Having a baby is an unforgettable experience that can bring joy and love to a family. Newborns are adorable when they sleep, but most importantly, peaceful, uninterrupted sleep is essential for your baby’s growth. Which is why you might be looking for the right sleep solution for your baby.
Many mums report that the most stressful part of those early days with a new baby is sleep. To avoid spending countless sleepless nights fretting over your baby, you might want to look for a safe, comfortable place for your baby to nap. Whether you’re a new parent or looking for the perfect gift for the expectant mum in your life, we have compiled a helpful guide to choosing the right baby sleeping pod.
Top 10 baby sleep pods for 2020
DockATot Deluxe+ Dock — Highest quality
Source: DockATot
The DockATotDeluxe+ baby sleep pod is stylishly handmade in Europe with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that don’t absorb heat and offer supreme quality. It’s designed to mimic the mother’s womb and provides a snug, safe place for baby to nap or enjoy tummy time.
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of colours
- Quality fabric does not retain heat, so your baby stays cool
- Light enough to travel with and comes with a travel bag
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Priced at $279.00 the DockATot Deluxe+ Dock is in the higher price range
Little Archer & Co. Newborn Baby Nest—Best for newborns
Source: Amazon
The Little Archer & Co. Newborn Baby Nest is an excellent choice for tiny babies, as it features wide, cosy padding to keep them safely tucked in the pod. It has a soft yet firm mattress, and an adjustable buckle to accommodate for your growing little one. Made from 100% cotton, it’s breathable and gentle on the skin.
Pros
- Most affordable newborn lounger in Australia, priced at $98.99
- Easy to clean as it’s machine washable
- Take it anywhere with a convenient travel bag and carry handle
- Made from non-toxic, eco-friendly fabric
Cons
- Your baby might outgrow this baby pod quickly
- The cover is not removable, so you have to wash the entire sleeping pod without the mattress
Bubnest Organic Baby Nest—Most convenient
The Bubnest Organic Baby Nest is portable and convenient for newborns up to 12 months. The size can be adjusted by pulling on a tie-up rope and when it’s not in use, simply fold and tuck into the complimentary string bag.
Pros
- Made with certified organic fabric
- Handmade in Australia, so your purchase would be supporting local
- Comes with a complimentary string bag for travelling
- Attractive design
Cons
- Cover is not removable for washing
Hello Love Baby Lounger — Ideal for co-sleeping
The Hello Love Baby Lounger is plump yet firm.It’s a favourite for co-sleeping, as it’s big enough to keep your baby cosy and safe without taking up too much space in your bed. The organic cotton material is breathable and hypoallergenic, giving your baby a comfortable place to sleep.
Pros
- Zippers are soft and well-hidden
- Affordable at $86.22
- Easy to assemble and take apart for cleaning
- Machine washable
- Convenient carry handles on the top, bottom and sides
- Comes with a refund guarantee
- Deluxe size means that your growing infant has enough room
Cons
- There is no waterproof liner on the inside to prevent accidents
Slumberpod2.0 — Best for keeping out light
Source: Slumberpod
The Slumberpod2.0 is dark inside, so babies can sleep soundly, even if they are sensitive to light. It has ventilation flaps and a monitor pouch to ensure maximum safety for your bub at all times. Suitable for babies four months and older.
Pros
- Folds up for compact storage and travel
- Plenty of space for your baby to move around
- Can serve as a safe, multi-purpose nook for sleep and play
- Due to the size, your child can get maximum use out of the Slumberpod2.0
Cons
- The Slumberpod2.0 is expensive at $299.99
- Due to its size, the Slumberpod2.0 can take up substantial room space
- Not suitable for newborns
BabyDan Cuddle Nest —Best for prams
The BabyDan Cuddle Nest is a newborn nest for a pram and is small enough to be used as a reducer in a pram or cot. Which means it can fit neatly into the crib or pram to reduce the empty spaces, giving your little one a snug feeling. It is suitable for babies from 0 to 6 months.
Pros
- Made from 100% cotton and free from harmful substances
- The mattress has a waterproof cover
- Soft enough to be used as a playpen on the floor
- Machine washable
Cons
- The BabyDan Cuddle Nest has no carry handles
- Likely to be outgrown quickly
DockATot Deluxe Cabana Kit— Best for using outdoors
Source: DockATot
The DockATot Deluxe Cabana Kit is an elegantly styled protective kit that is designed to fit over the Deluxe+ Pod. The retractable sunshade offers SPF 50+ UV protection, and it also has a hideaway bug screen, making it an ideal accessory for protecting your baby outdoors.
Pros
- Folds up into a carry bag
- Can be used at home, in the garden, or on vacation, since the sunshade keeps your baby cool and protected
- Machine washable
- Attractive design
- Easy to assemble and fold
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
Clevamama Mum2Me Maternity Pillow and Sleep Pod—Top multifunctional option
If you are an expecting mother, then The Clevamama Mum2Me Maternity Pillow is ideal for you because it serves as a comfortable maternity pillow and can transform into a newborn baby nest once your little one is born.
