Welcome to the Honest Midwife Awards 2024, where we celebrate the top products that make parenting easier and safer. This year’s Best in Nursery category showcases the best in baby essentials for your little one’s sleeping space. From high-quality cot beds to baby monitors and must-have nursery accessories, these award-winning products are designed to create a safe, comfortable, and stylish nursery for your baby.
Whether you're setting up your first nursery or looking for upgrades, the Best in Nursery winners are trusted by parents and experts alike for their design, functionality, and safety.
Discover the top picks for 2024 and find everything you need for the perfect baby room!
We have come along way in recent years in recognising what makes your baby's sleeping environment as safe as it can be. Many parents find that having a baby monitor gives added reassurance during sleep time and, there are lots on the market to choose from. We have looked at lots of the available monitors and have awarded the following based on their abilities to provide advanced sleep tracking, high-definition video and smart health monitoring as well as peace of mind whilst your baby dreams.
After carefully reviewing and comparing features like use, accuracy, and performance, we’re excited to present the winners in the Best in Nursery: Baby Monitors category.
🥇 Gold Winner: Nanit Pro Camera
The Nanit Pro Camera takes the Gold Award for its impressive combination of high-definition video, advanced sleep tracking, and smart insights. This monitor not only provides a crystal-clear view of your baby but also offers real-time sleep analytics, allowing parents to monitor their baby’s sleep patterns and receive personalizssed tips on improving sleep quality. The camera connects to an app, giving you 24/7 access to your baby’s well-being from anywhere. For parents that love gadets and technology this monitor will keep you very happy!
What's Good:
- Provides excellent clarity, even in low-light conditions, making it easier to check on your baby day or night.
- The sleep-tracking technology helps parents understand their baby’s sleep patterns and offers suggestions for better sleep habits.
- Tracks your baby’s breathing motion without the need for wearables.
- The app is easy to set up, and offers useful insights.
What's Not So Good:
- Some of the advanced features, like sleep analytics and video history, require a subscription, which can be an added cost over time.
- The camera relies on a strong Wi-Fi connection, and interruptions in internet service can affect performance.
🥈 Silver Winner: Owlet Dream Sock & Monitor
The Owlet Dream Sock secures the Silver Award. This wearable sock tracks your baby’s oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns, giving parents a detailed understanding of their baby’s health throughout the night. It’s perfect for anxious parents who want to monitor their baby’s vitals and receive alerts if anything seems off.
What's Good:
- The Dream Sock continuously tracks oxygen levels and heart rate, giving parents insights into their baby’s wellbeing.
- Provides data on your baby’s sleep cycles, helping you adjust bedtime routines.
- The app is straightforward, allowing you to check on your baby’s vitals and sleep trends from your phone.
- Sends real-time alerts if any of your baby’s vital signs fall outside the normal range.
What's Not So Good:
- Some of our testers found the sock uncomfortable for their babies, with reports of babies tugging at it or the sock leaving marks.
- Like the Nanit, Owlet requires a subscription to access detailed sleep and health trends, adding ongoing costs.
- Some users report occasional problems with syncing the sock to the app.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor
The Cubo Ai Plus takes the Bronze Award for its unique AI-driven safety alerts and high-quality video monitoring. With its cute bird-shaped design, this monitor offers features like face detection to alert you when your baby’s face is covered, as well as danger zone alerts to let you know if your little one gets too close to dangerous areas. It’s perfect for parents looking for extra safety features in a stylish package.
What's Good:
- The monitor’s face detection technology sends alerts if your baby’s face is covered.
- Although initially your newborn will stay exactly where you put them - once they are moving around the "danger zone" element of the Cubo can be set to alert you if your crawling baby ventures into an area they aren't supposed to be in!
- Provides sharp video quality, both during the day and at night, giving you a clear view of your baby.
- Includes two-way audio, temperature and humidity monitoring, and the ability to take photos and videos directly from the app.
- The bird-shaped camera is a hit with parents, adding a touch of charm to the nursery.
What's Not So Good:
- The fixed camera angle can be restrictive compared to other monitors with more adjustable viewing options.
- As with many smart monitors, a strong internet connection is essential for optimal performance.
- Access to features like video history requires a subscription, adding ongoing costs.
When it comes to creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for newborns, bedside cribs are a popular choice for many parents. They offer the closeness of co-sleeping with the safety of a separate sleep space. In the Best in Nursery: Bedside Cribs category, we’ve reviewed the top contenders based on parent feedback and testing.
