Suitable for newborns up to the age of 5months, the Caribou Folding Crib was based on the Cariboo Gentle Motions bassinet made in 1986 and designed in response to demands from parents who had little room to spare for all of their baby equipment. It can be assembled in a matter of minutes and comes with a mattress and base board.
Made from sustainable radiata pine, the crib is available in a lead-free rimu (teak), espresso, natural or a white stain finish and a choice of white or natural-coloured fabric that is 100% cotton.
While the crib itself is more than four times the price of the most affordable Moses basket I could find, add-ons, such as a changing table, £149, or an activity top (which doubles as a floor play gym), £104.99 can be purchased to make the Folding Crib a flexible and good all-round piece of nursery furniture.
What we love
To put the Cariboo Folding Crib to the test, my husband and I took it with us on our first family holiday, staying in a studio apartment, and allowed our 8-week-old son to decide if he could tell the difference between the award-winning Cariboo model and his standard Moses basket.
When assembled, Nathaniel was very happy being laid down to sleep and my back breathed a sign of relief at not having to bend down to position him.
I found the Cariboo Folding Crib very sturdy in its construction and the smooth rounded edges meant it slid across the floor to where I wanted it easily. Even when Nathaniel stirred in the night, I felt he was held safely and his own body movement served to cause a slight rocking motion to lull him back to sleep again.
In the morning, the crib folded down to stand against a wall but would also fit under a bed.
The fabric is machine washable, but make sure you do up the zips to maintain their durability.
What to watch out for
Although the Cariboo Folding Crib folds flat it still took up a fair amount of space in my car, so I decided to unbolt the legs and store them in the footwell for even more portability.
The mattress and base board have to be stored separately, as they can't be folded with the rest of the design.
When erected at our destination, I found whether I was sitting on the sofa or lying in bed, the crib was actually quite tall, so I couldn't see Nathaniel as he slept unless I stood up and peered over the sides.
Who the Cariboo Folding Crib is best for?
Parents-to-be planning a holiday shortly after their baby's birth or those with limited nursery space.
The Cariboo Folding Crib is great alternative to a travel cot, which allows your baby to continue sleeping in familiar surroundings while away from home. Versatile attachments, such as the changing table, make the Cariboo Folding Crib an affordable and multifunctional nursery buy.
