We used a cradle for the first 2 months. (It was mine when I was a baby and we refinished it to look like new) Then she moved to the crib. I wouldnt waste money a r bassinet, cradle or rock and play. We also have a pack n play. In all honesty, I would skip the bassinet and rock n play. Get a pack and play that has the bassinet insert. It saves money and space. Then as you LO outgrows the need for the bassinet, its stores up super small, and the LO has the pack n play to play/nap in. My LO plays in hers so if she topples over while sitting, its cusioned, unlike our hardwood floor. And my nephew is almost 2 and uses his for a ball pit. They just bought ballpit balls from toys r us, and he will play in there for hours! and since its deep the balls dont fly out, and its see through and breathable so his parents love it too!
IMHO, the pack n play (with bassinet insert) is the best bang for your buck! Baby stuff is so expensive, bulky, and they ourtgrow it so fast!