🥇 Gold Winner: SnuzPod4 Bedside Crib
The SnuzPod4 Bedside Crib takes home the Gold Award for 2024. This stylish crib allows parents to sleep safely next to their baby, with a convenient zip-down side for easy access during the night. It also features advanced breathability with mesh windows and a ventilated base, ensuring a safe and comfortable sleep space for your little one.
What's Good:
- Mesh windows and a perforated base offer excellent airflow, reducing the risk of overheating.
- Fits most beds and allows for easy height adjustments, making nighttime feeding and soothing more convenient.
- Offers a larger sleeping area than some other bedside cribs, accommodating babies for longer.
- Can be detached and used separately, giving you flexibility around the house.
What's Not So Good:
- Assembling the crib was a little time-consuming and more complicated than expected.
🥈 Silver Winner: Clair de Lune Organic Folding Breathable Crib
The Clair de Lune Organic Folding Breathable Crib earns the Silver Award for its eco-friendly design and portability. Made from 100% organic cotton, this crib offers a soft, breathable space for your baby. Its lightweight and foldable design make it perfect for parents looking for a crib that’s easy to transport or use in multiple rooms around the house.
What's Good:
- The folding design makes it easy to move around the house or take with you when traveling.
- The crib's breathable materials ensure optimal airflow, keeping your baby comfortable and cool.
- The organic cotton fabric can be easily removed and washed, which is a plus for maintaining cleanliness.
What's Not So Good:
- Unlike some other bedside cribs, the Clair de Lune Organic Crib doesn't offer height adjustability, which might make it harder to align with certain beds.
- The crib is on the smaller side, meaning babies may outgrow it faster than other options.
🥉 Bronze Winner: SNOO Smart Bassinet
The SNOO Smart Bassinet takes the Bronze Award. This smart bassinet automatically responds to your baby’s cries by rocking and playing white noise, helping to soothe them back to sleep. It's a great choice for parents who need a little extra help with nighttime soothing, though the price tag and reliance on technology may not suit every parent.
What's Good:
- Automatically adjusts rocking and white noise levels to soothe your baby back to sleep, making it a great option for parents struggling with frequent wake-ups.
- The SNOO app provides insights into your baby's sleep patterns and allows you to adjust settings remotely.
- The crib comes with swaddle attachments to keep your baby safely on their back throughout the night, reducing the risk of rolling.
What's Not So Good:
- The SNOO is significantly more expensive than traditional bedside cribs, which may be a barrier for many parents.
- You may prefer a more manual control over rocking and soothing their baby, and the reliance on technology can feel a little impersonal.
- The crib is heavier and less portable than other options, making it difficult to move around the house or take with you when traveling.
Choosing the right cot bed is a crucial step in setting up your nursery, as it’s the place where your baby will spend countless hours sleeping and growing. The perfect cot bed combines safety, comfort, and transitions with your child as they grow from a baby to a toddler. After thorough testing and parent feedback, we’re excited to present the top cot beds for 2024 in the Best in Nursery: Cot Bed category.
🥇 Gold Winner: Obaby Maya Mini Scandi Cot Bed
The Obaby Maya Mini Scandi Cot Bed wins the Gold Award.This compact cot bed is perfect for smaller nurseries while still offering all the essential features. The Maya Mini easily converts from a cot into a toddler bed, making it a long-lasting option that grows with your child.
What's Good:
- The Scandinavian minimalist design makes this cot bed a chic addition to any modern nursery.
- Ideal for smaller rooms, the Maya Mini saves space without sacrificing comfort.
- Adjustable mattress height allows you to lower the base as your baby grows.
- Transitions from a cot to a toddler bed, making it a long-lasting investment.
What's Not So Good:
- The compact size means your child might outgrow the cot bed sooner than with larger models.
- The assembly process can be a bit time-consuming and tricky.
🥈 Silver Winner: Mamas & Papas Coxley Cot Bed
The Mamas & Papas Coxley Cot Bed takes the Silver Award. This cot bed is sturdy and durable. The Coxley converts easily from a cot to a toddler bed, giving parents a practical solution that will last throughout the early years of their child’s life. Its classic design ensures it will blend into any nursery style.
What's Good:
- The solid wood build ensures this cot bed will stand the test of time.
