When I found out I was expecting my second baby, one of the first things I started thinking about was all the baby gear we'd need again. My eldest is now four years old, so while we'd held onto a few essentials, I was also curious to see how some of my favourite baby products had evolved over the last few years.
One item I knew I'd be using again was a bedside crib. After having a C-section with my first baby, having them sleeping safely beside me rather than across the room made those early weeks so much easier. I could simply reach over and lift them out for feeds during the night and it also gave me so much reassurance having them right there beside me.
Last time around I used the SnuzPod 4, and I absolutely loved it. Snuz is one of the best-known bedside crib brands for good reason, so I was really excited to see how it had improved on something that already worked so well. With the arrival of the new SnuzPod 5 (which launched in 2025), there are some noticeable updates and new features, so I couldn't wait to see how it compares.
Although my baby hasn't arrived yet, I've spent plenty of time setting up the SnuzPod 5, testing all of its features, moving it around the house and getting everything ready for those newborn days. So, if you're wondering whether it's worth spending £200 on the latest bedside crib, keep reading for my full review and honest thoughts as a second-time mum.
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Snuz SnuzPod 5
Why we love it
- Stylish design
- Easy assembly
- Height adjustable
- Lift-off bassinet for around the home
- Integrated wheels for portability
- Feels extremely sturdy and well made
- Gentle rocking function and incline option
Take note
- Only suitable for the first six months
- Bed compatibility should be checked before purchasing
- Premium price
What is the SnuzPod 5?
The SnuzPod 5 is a bedside crib designed for newborn babies from birth up to around six months, or until your little one starts sitting up, pulling themselves up, or reaches the maximum recommended weight (which is 9kg). It attaches securely alongside your bed, allowing your baby to sleep safely in their own sleep space while still being right next to you throughout the night.
The side panel can be zipped down when it's securely attached to your bed, making it easy to lift your baby in and out for feeds or cuddles without having to get out of bed every time, which can be invaluable in those early weeks. Like previous versions, it also works as a standalone crib if you don't want to use it in bedside mode, making it a versatile option for naps during the day as well as overnight.
Setting up the SnuzPod 5
One thing I was really pleased with was how straightforward the SnuzPod 5 was to put together. I managed to build the whole thing on my own without needing any help, and the instructions were easy enough to follow.
There are a few different components to assemble, including the wooden frame and bassinet, but nothing felt overly complicated. From opening the box to having it fully assembled took me around one hour, which at nine months pregnant, I don’t think is too bad.
Attaching it to the bed is just as simple. It comes with safety straps that loop securely around your bed frame to stop the crib from moving away during the night. Once attached, it felt incredibly sturdy with no wobbling or movement at all.
The SnuzPod 5 also has seven height settings, making it suitable for a wide variety of beds. If your bed has a divan base or a standard frame, it should fit most setups, although it's always worth checking the compatibility before buying.
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Design and features
I've always loved the look of the SnuzPod range, and the SnuzPod 5 feels even more premium than the previous model.
I tested the natural wood finish, which gives it a lovely modern Scandinavian feel that looks far more like a piece of furniture than a bulky piece of baby equipment. However, it's available in several different colour combinations – from olive green and cobalt to rouge – making it easy to match different tastes and styles.
One of the biggest improvements over the SnuzPod 4 is the redesigned bassinet. It’s slightly more spacious (4cm wider and 4.5cm longer), while still maintaining a compact footprint beside the bed.
The dual-view mesh windows are another welcome addition. The large breathable mesh panels improve airflow while also making it really easy to see your baby from almost any angle without needing to lean over.
One of the standout features remains the zip-down wall. The zip itself feels smooth and sturdy, and it's quick to use. During the day, it zips back up easily if you're using it as a standalone crib.
The gentle rocking stand has also returned and feels lovely and smooth without being overly sensitive. If you don't want the rocking motion, it can simply be locked into a fixed position.
