SnüzPod⁴ review

Coming in at £199.95 the SnüzPod 4 is similarly priced to other bedside cribs, like the Chicco Next2Me Magic, £219, the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, £219, and the Shnuggle Air, £199.95.

Buy the SnüzPod4 from Snuz now.

Tested by

Natalie lives in Teesside with her partner and two sons – 3-year-old Sidney and newborn Frank, who was 5-8 weeks when the SnüzPod 4 was tested. Natalie used the crib in all modes for night sleeps and daytime naps.

First impressions?

The SnüzPod 4 arrived flat-packed in a branded box. When I unboxed it, my initial thoughts were that it looked like there were lots of component parts and bolts. The product was packaged well, and the individual components were made of high-quality material, from the birch and plywood crib pieces to the heavy-duty fabric of the bassinet. I was excited to get stuck in and see how the stylish and recognisable crib came together.

Is the SnüzPod 4 easy to put together?

I found the SnüzPod 4 a little challenging to assemble. You’ll firstly need plenty of space to lay out all 30 parts – this makes things easier and less intimidating. Fortuitously, no extra tools are required besides the Allen key provided. Before you launch in, you’ll need a tape measure to get the height dimensions of your bed and mattress. This is needed to determine which of the 7 heights you select, which covers beds ranging from 53cm to 73cm. It’s important to get this right as you need to disassemble parts to adjust the height once it’s set, which is a downside.

From start to finish, the assembly took me 1 hour and 30 minutes. The instructions were a little confusing at times, as some of the parts looked very similar, and I made a few mistakes along the way. I also got the stand height the wrong way around the first time – it would have been helpful if the height numbers were discreetly marked on the frame.

Another minor criticism is that the wood slightly cracked when I turned the Allen key a little too forcefully – it didn’t seem particularly brittle, but I would expect it to withstand a little pressure, especially as parents are likely to fasten bolts very tightly for safety.

How does the SnüzPod 4 compare to other cribs you’ve used?

Prior to testing the SnüzPod 4, I was using a classic Moses basket for my newborn baby Frank. Compared to the Moses basket, the SnüzPod is much bigger and takes up more floor space. It also didn’t rock as fluidly as my Moses basket stand.

However, where the SnüzPod 4 clearly triumphs is its versatile 3-in-1 system, plus how breathable and airy the crib itself is. The mesh sides and ‘ComfortAir’ breathable system strike the right balance between cosiness and ventilation.

Despite having the standalone crib set at the lowest height level, I found I still had to hoist myself up in bed to a fully upright position to be able to reach over the high sides of the SnüzPod to be able to pick up Frank. My Moses basket sits closer to the ground, which meant I could lean over and pick up Frank more easily, which I found useful after my c-section. It’s far easier to get to your baby when the SnüzPod 4 is attached to your bed frame in co-sleeping mode.

How is the SnüzPod 4 bedside crib different from previous versions?

As its name suggests, this SnüzPod is the fourth iteration of a product that first entered the market in 2013 and is now the UK’s best-selling bedside crib. The main selling point of the SnüzPod 4 upgrade is the new ‘ComfortAir’ breathable fabric – in fact breathability is a big brand message for SnüzPod and it is referred to repeatedly on packaging and branding.

The SnüzPod 4 still has the features that make SnüzPod stand out from other bedside cribs (the adaptable 3-in-1 design and useful storage shelf, for instance), but design tweaks have given it extra versatility. It now fits more beds, with the maximum height increasing from 63cm to 73cm. There are air vents for extra breathability, plus a breathable, washable liner that sits around the outside of the edge of the crib. The foam of the mattress itself is also more breathable than previous mattresses. SnüzPod say that these improvements to breathability and airflow will help regulate your baby’s temperature.

What age is the SnüzPod 4 suitable for?

SnüzPod safety instructions say this product is suitable from birth to 6 months (max 9kg). Once a child can sit or kneel or pull itself up, the crib should not be used – it’s only suitable for a child who can’t sit up unaided.

How firm is the SnüzPod 4’s mattress?

