The most recent version of Snüz’s much-loved bedside crib is a bestseller all over the world for good reason. Not only does it have a wealth of technical features which make those long nights easier (for a great price point, we hasten to add), its dedicated “ComfortAir” technology focuses on regulating baby’s temperature and maximising airflow to ensure the best possible night’s sleep for your little one.
Though it took a little longer to set up than some of the other cribs we tried, assembly is straightforward and we completed the build in about 45 minutes thanks to the clear and concise instructions that came with it. There are a whopping seven colourways to choose from – we picked “natural” which, with its Scandi-style curves and pared-back palette, make this feel like a crib that was both functional and stylish. And as it’s made from sustainably sourced beechwood, the craftsmanship is clear to see once the whole thing has been pieced together.
The quality of the mattress also went down well – it’s firm yet sumptuous, and the permeable mesh liner within the interior of the crib is breathable and can be removed and thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning. As well as having an optional tilt function for congested or colicky babies (simply slide the incline “leg” underneath one side of the base), the bassinet sits on a rather handsome-looking rocking stand to help soothe little ones to sleep when needed.
Snüz has also cleverly enabled the bassinet to be removed, so you can use it as a portable Moses basket by day. As the least expensive crib on our list, the Bubba & Me from highly regarded brand Ickle Bubba offers really great value for money. For the price point, there’s zero compromise on quality or features – it has everything you could want from a good bedside crib including seven height adjustments, breathable mesh panelling, a spacious storage basket for essentials, and washable fabrics. It’s also one of the more travel-friendly options, thanks to the handy carry-bag that comes with it.
Assembling this crib proved to be straightforward, and the bassinet is deep, wide, and spacious so baby has plenty of room to grow. There’s perhaps not as much padding around the bassinet itself as some of the other brands we tested, but the mattress is comfortable, firm and offers a cosy space for your little one to snooze. The drop-down panel is intuitively lowered with zips, so you won’t find yourself fumbling around in the dark too much to reach your baby come 3am. This crib slotted well next to our tester’s bed too, with a sturdy base and strong straps that clipped together easily for ultimate peace of mind.
Having partnered with The Lullaby Trust numerous times, Halo knows a thing or two about getting our little ones to sleep soundly. The BassiNest has long been a hit with parents in the US and since it’s been available in the UK, it’s been an equally popular choice with new mums, including a few celeb faces. Firstly, it’s perfect for anyone who’s short on space. It’s compact and has a central four-prong base which slides snugly underneath the parent bed, allowing baby to be close by. It’s sturdy but it is heavy, so you might find it leaves a footprint in the carpet after six months of being there. The bassinet itself has mesh panelling all the way round, so it’s ultra-breathable and easy to see baby from the comfort of your bed. It also has a handy pocket on the side for bits and pieces. One potential downside is that while the mattress cover is machine washable, the rest of the crib is wipe-clean only.
What sets this crib apart is the 360 swivel. It couldn’t be more perfect for mothers who are recovering from a c-section. Its movement and positioning on the bed allow baby to be as close to you as possible while maintaining your own sleep bubbles. Unlike most other co-sleeping cribs, it doesn’t have an opening panel, but the patented lowering bedside wall allows you to reach in and tend to your little one easily. In essence, it’s much like a Moses basket-bedside crib hybrid.
The premiere also boasts a wealth of fancy features, including an amber nightlight, floor light, two soothing vibration levels and four sound effects (all with auto shutoff, don’t worry!) to lull baby to sleep. The white noise, we thought, was a particularly great addition and eliminates the need for any additional sleep aids. It may have taken us a little longer than some of the other cribs to put together, but it was love at first sight when we tested the lua from ever-trusted brand Mamas & Papas – now available in a brand-new colourway.
The first thing we noted was the craftsmanship. The quality is excellent; it feels sturdy and beautifully designed. The wood finish and fawn-coloured fabric (also available in grey) feels contemporary, and the mesh panels offer breathability, while the smart storage shelf which doubles as a changing station was probably one of our favourite features. It’s touches like this which make all the difference.
