Cradle VS Playpen
You have limited space, and the crib may be too big at first for your new bundle. What do you get in the meantime? While the cradle has been rocking babies to sleep for centuries, the playpen is becoming more common because of it's portability. It may not be possible to have both so here are some pro's and con's for each. 
Pewter Cradle - 459.00 - Bedding is included, decrative spindles, very elegant
Glider/Cradle - 109.00 - changes in a glider after the baby has outgrown it, 4 finishes, practical and inexpensive 
Laura Ashley, 269.99 cad, pretty much fully loaded, pivoting changetable, canopy, 2 speed vibration under the padding, music timer and toy bar.
Evenflo, 99.99 cad, this one is great for the park or taking on vacation. It has some storage on the side, change table, and a removable bassinet.
While there are not many negatives for each the playpen seems to have more going for it overall. Both items can cost about the same. The cradle does have some models that cost upwards of 2200.00. Which doesn't make sense to me because your baby has limited time in a cradle. For that money you can buy the top of the line playpen, 2 if you want, a "cradle" type swing and still have money left over for the down payment on their first car! For nostalgic reason people usually pick the cradle but then end up getting a playpen to have for later.
If you are using a cradle that has been passed down through your family make sure you check and make sure that the paint is not lead based. It is harmful to everyone but babies and Pregnant women are more at risk. Please also make sure that the spindles on the sides are not spaced to far apart. The has been a lot of safety improvements made in the last few years that may not be included on older products.
Cradle
Pro's
- Strong sturdy frame
- Soothing Rocking motion
- Brings Elegance to any room
- May be a heirloom Cons
- Not roomy, baby may not be able to pivot around
- Baby may only be able to use for a couple of months
- Doesn't store easily
- Strong sturdy frame
- Soothing Rocking motion
- Brings Elegance to any room
- May be a heirloom Cons
- Not roomy, baby may not be able to pivot around
- Baby may only be able to use for a couple of months
- Doesn't store easily
Versailles Cradle - 450.00 - Includes bedding, Made of an Indonesian Kula,
Hardwood, hand painted and hand carved. Beautiful and classic
Pewter Cradle - 459.00 - Bedding is included, decrative spindles, very elegant
Glider/Cradle - 109.00 - changes in a glider after the baby has outgrown it, 4 finishes, practical and inexpensive
Playpen
Pro's
- Packs up very easily, and doesn't take up much storage
- Has a changetable
- Baby can use up to a year, possibly longer if they aren't too aggressive
- Extra pockets on side for storage
- Spacious for baby
- Extras available like lights, vibration, mobile, toybars. Some come with all of these things.
Cons
- Not as sturdy as a cradle
- may not match decor of home
Laura Ashley, 269.99 cad, pretty much fully loaded, pivoting changetable, canopy, 2 speed vibration under the padding, music timer and toy bar.
Evenflo, 99.99 cad, this one is great for the park or taking on vacation. It has some storage on the side, change table, and a removable bassinet.
While there are not many negatives for each the playpen seems to have more going for it overall. Both items can cost about the same. The cradle does have some models that cost upwards of 2200.00. Which doesn't make sense to me because your baby has limited time in a cradle. For that money you can buy the top of the line playpen, 2 if you want, a "cradle" type swing and still have money left over for the down payment on their first car! For nostalgic reason people usually pick the cradle but then end up getting a playpen to have for later.
If you are using a cradle that has been passed down through your family make sure you check and make sure that the paint is not lead based. It is harmful to everyone but babies and Pregnant women are more at risk. Please also make sure that the spindles on the sides are not spaced to far apart. The has been a lot of safety improvements made in the last few years that may not be included on older products.
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