their hands and knees. Make sure you aren’t using your cradle past this stage in your child’s life.
Decide about a rocking function
Most cradles are rocking, but the majority have the option to stabilize the cradle. Make sure you know how the stabilization works for the specific cradle you do select so that you are always keeping your child safe.
Inquire about portability
Do you want your baby to start out in their cradle in your room, or are you going to have them sleep in their nursery? Also, do you plan to travel a lot with your baby (say over to grandma’s house or another family?) If so, make sure you are aware of how portable the cradle you select is. Several have wheels which are convenient for moving the cradle from room to room in your home. For traveling, select a cradle that can detach from the base. Traveling with an entire base can be quite the hassle, so it’s best to leave it at home if possible.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another important factor both for your convenience and for the safety of your child. Parents, or soon to be parents, are some of the busiest people out there. We understand that you do not have countless hours to put together products, so we try to find products that are listed as being easy to assemble or easy to use. The easier something is, the greater chance you have at installing it 100% correctly, which is important for child safety. Should you ever be unsure of how to install or use any item, including a cradle, always ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: When should a baby sleep in a cradle?
A baby can sleep in a cradle starting from when they are first born. This is a perfect initial sleeping situation for even the smallest of newborns. However, they won’t stay in a cradle long. Once they reach about 18-20 pounds and start to move around and roll over, it is time to get them a larger crib. This typically happens around 6 months of age.
q: Can you decorate your baby’s cradle?
The short answer to this is, no. It is tempting to decorate everything so that your nursery looks beautiful, but when it comes to a crib, you do not want your child to have access to anything they can grab or pull, as it is too dangerous. Instead, purchase a cradle in a style you like, and leave it as is in your nursery. No decorations needed!
q: Should you get a rocking cradle?
This is up to you, but a rocking feature is a plus for many parents. The gentle rocking motion is soothing to babies and can help them fall asleep quicker. However, you should always know how to lock your cradle in place so that it will not rock.
q: Why can’t you just purchase a crib for your baby?
Newborns are very small, something you might not even realize if you are a first-time parent. A crib is far too much space for a newborn, and most will be more comfortable in a smaller, more cozier atmosphere. A cradle is a perfect solution for that first stage in life.
q: Can you purchase cradle accessories (mattresses, sheets, etc) from anywhere?
This depends. When purchasing sheets for your own bed you are likely used to shopping anywhere and selecting the sheets you like based on things like style or price. However, you have to take extra precautions when shopping for mattresses or sheets for your newborn. You need the sizing to be exact for these items so that the sheet doesn’t slip off or so that the mattress doesn’t slide or move around. Always check this out before letting your baby sleep on it.
Sources
- , Best Bassinets of 2019 - Baby Registry Babylist, Buying Guide Reviews
- , The 5 Best Baby Cradles For Your Newborn - gosureviews.com, Product Reviews
- , Top 8 Cradles of 2019 | Video Review, Reviews
