Cradle and Basssinet Advice (sort of vent too)

babypaloozyvan · June 2012

Ladies,

So, I'm a little dissapointed. My friend has told me since before her DS arrived in January to not get a cradle because we could borrow theirs, since her LO would be too big by the time August hits. Well, she just dropped the bomb on me that she has decided to sell it and can't let me borrow it. It sucks, it's her choice I get that (her cradle), but it does bite that she has told me this whole time I could use it (even told me where to get new sheets for it just two weeks ago) and now has gone back, when I have 7 weeks left.

So, I need an option for LO to sleep in downstairs with us for the first 3-4 months. I don't want to spend a lot because we will only use it for so long. Any suggestions? Cradle? Bassinet? Used or new? Online or in a store? What about a rock n sleeper I keep hearing about? I want to get the most bang for my buck and make sure LO sleeps nicely and comfortably. Help?!? TIA!

marierk · June 2012

I got a basically brand new bassinet off of craigslist for $25....I'd suggest looking on there. That's where I've found most of my bigger items (swing, etc) for pretty cheap.

babypaloozyvan · June 2012

Scout2005:
Are you getting a PNP? They come with a bassinet attachment (not the same as a newborn napper).
It's probably the longest lasting of your options. We still use ours daily as a play pen now that DD is older.

OMG! Totally forgot about my PNP! It does have a bassinet and changing table for early months. However, the bassinet doesn't seem super comfortable. Do you put something in their to make it more comfortable, it keep it hard enough for an infant?

KWood2011 · June 2012

Pack N play

gollywollypog · June 2012

I got a Rock n Play: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Deluxe-Lightweight-Sleeper-Snugabunny/dp/B005IWM73S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340064553&sr=8-1&keywords=rock+and+play+sleeper+snugabunny

But I won't be using it for sleeping. I read a bunch of reviews that said it can cause flat heads in babies and then I asked my friend who had her baby last July and used it for sleeping for the first few months and it did give her daughter a flat spot.

I got this Arms Reach Bassinet: https://www.walmart.com/ip/CO-SLEEPER-Brand-Clearvue-Bassinet-Cocoa-Fern/14204625

And I LOVE it so far. We attached it to the bed today and it's a nice snug fit to co sleep. It converts from stand alone bassinet to co sleeper bassinet and it's different from most bassinets in that the sides are all mesh instead of bumper type material. The mattress doesn't have any flame retardants either (a good thing).

Sucks about the friend, good luck with your search!

halvorsonl00 · June 2012

I would either use your PNP, but don't put anything else on the bottom besides a fitted sheet they make for it. The craigslist option is also a good one. We got a crib this weekend for $40 that was brand new last year. I see bassinets and cradles all the time, and most of them are pretty brand new because babies can only be in them for a short period of time.

That sucks about the friend. My coworker has been telling me my whole pregnancy we can just have their crib because their daughter is too big now and they aren't having another one, but then told me last week her DH wants $100 for it. Like you said, totally their choice, and I would have no problem paying it, but it just kinda sucks after they said free at first. So we did a little looking and found a better crib for less $. O well.

lady_tytah · June 2012

This is what I'm getting.

I really dont need/care for the play pen feature and after talking to hubs we decide on something simple. It attaches to the bed and becomes a free stand bassinet.

babypaloozyvan · June 2012

halvorsonl00:
I would either use your PNP, but don't put anything else on the bottom besides a fitted sheet they make for it. The craigslist option is also a good one. We got a crib this weekend for $40 that was brand new last year. I see bassinets and cradles all the time, and most of them are pretty brand new because babies can only be in them for a short period of time.

That sucks about the friend. My coworker has been telling me my whole pregnancy we can just have their crib because their daughter is too big now and they aren't having another one, but then told me last week her DH wants $100 for it. Like you said, totally their choice, and I would have no problem paying it, but it just kinda sucks after they said free at first. So we did a little looking and found a better crib for less $. O well.

I know. Although frustrating, we move on, right? I'll check out the great Craigslist suggestions from everyone and if not, PNP should work. Thanks again!

babypaloozyvan · June 2012

Thanks so much for the great ideas ladies!

cedenton · June 2012

Ditto Pack N' Play or Rock N' Play.

Couldn't she wait the 6-8 wks for you to use it before selling it? That's pretty crappy.

We have a split level house we we'll be using a cradle (given to us by MIL) in our room (until he goes to the crib) and a Pack N' Play during the day downstairs.

ufmelissa · June 2012

cedenton:
Ditto Pack N' Play or Rock N' Play.
Couldn't she wait the 6-8 wks for you to use it before selling it? That's pretty crappy.
We have a split level house we we'll be using a cradle (given to us by MIL) in our room (until he goes to the crib) and a Pack N' Play during the day downstairs.

This! I don't understand why she couldn't wait a couple more months unless she's desparate for $$ now but I guess it's her prerogative.

bigbootyjudi · June 2012

My sister bought our LO this one: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10946103&affcode=579633&k_clickid=1ca4089e-4f1c-90a8-42bd-00007f6700c1&007=Search&006=9030240510&012=kolcraft+bassinet&searchdef=2195185&021=14345260158&009=e&searchURL=false&002=2195185&camp=ppc:92579633

I love her, but I wish she wouldn't have bought one that was so expensive. It is REALLY nice; basket underneath, nightlight, songs, rolls from room to room, has three different levels (so as they grow you can bump it down just like a crib), etc. but our LO will only be using it for 3-4 months and then afterwards, we'll be using his PNP. If you're uncomfortable with using a PNP (I was too, that's why she bought us a bassinet...it just didn't look sturdy enough to me and I have cats, so if they were to jump on it while the LO was in there, I wasn't sure how well it would hold the both of them for the two seconds it would take me to get the cat out of there!), I would get a Moses basket. It's a simple basket that you put the baby in and put the basket in the bed with you. My friend did it and seemed like such a better solution then spending tons of money on a bassinet.