Cribs and moses baskets: full test results

Mothercare Deluxe gliding crib

Price: £99

Score:

What you get: Wooden crib with antique finishing and optional glide.

Stockists: Tel. 08453 304030, or visit www.mothercare.com

babyworld verdict: The glide feature was a big hit with mums and babies – its very rhythmic movement seemed to quickly inspire sleep. Good quality and works well.

Parents’ comments:

Well made, solid crib.

Attractive and well finished.

Excellent glide mechanism – very soothing side to side rock rather than swing – simple to lock when glide not required.

Fairly priced for a substantial, good quality crib.

Amongst the more complicated cribs to assemble, but you only have to do it once.

Mattress and drapes rail not included.

Mamas & Papas Lauretta crib

Price: Around £139.99

Score:

What you get:  Wooden crib in antique pine finish with Lloyd Loom detail on end panel and optional rock.

Stockists: Tel. 01484 438226, or visit www.mamasandpapas.co.uk

babyworld verdict: This is a good quality crib which has the feel of a family heirloom. It works well and will last through several babies, but is quite bulky and comparatively expensive.

Parents’ comments:

Very solid construction.

Beautifully finished, good quality wood.

Simple to use locking mechanism to stop rock if required.

Wide and high – roomy for baby, not so far to bend down for you.

No drapes rail or mattress.

Expensive.

Babies R Us Swinging crib

Price: £59.99

Score:

What you get: Wooden crib in antique pine finish with optional swing and drapes rod. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel: 0845 786 9778, or visit www.babiesrus.co.uk

babyworld verdict: This is definitely the one for bargain hunters. A very good price for a fully functioning crib with mattress and drapes rod.

Parents’ comments:

Traditional look without a price premium.

Good rhythmic rock.

Excellent good value price.

Neat size – roomy but not too bulky overall.

Solid and robust feel although the rock lock is a bit basic.

Included mattress is not the thickest but is adequate and wipes clean.

Jo Jo Maman Bébé French crib

Price: £99

Score:

What you get: Wooden frame with lockable wheels supporting natural canvas crib. Comes with mattress and includes storage pockets.

Stockists: Tel. 0870 2410560, or visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

babyworld verdict: This is a cross between a moses basket, a crib and a pram. It is fuss free and its simple minimalist style will appeal most to modernists.

Parents’ comments:

Canvas sides give a soft, cosy environment without the need for cot bumper – fresh feel, ideal for summer babies.

Lockable wheels add versatility.

Light and easy to manoeuvre between rooms.

Storage pockets are useful for a few essential items.

No rocking mechanism but pushing backwards and forwards on the wheels allows a rocking effect.

Quite expensive for a fairly minimalist design.

East Coast Cambridge swinging crib

Price: £69

Score:

What you get: Wooden crib in antique pine finish with optional swing and drapes rod. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel. 01692 408802

babyworld verdict: This is a no fuss, traditional looking crib which does the job and has some useful included items.

Parents’ comments:

Straightforward, no fuss design.

Useful drapes rod included, so attaching crib set is simple.

Fairly priced.

Relatively compact.

Locking mechanism is quite fiddly to fit and stiff to use but is effective.

Mattress included, but quite basic.

Mothercare Shooting star mahogany moses basket

Price: £89.99

Score:

What you get: Mahogany wicker basket with leather handles with double layered liner – one padded, detachable hood and quilt with musical star motif. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel. 08453 304030, or visit www.mothercare.com

babyworld verdict: This has a lush, good quality, robust feel and is big on comfort. Although pricey, you are getting more for your money.

Parents’ comments:

The wicker gives this a solid and robust feel.

The leather straps are strong and easy to use.

Internal lining is very well padded and adds softness. The novelty musical star plays Twinkle Twinkle and did act as a distraction for a crying baby.

Hood is wide and well secured.

Not the cheapest but has some good added features for the extra cost.

Mamas and Papas Jenny giraffe moses basket

Price: Around £85.99

Score:

What you get: Palm leaf basket with plaited carrying handles, padded liners, detachable hood and quilt. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel. 01484 438226, or visit www.mamasandpapas.co.uk

babyworld verdict: Well-finished basket and handles with good quality, well-padded dressings.

Parents’ comments:

Good sized – wide and quite deep.

Internal liner is lightly padded giving some protection around baby’s head.

Palm leaf is softer and of a higher quality than many. Internal edges of the basket are finished with cotton to ensure all are soft and snag free.

Plaited handles are of a good long length and give a softer hold.

Expensive.

Urchin moses basket

Price: £69.95

Score:

What you get: : Palm leaf moses basket dressed in white waffle cotton with detachable hood, quilt and padded liner. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel: 0870 7200709, or visit www.urchin.co.uk

babyworld verdict: This will appeal to those who like all things natural and pure.

Parents’ comments:

Very well padded – separate internal padding piece sits around the sides of the basket, so very soft around baby’s head.

Very fresh and cool – ideal for summer – but well padded to keep out drafts in winter.

Good quality natural cotton fabric and especially well padded quilt.

Hood gives this a cosy feel but could have done with a little more fabric or stronger elastic as it had a tendency to ping off the back of the basket when pulled up.

Quite narrow.

Babies R Us Full of fun moses basket

Price: £39.99

Score:

What you get: : Natural palm leaf basket with carrying handles, dressed with a flounced liner, detachable hood with three optional hanging soft toys, and quilt. Mattress included.

Stockists: Tel: 0845 786 9778, or visit www.babiesrus.co.uk

babyworld verdict: This is a well priced moses basket which could do with a little extra padding around the head but which is otherwise comprehensive and well thought through.

Parents’ comments:

Comprehensive, ready to use set for a good value price.

Toys are fleecey and one squeeks – they add interest for the baby.

Flounced liner and plenty of fabric in the hood adds richness.

Fairly basic basket but of a good width and with well secured handles.

No internal padding around the sides.