Pros
- Prevents Flat Head Syndrome with ClevaFoam technology support
- Machine washable
- Breathable fabric with reduced heat retention to prevent SIDS
- Hypoallergenic and toxin-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- With an internal size of 30cm in length, your baby will outgrow this pod quickly
- It is in the higher price range at $204.49
Cam Cam Organic Baby Nest — Great for travelling
Source: Design Stuff
The Cam Cam Organic Baby Nest is made of organic fabric that is tested and certified to be completely safe for your newborn. You can take this infant sleep pod on overnight excursions without having to worry about disrupting your baby’s sleep routine.
Pros
- Adjust the size by pulling the string
- Free from harmful substances
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- This newborn lounger cannot be folded
Purflo Baby Nest — Most hygienic
The Purflo Baby Nest is ideal for the health-conscious, as it has an antibacterial 3D mesh as well as anti-fungal and antibacterial filling in the bumper. Replacement covers are available separately so you can have one to use while the other one is in the wash.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic, and 100% cotton
- Versatile and can be used around the house, as a crib insert or for travel
- Comes with a travel bag
- Removable, machine washable cover
Cons
- The Purflo Baby Nest has no carry handles
- Not adjustable
- Replacement covers need to be purchased separately
What to look for when buying your baby sleep pod
- Quality of fabric: Breathable, organic materials are best for newborn babies, as they are hypoallergenic and toxin-free. You also want something soft and snug for sleep and play.
- Size: Check if the baby lounger is suitable for 0-6 months or 0-12 months. The longer it lasts for your baby, the better.
- Machine washable: For busy mums, a removable, machine washable fabric is ideal.
- Waterproof lining: This is a massive advantage for avoiding leaking nappies and other accidents.
- Portable: Lightweight baby pods with carry handles and travel pouches are easily portable for visiting or travelling. Look out for something foldable for added convenience.
- Extra features: Certain baby sleeping pods in Australia come with fantastic features like sun shades, adjustable strings, baby monitor pouches or bug screens.
Comparing the top 10 baby sleep pods in Australia
| Name | Price | Adjustable | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DockATot Deluxe+ Dock | $279.00 | Yes |
|
| Little Archer & Co. Newborn Baby Nest | $98.99 | Yes |
|
| Bubnest Organic Baby Nest | $239.00 | Yes |
|
| Hello Love Baby Lounger | $86.22 | Yes |
|
| Slumberpod2.0 | $299.99 | No |
|
| BabyDan Cuddle Nest | $126.86 | No |
|
| DockATot Deluxe Cabana Kit | $124.00 | No |
|
| Clevamama Mum2Me Maternity Pillow and Sleep Pod | $204.49 | No |
|
| Cam Cam Organic Baby Nest | $179.00 | Yes |
|
| Purflo Baby Nest | $109.73 | No |
|
Sources: Amazon, DockATot, Bub Nest, Slumberpod, Design Stuff, November 2020.
Conclusion
Whether you are a parent or someone looking to buy a baby sleep pod as a gift, you will be spoiled for choice with unique brands offering organic fabrics, elegant designs and useful safety features. However, it’s still a good idea to compare your options to find the best baby nest.
Depending on your budget and personal needs, opt for something small and snug like the Little Archer & Co. Newborn Baby Nest or DockATot+, or if you want something that will last long and serve multiple purposes, consider the Slumberpod2.0.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is a baby sleep nest?
Generally, it’s a soft, safe place for your baby to lie while you cannot carry them in your arms. They’re designed to mimic the womb with comfortable fabric and a padded surrounding so baby does not roll out. These pods are often portable so your baby can be carried easily and rest on a flat, cushioned surface wherever you are.Which sleep pods are organic?
The Bubnest Organic Baby Nest, Hello Love Baby Lounger and Cam Cam Organic Baby Nest are made of organic materials.Which is the safest sleep nest to buy?
The Little Archer & Co. Newborn Baby Nest is the safest option for newborn babies because it’s wide enough for breathing space, and has cosy padding for safety. The Slumberpod2.0 is the safest option for babies aged four months and up, with a wide area, protective canopy, ventilation flaps and monitor pouch.Can a baby pod help avoid SIDS?
Some believe that a baby sleep nest can reduce the risk of SIDS since the baby is placed on its back and cannot turn over onto its tummy. However, baby pods have not been proven to avoid SIDS. Choice Australia and Product Safety Australia recommend that if you let your baby sleep in a pod, make sure it is sturdy, breathable and has ventilation.Are baby sleep nests worth it?
Many busy mums will attest to the fact that baby sleep nests are worth it, as they give your baby a safe, snug place to nap, lie down and observe their surroundings or have some tummy time while being supervised. They give parents peace of mind and can make travelling or visiting much more convenient.
