The best baby nests and pods 2023

Baby nests and pods (often called baby sleep pods or sleep nests) are snug places for your little one to rest and play during the day. They're great for tummy time, snuggling up next to you on the sofa, or just a comfy place to rest and chill out, similar to a baby bean bag.

They have padded sides, keeping your little one cosy and in place, and these sides are great to drape over during a period of tummy time play.

However, while we think they are great lounging products for your toddler during the day, we do not recommend their use as sleeping products.

Using a pod or nest as a lounging product

Pods and nests are becoming more and more popular as daytime lounging baby products, and are portable for when you’re moving from room to room with your toddler.

Most pods are available in a large size, suitable for toddlers - normally from nine to 36 months. Smaller versions are available for babies but do heed the following safety recommendations.

Are baby nests and pods safe for sleep?

Sleep pods or sleep nests are becoming a popular choice for babies instead of the traditional Moses basket.

But The Lullaby Trust doesn’t advise their use for baby sleep; it states: “Evidence shows that sleeping a baby on anything but a firm, flat surface, or using soft, heavy bedding, can increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).” This sleeping advice refers to babies under one year old.

The Trust also reminds us: “While there is a British Standard for cot mattresses, there is no standard for pods or nests as a sleeping place for babies.”

There might not be any recorded cases of SIDS related to the use of pods or nests, but there are safety concerns highlighted by the Lullaby Trust related to products featuring padded sides and soft bases.

If you’ve considered all the sleeping guidelines carefully, and want to invest in a pod, have these points on a checklist while you’re choosing a nest:• Make sure the pod has a firm base and mattress

• Only use the pod under your supervision

• Check regularly that your little one isn’t overheating

• Use it for playtime and resting rather than for sleep

Here are the best pods and nests we’ve found to buy today:

The best baby nests and pods

FAQs

How do I choose the best baby pod or nest?

So if you’re thinking about investing in a baby pod, keep the safety considerations in mind and make sure you’re 100 per cent certain this is the right product for your baby’s safety and your peace of mind.

When choosing a sleeping product for your baby, it’s important to remember these vital baby sleep safety factors:

• The surface is firm

• The surface is flat

• The surface has a waterproof cover

• There are no loose blankets or sheets

Baby pods have a variety of uses and, without using them as a sleep product, there are ways your baby can enjoy their nest. They can be used as a comfy place to lay and lounge next to you, for tummy time, playing, or cuddling with you. Some mums find them useful if you’ve had a C-section and are finding laying with your baby uncomfortable, or if reaching into the cot or Moses basket during the day is proving to be difficult. So, if you don’t want your baby sleeping in their pod for safety reasons, there are still plenty of ways you can get the most out of it.

For tummy time, baby nests and pods are good fun – place your baby on their tummy, with the cushioned side under their armpits, with their arms out in front. Using a mirror is a great game during tummy time, or showing them brightly coloured books and toys to grab their attention.

When using baby nests and pods, always place it on a firm, stable surface, and make sure that your baby is somewhere safe should they happen to roll or climb out of the pod. Make sure there are no pillows, cushions, or loose covers over or near the pod that your baby could pull on top of themselves and risk suffocation. Don’t add any blankets or covers underneath your baby while they're in the pod, and use it under your supervision. ..