Another feature I really like is the incline option. It's incredibly simple to adjust by raising one side slightly higher than the other, and this can be really useful if your baby has reflux or congestion.
Another practical feature is the lift-off bassinet. Unlike many bedside cribs, you can remove the top section from the frame and move it around the house. It also has integrated wheels, making it easy to move from room to room without too much effort.
The included mattress also feels like a step up. It's a breathable 3D mesh mattress that's firm, supportive and exactly what you'd want for safe newborn sleep.
Compared to my old SnuzPod 4, the overall design feels more refined. The improved visibility through the mesh panels, updated bassinet design and smoother functionality all make it feel like a genuine upgrade rather than just a cosmetic refresh.
Performance
Although I haven't welcomed my baby yet, I've spent plenty of time testing how the SnuzPod 5 works in everyday use, and it's left a really positive first impression.
The zip-down side is incredibly easy to use and feels secure when closed. I can already imagine just how useful this will be during those frequent newborn night feeds.
The mattress feels reassuringly firm while still feeling comfortable, and the breathable materials give extra peace of mind. The incline adjustment only takes a few seconds, so if I do need to use it once baby arrives, I know it won't be a hassle.
I've also really liked being able to lift off the bassinet. I can easily see myself moving it downstairs during the day so the baby has somewhere familiar to nap while I'm spending time in the living room. Plus, the wheels roll smoothly without feeling flimsy, making it much easier to reposition than I expected.
Everything feels very well made, from the sturdy wooden frame to the quality of the fabrics and zips. Nothing feels cheap or likely to wear quickly.
One last thing worth mentioning is that, unlike most bedside cribs, there’s a built-in storage shelf right underneath the bassinet for holding night-time essentials like nappies, wipes, blankets and an emergency change of clothes for those middle-of-the-night mishaps.
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Key specifications
Buy now £199.95, Snuz.co.uk
Is the SnuzPod 5 worth it?
For me, the answer is yes. Having already loved the SnuzPod 4, I wondered whether the updates would actually make much difference, but after trying the SnuzPod 5 I do think Snuz has made meaningful improvements. The new design feels more premium, the larger mesh windows improve visibility, the bassinet feels even more practical and everything simply feels really well thought through.
What I love most is how easy it is to use. The zip-down side works smoothly, adjusting the height takes seconds, the lift-off bassinet adds genuine flexibility and it feels incredibly sturdy once attached to the bed.
It's also one of those products that gives you confidence. Everything feels solid, secure and high quality, and you can tell it's been designed by people who understand what those exhausting newborn weeks are actually like.
It's certainly an investment, but considering how much use bedside cribs get during those first six months, I think it's money well spent. If you're looking for a stylish, well-built bedside crib that's packed with practical features and genuinely easy to live with, the SnuzPod 5 would be right at the top of my shortlist.
How I tested the SnuzPod 5
With my eldest now four years old, I was really interested to see how the SnuzPod 5 compared to the SnuzPod 4 that I used and absolutely loved the first time around. Now that I'm in my third trimester with baby number two, it felt like the perfect opportunity to put the latest model through its paces before our new arrival. While I can't yet comment on how my baby sleeps in it, I was able to thoroughly test the crib in my own home by setting it up, attaching it to my bed, trying out all of its functions and assessing how practical it will be for everyday life with a newborn. I judged the SnuzPod 5 using the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest’s assistant editor, Sarah Jones has years of experience rigorously testing a wide range of family products from the best toddler learning towers to the best Jellycat toys. As a second-time mum currently expecting her next baby, she brings both hands-on experience and a fresh perspective to testing the SnuzPod 5. Drawing on what she learned with her first child, Sarah knows the features that make a real difference during those early weeks, from safe bedside sleeping and ease of nighttime feeds to practicality, comfort and longevity. She looks beyond marketing claims to assess how products perform in everyday family life, with a focus on what genuinely matters to new parents navigating the newborn stage.
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