- The simple, classic design works well in any nursery, giving it a timeless appeal.
- The mattress base can be adjusted to three different heights, offering flexibility as your baby grows.
- Easily converts into a toddler bed, extending its use for years.
What's Not So Good:
- The Coxley Cot Bed takes up more space, so it may not be ideal for smaller nurseries.
- While it offers great quality, the cot bed is slightly more expensive compared to other options in the category.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Clair de Lune Oak Cot Bed
The Clair de Lune Oak Cot Bed takes the Bronze Award. This beautiful cot bed provides a warm, traditional look that adds character to any nursery. It’s built to last, and like the others in this category, easily converts from a cot to a toddler bed, giving it a great run for your money as it transitions into toddlerhood with your child.
What's Good:
- The natural oak finish offers a classic, elegant look.
- With three adjustable base heights, it’s easy to lower the mattress as your baby grows to keep them safe.
- The high-quality construction makes this cot bed a lasting investment.
- Transforms from a cot into a toddler bed.
What's Not So Good:
- The solid oak construction makes this cot bed heavier, which can make moving or assembling it a bit more challenging.
- Due to its solid build and traditional design, it’s a larger piece, so it’s better suited for bigger nurseries.
A comfortable feeding chair is a must-have for any nursery, providing a cozy spot for bonding, breastfeeding, or bottle feeding. The ideal feeding chair offers the perfect balance of comfort and helps parents through countless feeding sessions and late-night cuddles. After reviewing parent feedback and expert testing, we’re proud to present the Best in Nursery: Feeding Chairs category winners for 2024. These top three chairs excel in comfort, ease of use, and design, but each has its pros and cons — here's what you need to know
🥇 Gold Winner: Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair
The Obaby Madison Swivel Glider Recliner Chair wins the Gold Award for 2024.This chair provides the perfect place for feeding and relaxing with your baby, featuring a gentle gliding motion to soothe both baby and parent. Its reclining function, swivel base, and padded cushioning make it a fantastic option for parents seeking an all-in-one feeding chair.
What's Good:
- Offers three different reclining positions, perfect for feeding, napping, or relaxing after a long day.
- The gentle gliding motion helps soothe your baby during feedings or before bedtime.
- The 360-degree swivel base allows for easy movement, convenient for multitasking or shifting positions.
- Plush cushioning and a supportive backrest ensure maximum comfort during long feeding sessions.
What's Not So Good:
- Our parent tester reported that assembling the chair took time and required two people.
- While not the most expensive on the market, the Madison is priced higher than some alternatives, though we felt its extra features made it worth the investment.
🥈 Silver Winner: iL Tutto Paige Recliner Glider Chair
The Il Tutto Paige Recliner Glider Chair takes home the Silver Award. This feeding chair offers a smooth gliding motion and a reclining feature that helps parents relax while feeding or soothing their baby. Upholstered in a beautiful eggshell fabric, the Paige combines functionality with style, making it a standout option for modern nurseries.
What's Good:
- The chair’s smooth gliding motion and recline function ensure comfort during feeding and soothing cuddles.
- The plush armrests provide extra comfort and support during feedings.
- Offers great lumbar support, making it perfect for long feeding sessions or late-night snuggles.
What's Not So Good:
- Unlike the Obaby Madison, this chair does not have a swivel feature, which may be a downside for some parents.
- The eggshell fabric, while beautiful, may show stains more easily, making maintenance a little tricky, especially with a baby.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Ickle Bubba Eden Deluxe Nursery Chair and Stool
The Ickle Bubba Eden Deluxe Nursery Chair and Stool wins the Bronze Award. This chair comes with a matching footstool, making it a cost-effective option for parents who want a comfortable feeding setup without breaking the bank. The chair offers a gentle rocking motion and plenty of cushioning, making it a comfortable place for feeding and bonding with your baby.
What's Good:
- The Eden Deluxe is a budget-friendly option that still offers comfort.
- Comes with a padded footstool that moves with the chair’s rocking motion, giving extra comfort during feeding sessions.
- The well-cushioned seat and armrests make this chair comfortable for long periods.
What's Not So Good:
- Unlike the Gold and Silver winners, this chair does not recline or swivel, limiting its versatility.
- While functional, the design is simpler and may not appeal to parents looking for a more stylish nursery chair.
