In a nutshell

A versatile, classic and natural crib with great features, but it is slightly large and not as cheap as a Moses basket.

What we tested

  • Comfort
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of cleaning
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Portability
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Quality
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 3.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.

Pros

  • Easily move from room to room, can adjust straps to elevate your baby's head, natural fabrics and wood, self-rocking motion, can be used with stand or hanging in a cot

Cons

  • Large, can be expensive with stand

For a product designed 24 years ago, the Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib certainly hasn’t lost its charm – classic, natural and extremely versatile, it should be considered by anyone who wants to buy a crib.

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The founder of New Zealand company Cariboo designed the Gentle Motions Crib for her newborn, and although there have been a few modifications, it retains most of the same features.

The crib itself is made from 100% cotton and hangs from a cot or stand by non-slip adjustable straps. It is designed for used from birth until 5 or 6 months or when your baby can roll over or pull herself up. Adjustable, detachable straps allow a self-rocking movement and easy transition from stand to cot. You can also shorten the straps to elevate your baby’s head relieving symptoms of cold, colic and reflux.

For green credentials the natural fabric is unbleached and the veil and sheet set are made from organic material.

The price tag is £199 for the crib and stand, or £107 for the crib alone.

What we love

This classic and elegant crib is certainly roomy, which is great if you have a larger nursery. I love its natural appeal, not only for the way it looks but the fabric itself. My daughter Tippi suffered from baby eczema so I want natural and organic fabrics for my newborn.

Tippi also had silent reflux when she was first born – a condition that meant it best to keep her upright, especially after feeding. The Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib would have been perfect as you can shorten the straps at the top of the crib to elevate your baby. For my newborn, I know this will be really useful, even for minor colds when a dripping nose needs to run down. It’s no wonder this crib is used in many New Zealand hospitals!

The self-rocking motion really works and means you don’t have to jump out of bed every time your baby cries. Obviously this isn’t always the case, but when it does work – bliss!

Versatility is key with the Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib. You can transfer it (without your baby in it) from crib stand to cot easily with the detachable straps.

What to watch out for

The Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib is a larger crib, especially if you use the stand. But, you can buy just the crib for your cot, which will save you space and money. We have a very small first cot, which the Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib fitted into, but it would certainly work better in a bigger one with more room to move and dangle without banging into the sides.

The straps are easy to detach, but the crib is not designed to be used as a portable carry basket - you need to do the moving (from crib stand to cot) when your baby's not in it.

Who is the Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib best for?

Mums with larger nurseries after a natural product that doesn’t compromise on versatility and usefulness. And for babies who suffer from colic or reflux.

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MadeForMums verdict

If you’re thinking of buying a crib for a larger space, the Cariboo Gentle Motions Crib is well worth considering. It is a classic, elegant, natural crib that’s so versatile – it can be moved from room to room, you can adjust the straps to elevate your baby’s head and it has a self-rocking method. You shouldn't move the crib body with a baby inside so just make sure you have it set up where you need to before putting your baby to sleep.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandCariboo
ModelGentle Motions Crib
Price£107.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Birth to 6 months
Dimensions & Weight
Weight5.6kg
DimensionsH:90cm W:73cm D:96cm
Features
Rocking motionYes
Made from100% cotton (fabric basket)
Features
  • Fabric crib with stand
  • Adjustable
  • Detachable straps
  • Self-rocking motion
  • Can elevate head for babies with reflux/colic/cold
  • Highly portable
Accessories
Accessories includedMattress, baseboard
Stand includedNo
Mattress includedYes
Optional extrasStand, organic cotton veil, sheet set
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