In a nutshell
The third incarnation of the bestselling SnüzPod can be used as a standalone or bedside crib or as a rockable bassinet – but it doesn’t travel well
What we tested
- Comfort
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Ease of cleaning
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Portability
3.0
A star rating of 3.0 out of 5. - Style
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Quality
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Worth the money
4.5
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
4.4
Pros
- Can use as a standalone crib, bedside crib or rockable bassinet, detachable reflux incline, comfy mattress, zip-down walls, stylish
Cons
- Heavy, not suitable as a travel cot, bassinet fabric is handwash only
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The SnüzPod, from Snüz, has been a popular choice with parents since its launch as the UK’s first mass-market bedside crib in 2014. Offering the closeness of co-sleeping, without any of the risks of bed-sharing, bedside cribs allow your baby to have their own space, while still being close to you throughout the night.
They are particularly useful if, like our reviewer, you’re recovering from a C-section birth or breastfeeding, so you don’t have to get out of bed each time your baby wants feeding – something you’ll appreciate at 3 in the morning!
The stylish SnüzPod 3 is the third incarnation of this award-winning crib and it boasts some great new features. It now comes with an attachable reflux incline feature, breathable mesh sides on both sides, and a wider, lighter lift-off bassinet.
When pitched against some of the other leading bedside cribs, such as the Jané Babyside Bedside Crib (£235), Chicco Next2me (£179) and Halo Bassinest (£249.99), the SnüzPod 3 (£199.95) really impresses.
The 3-in-1 design – meaning you can use it as a bedside crib, standalone crib or a bassinet for daytime naps – makes it a great multifunctional buy, plus thoughtful touches like the storage shelf and reflux incline make this model stand out from the crowd.
Read our SnüzPod3 crib review...
Tested by:
Sarah lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and their 3-year-old son Wilfred and newborn baby, Edie.
First impressions?
This is one seriously stylish crib! The sleek, modern design makes this one piece of baby kit you’ll actually want to show off, and I love that it comes in a choice of neutral colours and is made from sustainably sourced wood.
How is the SnüzPod 3 Bedside Crib different from previous versions?
The SnüzPod 3 has had a bit of a makeover style-wise, but it’s the addition of some brand-new features that make this latest version so baby- and parent-friendly. Instead of just one mesh side, the crib now has the breathable windows on both sides, so wherever you are in the room you can keep an eye on your baby.
The new crib also has a reflux incline feature, which is essentially an additional wooden bar you can attach to the bottom of one side of the crib to tilt it slightly – perfect for helping to ease any reflux symptoms, as well as giving some relief to a baby with a cold.
The bassinet (which can be lifted off and used around the house instead of a Moses basket) is slightly wider and lighter to carry, too – 20% bigger yet 30% lighter, according to the website!
What age is the SnüzPod 3 suitable for?
From birth to 10kg (approx 6 months). It’s only suitable for a child who cannot sit up unaided, roll over and cannot push itself up on its knees.
Is the SnüzPod 3 easy to put together?
I’m far from a DIY pro but found the SnüzPod 3 straightforward to assemble. The instructions are really clear (diagrams, rather than written steps), there’s only a couple of different-sized bolts and everything you need to put it together, including an Allen key, is in the box.
I’d suggest assembling the crib in or as close to your bedroom as you can, as it’s quite large and heavy once assembled. You just need to make sure you have the correct height of your bed, from the floor to the top of the mattress, before you get started.
The instruction booklet says it should take 40 minutes to put together, and we were finished in about 45 minutes, so not far off. Just make sure you go through the diagrams first and check you have all the correct pieces before you start assembling.
There are instructions on how to safely attach the crib to your bed and my husband managed it quickly, without any problems. If you do have any problems, there’s a helpline number you can call.
How does it attach to your bed?
The crib can attach safely to both a divan or slat-based bed using the two straps provided. These just need to wrap around the stand of the SnüzPod 3 and through the frame or base of the bed, before clipping securely together and tightening.
How many height positions are there?
There are 9 different height positions and the zip-down wall can be used with beds up to a maximum mattress height of 63cm. Just make sure you work out what height the crib needs to be at to line up with your mattress before you clip the straps into place as the height can’t be adjusted without taking the crib apart.
How does the SnüzPod 3 compare to other cribs you have looked at or used?
For my first baby I used the Chicco Next2me bedside crib (£139 on Amazon), which was easier and quicker to assemble than the SnüzPod 3. It had the option of raising one side to help with reflux, but didn’t have a detachable bassinet or a rocking stand, like this model.
I loved the portability of the Chicco Next2me – it was lightweight and compact enough to use as a travel cot – but the sturdiness of the SnüzPod 3 is a big plus for me, as is the fact you can use the lift-off bassinet around the house for naps.
Weighing up the pros and cons, the SnüzPod 3 wins for me.
How portable is the SnüzPod 3?
This is a really sturdy bedside crib and, in my opinion, it’s best to set it up in the room you plan to use it in and then leave it there. It’s too big and heavy to cart up and down stairs, and you have to fully dismantle it to take it anywhere in the car, so it’s not ideal as a travel cot.
How does it compare to a moses basket?
For daytime naps downstairs, I still relied on my moses basket as it had a stand – important for keeping my baby away from the endless pokes of a curious toddler and licks from the family dog!
Also, as I am recovering from a C-section, I didn’t fancy carrying a bassinet up and down the stairs all the time. Having said that, if you don’t already have a Moses basket, the bassinet would do a good job and would almost certainly last longer as it’s so roomy for a growing baby.
How easy is it to see your baby when they’re in the SnüzPod 3?