Baby bouncers and rockers are a nursery staple for keeping your little one entertained and soothed. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, stylish bouncer or a high-tech rocker, these seats offer comfort and security while giving parents a much-needed break. After testing and gathering reviews, we’re excited to reveal the top winners in the Best in Nursery: Baby Bouncers/Rockers category for 2024. One thing that we wished we had seen but didn't on any baby bouncers was a statement advising parents that whilst a baby bouncer may be suitable from newborn they are not suitable for sleeping. We are continuing to urge all brands to take a more responsible approach to how baby products are marketed.
🥇 Gold Winner: BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss
The BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss takes home the Gold Award. This baby bouncer is clearly loved by parents for its ability to soothe babies with natural bouncing motion—no batteries or cords required. The Bouncer Bliss features a sleek, minimalist design and can be adjusted to three different positions to suit your baby.
What's Good:
- Powered by your baby’s movements, encouraging motor skill development while keeping your little one entertained and soothed.
- Provides excellent support for your baby’s head, neck, and back.
- Folds flat for easy storage and portability, perfect for on-the-go parents.
- Available in various modern, neutral colours that blend seamlessly into any nursery or living room.
What's Not So Good:
- It’s more expensive than some other bouncers, although we felt that the quality and design justify the cost.
🥈 Silver Winner: MyChild Drift Baby Rocker
The MyChild Drift Baby Rocker takes the Silver Award. This rocker features a motorised function that mimics the natural sway of a parent’s rocking, with several speed settings to help soothe your baby. Its modern, curved design adds an elegant touch to any nursery, while its padded seat ensures comfort for your little one.
What's Good:
- Provides continuous motion with multiple speed settings, perfect for calming your baby without needing constant manual rocking.
- Includes pre-set lullabies and nature sounds to help soothe your baby or keep them entertained.
- A more budget-friendly option for parents looking for a reliable rocker with modern features.
- The sleek, curved frame and neutral colour options fit well into any modern nursery.
What's Not So Good:
- The power cord is too short, limiting where you can place the rocker unless you use an extension cord.
- The MyChild Drift is bulkier than other rockers, which might be an issue for smaller spaces or parents looking for something more compact.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Babocush Ergonomic Bouncer
The Babocush Ergonomic Bouncer wins the Bronze Award. This unique bouncer is specifically designed to mimic the feeling of being held, offering excellent support for your baby’s back, neck, and head. Its design helps soothe colicky babies and reduces discomfort, making it a great choice for parents dealing with fussy little ones.
What's Good:
- Provides posture support, reducing pressure on your baby’s tummy, which is ideal for colicky or gassy babies.
- Naturally bounces with your baby’s movements, offering a soothing and comforting experience.
- Made with soft, breathable materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin and help regulate temperature.
What's Not So Good:
- Like the BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss, this bouncer relies on manual bouncing from your baby’s movements, which may not be enough to soothe some babies.
- It lacks built-in sounds or toys, which could be a drawback for parents looking for additional stimulation options
Playmats are essential in any nursery, providing a safe, soft, and stimulating space for babies and toddlers to play, explore, and grow. Whether you're looking for something portable, stylish, or developmentally enriching, the right playmat can transform any room into a cozy and secure play area. After evaluating various options, we’re thrilled to present the top three winners in the Best in Nursery: Playmats category for 2024.
🥇 Gold Winner: Safari FoldiMat Play Mat
The Safari FoldiMat takes the Gold Award for 2024. This large, foldable playmat features a playful safari theme that not only engages babies but also provides a cushioned surface for safe playtime. Its foldable design makes it incredibly convenient for busy parents who need a mat that can be easily stored or transported.
What's Good:
- The mat folds easily, making it portable and perfect for both home and outdoor use.
- The colourful safari design stimulates visual interest and creativity in babies and toddlers, making tummy time more engaging.
- Made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials.
- Provides ample space for rolling, crawling, and playing, making it ideal for families with active babies.
- The waterproof surface makes cleaning up spills or messes a breeze.
What's Not So Good:
- While it offers decent padding the mat is maybe not as plush or thick as other playmats, particularly for hardwood floors.
🥈 Silver Winner: Rock Stepper Play Mat Bundle
The Rock Stepper Play Mat Bundle takes home the Silver Award. This playmat features various textured tiles that help promote motor skill development and sensory exploration. Perfect for active toddlers, it provides a dynamic and interactive play environment that encourages movement and learning.
What's Good:
- Offers support for early learning and development, from those initial steps to the world of phonics.
