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
Best premium baby nest pod
www.johnlewis.com
DockATot (previously known as Sleepyhead) Grand Dock calls this pod a ‘docking station’ for your baby. It’s easy to wipe clean and the cover is washable, and there’s no denying mums love this product. There are loads of beautifully designed removeable covers to change the colour and mood of your pod, available to buy via the DockATot website. It provides the perfect space for your toddler to lounge in a safe and comfy spot.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent cotton cover
- Removable, washable cover
- Suitable from nine months
- Size: L102 x W60cm
One parent said: "Our 6 month babes outgrew his Deluxe+ dock and even though I was hesitant to upgrade to the Grand (due to price), I'm so glad we did! He loves it as well as our 3 year old. Of course I could have measured from the dimensions provided on website, but I didn't realize how HUGE it was going to be! Luckily it'll last awhile for him both length/width wise. The pristine white cover/material is great and has washed well so far. Our Deluxe+ dock has been through two children almost daily so I know the Grand will keep up just as well!"
Pros
- A range of coloured/patterned covers to choose from
- Machine washable cover
Cons
- Expensive
- Only suitable to use from nine months, but lasts a long time (to 36 months)
Best botanical designed baby nest pod
www.argos.co.uk
Shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards 2022, the Purflo is made of signature breathable mesh panels and materials that allow airflow around the baby. It's soft to the touch so your little one can relax comfortably, with a firm flat base to provide the right support.
Specifications:
-
100 per cent cotton cover
-
Fully washable
-
Suitable from birth up to eight months
-
Size: L92 x W49cm
Mum tester Hannah said: "This product is great to have as a quick and more comfortable alternative for putting your baby on the floor whilst you quickly do something. It’s well-padded, soft, breathable for the baby. It is easy to travel with and comes with a bag which makes it easy to travel with whilst keeping it clean. The design is lovely. Haven’t tried cleaning it which I would assume is quite difficult and wouldn’t want to cover it as the material encourages airflow to keep baby cooler."
Pros
- Machine washable basket lining and quilt
- Pretty botanical pattern
Cons
- Only suitable to use up to eight months
Best baby nest pod from birth to eight months
www.johnlewis.com
Consider this the younger sibling of the DockATot Grand. The Deluxe+, also available in a bunch of fun and unique designs, is designed to provide your baby with a space to rest, enjoy tummy time, or play under supervision. Breathable, washable, and hypoallergenic, it's the ultimate pod for babies aged from 0-8 months. It’s even been shortlisted several times in the Mother&Baby Awards, and won Silver in the 2017 Best Product for a Newborn category.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent cotton cover
- Removable, washable cover
- Suitable from birth to eight months
- Size: L75 x W46cm
M&B tester Natalie says: “Although the price is quite high, what you are getting for the money is very good and for me, it's well worth it for the sense of contentment this product brings my little one.”
Pros
- A range of coloured/patterned covers to choose from
- Machine washable cover
- Lightweight, ideal for travelling
Cons
- Covers are expensive
Best sustainable baby nest pod
www.alexandalexa.com
This baby pod features long straps so you can easily carry your baby in the pod from one room to the next without too much disruption. The little dragon design in a muted sanded colour is a beautiful gender-neutral choice, but you can also buy in other colours and patterns. We love that it's made of organic cotton and has a wooden base to provide your little one with a sturdy and comfortable space to lay.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent organic cotton
- Removable, washable cover
- Size: L76 x W32cm
- Recommended from birth to 7 months
Pros
- Cover made from sustainable organic cotton
- Machine washable cover
- Handles for easy portability
Cons
- Can only use up to seven months
Best baby nest pod for newborns
This cosy support nest from Babymoov has been a favourite with parents on Amazon, with over 6,000 reviews rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It helps to provide the ideal position for your baby to lounge in, and adapts to your baby's size and movements. It gives great ergonomic support that reassures your little one, and the leg support padding is adjustable to move as your baby grows or to help raise their legs to help with digestion. It's soft, comfortable, and easy to wash in the machine.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent polyester
- Machine-washable at 30 degrees
- Size: L58 x W38cm
- Suitable from birth to three months
Review: "This was a brilliant investment. When our daughter was small it really helped her get comfortable in her moses basket, rocker and later in the cot. We also used it for the buggy in the early days, it prevented her rolling around, and to 'park' her safely while getting on with a few chores. She's now 5 months and we're dreading the day when she's finally grown out of it."
Pros
- Machine washable cover
- Comes with carry bag
- Positioning roll can be adjusted to the size of your baby using
Cons
- Not long lasting — only suitable up to three months
Most affordable baby nest pod
Available in a bunch of cute designs, this baby nest is hypoallergenic, breathable, and be adjusted to make your baby feel more secure and cosy. It has two straps for size regulation and you can unbuckle the end of the nest to give your little wriggled unrestricted space to move their feet. It's lightweight, portable - we only wish they did these in adult sizes!
Specifications:
- 100 per cent cotton
- Washable and removable cover
- Size: L107 x W62cm
- Suitable from birth
Review: "Perfect alternative to a well known, much more expensive item. Same size and product basically. The mattress section is removable and the whole thing is washable, great value for money. My son is 7kg at 14 weeks and still fits no problem into this."
Pros
- Available in three different designs
- Has a reversible patterned cover
- Adjustable size
Cons
- Not as high quality as other baby nest pods listed
Best baby nest pod for comfort
www.kallysleep.com
Extra-soft and safety certified by OKEO-TEX and Intertek, this nest will great a soft and safe cocoon for your baby. Designed by experts to create a restful, comforting environment, the nest's size is adjustable via Velcro straps which can be altered depending on need and as your baby grows. It's available in a choice of colours and is great to take while travelling to keep your little one content.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent quilted cotton
- Washable and removable cover
- Size: L80 x W45cm
- Suitable from birth to eight months
Review: "High-quality product with a very high-end look. This is a fantastic nest which my friend's baby took too straight away. Will definitely use Kally Sleep again."
Pros
- Available in five colours
- Adjustable size
- Super soft
- Machine washable cover
Cons
- None
Best value baby nest pod
babymori.com
Designed to replicate the closeness of the womb, this nest creates a safe space for your baby to play and enjoy tummy time. Lightweight and perfect for travelling with, the sides and foam mattress provide stability meaning it can be placed on any flat surface. It comes available in white, pink, or blue.
Specifications:
- 100 per cent cotton
- Washable and removable cover
- Size: L93 x W50cm
- Suitable from birth to approx. nine months
Review: "Silky soft for a new baby."
Pros
- Available in three colours
- 100 per cent PU foam mattress provides stability to be used on all surfaces
- Cover machine washable
Cons
- Foam mattress hand wash only
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. ..