The mattress is very firm and an upgrade on previous mattresses. I tested it using the MadeForMum’s recommended method of pressing my hand firmly against the centre and sides of the mattress. There was good resistance, my hand left very little impression and it immediately sprung back when I removed my hand. It strikes a good balance between firmness and comfort, which is impressive. The mattress is a little on the thin side, and although some parent reviews on Amazon felt it was too hard, I don’t agree – and it certainly didn’t seem to make it any less comfortable for Frank.

How easy is it to attach to your bed?

To change the SnüzPod from the default standalone crib mode, you firstly need to remove the pole from the side of the crib with the zippable side. This pole is used to give the standalone crib structure and also prevents the side from being lowered when not next to a bed.

Straps are included to fasten the crib to the bed with two options – a small strap for standard frame beds with slats, then a large strap for divan beds. My bed has an iron frame with a mattress height of 53cm, so I used the small straps. They are threaded through the frame of the crib and bed then clipped together and pulled tight to ensure no gaps. It’s very important to make sure there’s no gap between the crib and your bed, so make sure to follow manufacturer instructions very carefully. I found the SnüzPod 4 attached easily and felt very sturdy.

The fact that it is fastened tightly in place and can’t be moved while in place is good for extra security, but it does mean there is no rocking option – some other bedside cribs like the Chicco Next2Me Magic and Tutti Bambini CoZee do have this option.

How easy is it to access your baby when they’re in the SnüzPod 4?

My favourite thing about this product was how easy it was to pick up Frank for night feeds. When in bedside crib mode, it was very easy to reach over while semi-reclined. Because he was close, I could deal with little snuffles immediately without having to get out of bed and stand over a crib – I could simply put a reassuring hand on Frank’s tummy to settle him back down when he was griping.

I left the crib at the same low height when using it as a standalone crib, so I didn’t have to get the Allen key back out to take apart the crib. While this meant that, even with all sides zipped up, it was easy to reach into the cot to pick up Frank when I was in bed, when standing over the crib, it was a little more awkward to pick him up than it would be if I’d set the standalone crib to a higher height option.

How easy is it to lower the side of the crib?

When used as a standalone crib, a rod is inserted to secure the side in place, meaning you’re not able to zip down the side while it’s in this mode, providing extra structure and security to the crib. When in bedside mode, I found the side-lowering method was discreet. The plastic zips make a soft sound and the Velcro fastenings at the top can be opened quietly.

How portable is the SnüzPod 4?

The SnüzPod 4 weighs 11.5kg in total, making it relatively easy to move position in the room when in standalone crib mode. However, the product can’t be folded or collapsed for storage and I found the bassinet difficult to move between rooms. It’s firmly marketed as a portable bassinet, but it was so wide I had to shuffle through doorways sideways and couldn’t manage to carry it up or down a flight of stairs. This was the main pitfall of this otherwise very well-designed product – personally, I ultimately gave up on using the bassinet function as it was such a pain to move around. On the plus side, when fixing the bassinet back into the frame, it clicks into place very definitely.

Does it rock?

The SnüzPod 4 does rock, thanks the curved edges of the stand, but I didn’t find the motion to be very effective on carpeted floor. While it doesn’t rock as much as my classic Moses basket, the motion did help send Frank off to sleep. When using the reflux leg or in bedside mode, it doesn’t rock at all for safety reasons.

Does the SnüzPod 4 have an incline option?

Yes; there is an attachable reflux incline. The reflux leg has to be added using screws and an Allen key, so it’s a bit of a faff to switch between modes. When affixed, this is a useful feature if your baby suffers from reflux, but personally I found rocking to be a priority, so was more inclined to use the SnüzPod 4 without the reflux leg.

How easy is it to see your baby when they’re in the SnüzPod 4?

The mesh side of the standalone crib hasn’t got great visibility by lamplight – I couldn’t make out Frank’s facial features through the mesh, just his shape. I personally preferred the co-sleeping mode for this reason – I used it with the side lowered and liked being able to clearly see Frank while lying in bed. I could lay on my side facing him and look straight at him. This was another top feature of the SnüzPod 4, especially for those early weeks when you’re in the fourth trimester and want your baby as close as possible.

How comfortable is the SnüzPod 4 for your baby?

Frank seemed cocooned and cosy in the SnüzPod 4, but not crowded. He went off to sleep quickly when in both bedside or standalone modes, and there were no discernible differences in how well he slept in each.