- The bundle comes with different textured tiles that can be arranged in various patterns, offering endless play possibilities.
- The unique textures help stimulate your baby’s senses while encouraging balance and coordination.
- Made from non-toxic, durable materials, the tiles are built to withstand active play and long-term use.
- Easy it is to clean and waterproof.
What's Not So Good:
- Due to its modular design, it’s not as easy to move or store compared to foldable mats.
- While many parents feel the features justify the cost, it’s on the more expensive side for a playmat.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Little Fae Medium Pathway Play Mat
The Little Fae Medium Pathway Play Mat wins the Bronze Award. This medium-sized playmat offers a soft, padded surface for babies to play on. Its foam material is gentle on babies while providing enough cushioning for crawling and tummy time.
What's Good:
- A stylish addition to any nursery or living room, fitting well with modern home aesthetics.
- The foam material provides a safe and comfortable surface for babies to play and practice tummy time.
- Made with safe, non-toxic materials, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals for worry-free play.
- Its waterproof surface ensures easy cleaning, which is great for handling spills or messes.
What's Not So Good:
- While the medium size is perfect for smaller spaces, some parents may find it limiting for more active toddlers or larger play areas.
- Unlike the Safari FoldiMat, this mat doesn’t fold, which may make storing a bit more difficult for families with limited space.
Nursery accessories can make all the difference when it comes to creating a functional and cozy environment for both baby and parents. From soothing sleep aids to clever storage solutions, the right accessories add convenience and comfort to your daily routine. After evaluating parent feedback and expert testing, we’re excited to reveal the top three winners in the Best in Nursery: Nursery Accessories category for 2024.
🥇 Gold Winner: Snoobie White Noise Machine
The Snoobie White Noise Machine takes the Gold Award for 2024. This white noise machine is perfect for helping babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by mimicking the calming sounds of the womb. Compact and travel-friendly, the Snoobie is a must-have for both at home and on the go.
What's Good:
- Small, lightweight, and easy to carry. Ideal for use in the nursery or on the go.
- It offers a variety of white noise options, including shushing, heartbeats, and calming sounds.
- Comes with a rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for constant battery replacement.
- The Snoobie grows with your child, featuring a built-in nightlight and sleep trainer for older babies and toddlers.
What's Not So Good:
- Volume settings could offer more customisation, as the highest setting seemed to be quite loud.
- It’s slightly pricier than other white noise machines.
🥈 Silver Winner: Hello Bear Activity Play Mat & Toy Storage
The Hello Bear Activity Play Mat & Toy Storage takes home the Silver Award for its 2-in-1 design that combines a play mat with convenient toy storage. This clever solution keeps toys organised and easily accessible, while also providing a comfortable, padded surface for playtime.
What's Good:
- This product doubles as both a play mat and a toy storage bag, making cleanup quick and easy.
- The padded play mat offers a safe and comfortable surface for babies and toddlers to play on.
- Easy to move from room to room or take on outings.
What's Not So Good:
- The play mat could be larger, as it may feel a bit cramped for multiple children or older toddlers.
- Although the mat is functional, it’s not as plush or padded as othe play mats, which may be a concern when using on hardwood or tiled floors.
🥉 Bronze Winner: Ubbi Nappy Bin
The Ubbi Nappy Bin wins the Bronze Award. This steel diaper pail is a favourite among parents who want a functional, odour-free solution for nappy disposal. Unlike plastic bins, the Ubbi uses steel to lock in odours, making it an ideal choice for keeping the nursery fresh.
What's Good:
- The steel design and airtight lid help prevent smells from escaping.
- Unlike some nappy bins, the Ubbi doesn’t require specific refill bags.
- Available in a variety of colours, the Ubbi fits in well with any nursery decor.
- Comes with a childproof lock to keep curious toddlers from getting into the bin.
What's Not So Good:
- The bin’s capacitys is a little smaller than expected.
- The Ubbi Nappy Bin is priced higher than some other nappy disposal options, though its quality and odour control are seen as worth the investment.
From the top baby monitors to the best play mats, feeding chairs, and nursery accessories, the Best in Nursery 2024 awards highlight the essential products that make parenting easier, safer, and more enjoyable. As you navigate the early years of parenthood, these top picks will help you create a safe, comfortable, and efficient space for your little one, ensuring both you and your baby can focus on what really matters—growing and bonding together.
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