Even with the mesh side of the crib zipped up it’s really easy to see your baby at all times. If you’re anything like me, you will waste hours staring at them instead of sleeping – having your baby so close to you all night is really special and a great bonding experience.
How easy is it to get to your baby?
It honestly couldn’t be easier – just zip down the side of the crib and reach across to pick up your baby. The zip-down wall is so convenient for night feeds and cuddles – you don’t even have to get out of bed!
Can the SnüzPod 3 be used as a standalone crib as well as for co-sleeping?
Yes, it makes a fantastic standalone crib.
Does it rock?
When used as a standalone crib the SnüzPod 3 is rockable, thanks to the curved edges of the stand, however once it’s attached to your bed, you won’t be able to rock it.
Does the SnüzPod 3 have an incline option?
There’s an attachable reflux incline, which can be easily fixed in place with a couple of screws. Once in place, it’s nice and sturdy, however, it’s not quite as convenient as some of the instant ‘pull-up’ functions on cribs such as the Chicco Next2me.
What do you think of the size of the SnüzPod 3?
With dimensions of L 100cm x D 49cm and (maximum) H 95cm, it’s certainly one of the larger bedside cribs out there, but for me this was a big positive. There’s plenty of room to fit in a sleep nest or pod if that’s what you’re planning to use, and you don’t have to worry about your baby growing out of it in a couple of months.
If you’re short on space, it might not be the best choice for you, but if you’re after a crib that will last until your little one moves into their own room and cot at six months, this gets the thumbs-up from me.
How comfortable is the SnüzPod 3 for your baby?
So comfy! One of my gripes about the Chicco Next2me was that the mattress was quite thin, whereas the quilted mattress supplied with the SnüzPod 3 is soft and comfy and has (so far!) helped our three-week-old baby, Edie, sleep well each night.
Does it feel durable?
For me, one of the standout features of the SnüzPod 3 is how durable and sturdy it is. Everything about it screams quality and it’s definitely a crib you can use for any future babies you decide to have.
Is the SnüzPod 3 easy to clean?
The wooden frame can easily be wiped clean, but the fabric elements of the bassinet and storage tray at the bottom of the crib need to be hand-washed, rather than chucked in the washing machine.
What’s in the box?
- 1 x SnüzPod 3 Crib
- 1 x quilted mattress
- Attachment straps
- Reflux incline leg
- Instructions
Who would the SnüzPod 3 be most useful for?
If you’re recovering from a C-section, like me, the SnüzPod 3 is worth its weight in gold. Not having to climb out of bed every time your baby needs feeding, changing or settling feels like the ultimate luxury in the middle of the night! It’s also a great choice if you’re breastfeeding, so you can keep your baby close by for night-time feeds.
It’s a brilliant, safe option for parents who want the closeness of co-sleeping – nothing beats waking up to your baby’s sleepy face.
What would you have wanted to know before buying the crib?
Definitely that it’s not suitable as a travel cot. If you travel a lot and are only planning on buying one crib, this isn’t the one for you.
Are there any design elements you find particularly useful?
There are so many thoughtful design elements that make our lives as parents that bit easier. The quick-access, zip-down mesh wall means you can get to your baby as soon as they need you. The storage tray at the base of the stand is perfect for keeping a supply of nappies, wipes and a change of clothes.
I also loved the handles on each side of the crib, which were ideal for hanging muslins on. The rocking function was also a big hit with my little girl – and my toddler loved helping to ‘gently’ rock her to sleep.
Is the SnüzPod 3 value for money?
The SnüzPod 3's price is pretty similar to many similar bedside cribs on the market. I think the crib really packs a punch for this price – it’s fantastic quality, looks great and has plenty of extra features to make life easier, not to mention the fact it works as a 3-in-1 standalone crib, bedside crib and lift-off bassinet.
In my opinion, it’s definitely worth the money – especially as the quality means you can use it again for baby number two, pass it down to a friend or family member or sell on at a decent re-sale price.
As far as extras go, you can buy storage pockets (£19.95) to hang from the end of the crib, waterproof mattress protectors (£15.95) and replacement mattresses (from £34.95-£44.95) to work with the SnüzPod 3.
Where can I buy the SnüzPod 3?
You can buy SnüzPod 3 from Snüz, Amazon and Littlewoods.
MadeForMums verdict:
It’s a market leader for a reason. This is a fantastic bedside crib with plenty of clever features parents will love. It’s super-stylish, well designed and comes in a range of colours, at a reasonable price.
Whether you’re looking for a standalone cot, bedside crib or a bassinet for daytime naps, the multi-functional SnüzPod 3 has it covered. But, for me, it really shines as a safe co-sleeping option. The zip-down mesh wall provides easy access to your baby, while the storage tray, reflux incline and rocking function have all your other needs covered. My baby sleeps, er, like a baby in it, and really, as a new mum, what more can you ask for?!
Read more…
Authors
Sarah has worked as a writer for over 15 years, writing about parenting for Family Traveller, Baby magazine and 5 Minute Fun, MadeForMums and The Independent’s IndyBest.
Product Specifications
Product | |
---|---|
Brand | Snüz |
Model | SnüzPod3 |
Price | £199.95 |
Dimensions & Weight | |
---|---|
Weight | 11kg – Bassinet - 4.1kg |
Dimensions | H:31cm–95cm W:100cm D:49cm |
Suitable for | |
---|---|
Child age (approx) | From Birth |
Child weight | Up to 10kg |
Features | |
---|---|
Rocking motion | Yes |
Features |
|
Accessories | |
---|---|
Accessories included | Quilted mattress; supportive mattress; bed straps; frame |
Stand included | Yes |
Mattress included | Yes |
Optional extras | Bedding set, storage pocket, waterproof mattress |