As mentioned previously, some online consumer reviews complain about the mattress being thin, but I felt it struck the right balance between firm, in accordance with Lullaby Trust advice on safe sleep, and a very slight spring for comfort.

Does it feel durable?

This is a well-engineered piece of furniture that has been designed with great care and attention. The solid beech wood and plywood frame feels extremely sturdy and secure, and the material of the crib is thick and high quality. The only negative is that my white painted crib frame did start to attract some chips and grazes from it being moved around the room.

Is the SnüzPod 4 easy to clean?

Time-poor parents might be put off by the fact that some material elements of the crib are handwash only. While the ‘ComfortAir’ padded liner can be machine washed, and small marks can be sponged off using warm water and mild detergent, to give it a proper clean, the fabric bag should be removed and washed by hand. Being able to throw it straight into a washing machine would be a big plus for most parents.

Does the crib have any in-built storage?

There is a fabric storage shelf across the bottom of the frame, but I didn’t find this to be very useful as it was so low to the ground, so items were out of immediate reach. It’s also possible to buy a storage pocket accessory for £19.95. This can be fixed onto the bars of the cot frame and used to store things like dummies and muslin cloths.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Snüzpod 4 crib (in 30 parts)
• Attachment straps
• Reflux incline leg
• 1 x mattress
• Instructions

What are the additional accessories that you can buy?

• Crib sheets (2 x various designs), from £16.95
• SnüzPouch sleeping bag (various designs), £29.95
• Bedding sets (various designs), £34.95
• Waterproof mattress protector, £25.95
• SnüzCloud sleep aid, £29.95
• Baby mobile (various designs), £49.95
• Storage pocket, £19.95

Are there any design elements of the SnüzPod 4 you find particularly useful?

The real USP of this product is the 3 different crib options (although I did find the lift-off bassinet to be limited as it was so cumbersome to carry). My favoured bedside mode was easy to set up and the straps, while basic to look at, were very strong and effective. Being able to fairly easily switch between bedside and standalone cribs was also really useful – just make sure you don’t lose the Allen key!

What would you have wanted to know before buying this crib?

I like using a rocking motion to send a baby off to sleep, so the fact that the bedside mode of the SnüzPod 4 doesn’t have this option was a little disappointing. However, this was offset by the fact that Frank was so close to me I could reach over and place a hand on his tummy to keep him calm.

It’s also important for potential buyers to know that the upper age limit is 6-months-old (a maximum weight of 9kg), that the crib can’t be collapsed for storage and isn’t the most portable of bedside cribs.

Oh, and if you’re new to the bedside crib world, it’s worth noting that having something attached to the side of your bed does mean you’ll have to find new and inventive ways of getting yourself out of bed as your side is blocked off!

Who would the SnüzPod 4 be most useful for?

I would recommend the SnüzPod for parents who like the co-sleep philosophy but would be nervous about actually bedsharing with a newborn, as well as new mums who have had a c-section, due to the ease with which you can pick up your baby when in bedside mode.

Is the SnüzPod 4 worth the money?

Yes, it’s worth the money and is good value when you consider its versatility. While it is possible to buy a bedside crib for under £100, the best ones tend to cost between £150 and £200. Usually, the more features, the higher the price. At £199.95, the SnüzPod 4 is an investment, but worth it for the versatility, breathability and safety, all of which provide crucial reassurance for new parents. When your baby grows out of it and you want to sell it on, the product should have a decent resale value since SnüzPod is one of the most recognisable brands in baby sleep products.

How does the SnüzPod 4 compare to other cribs?

Where can I buy the SnüzPod 4?

Available at Snüz, Amazon and Mamas & Papas.

MadeForMums verdict

The SnüzPod is a clever product that’s earned its strong reputation and its spot as the UK’s best-selling bedside crib. The SnüzPod 4 has had significant upgrades compared to older models, demonstrating that the brand is evolving in line with real world feedback. I loved how close my baby was when in bedside mode, plus the crib looks stylish while being neutral enough to suit most bedroom décor. The major selling point is how airy and safe the cot itself feels, thanks to the ‘ComfortAir’ padded liner, mesh sides, firm mattress and sturdy construction, all of which will be reassuring to new parents nervous about finding the right sleep system for their baby.