Red Kite Snooze Crib review

What were your first impressions?

I thought the postie had forgotten to deliver one of the boxes, but, in fact, all of the parts fitted into a not-so-bulky box. Taking the parts out, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality feel of them – in particular the wooden legs, which seemed very sturdy.

The grey design is chic, will go with any décor, and looks and feels more expensive than it is.

How easy was it to build?

I started to tackle the assembly while solo parenting and quickly regretted my decision. I managed the first step, which was to attach the legs to the brackets, but the next step, adding the poles across to the other legs, needed another pair of hands.

It's a good job my partner soon returned home and was able to assist, as slotting the horizontal poles into the holes to support the main crib and fabric shelf was rather tough and needed some real welly. It feels like the holes aren't quite big enough, so don't be alarmed if they need a good shove. But apart from that, it was really straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions.

How does it compare to other cots/Moses baskets?

Before, we'd been using a Moses basket by the side of the bed. I did purchase a co-sleeping bedside cot, but I found it too large to have by the side of the bed on my first night home, with my postpartum bump and poor mobility.

The Red Kite Snooze Crib has the cosy oval design of a Moses basket, which is apparently supposed to keep your baby feeling snug after being all scrunched up in the womb, but it's a little bigger so it will last longer before they grow out of it.

I feel like the mesh panels make this an upgrade to a Moses basket, as you can see right into the crib.

What age is the product suitable for?

0-6 months.

How firm is the mattress?

The mattress is firm but not too uncomfy, making it safety compliant but also a nice surface to snooze on. Inside the mattress cover is a thin mattress and also a hard board for firmness. I found the material of the mattress didn't get too cold in the winter, which is a bonus.

How easy is it to access your baby?

Unlike a co-sleeping crib, which doesn't require you to get your sleepy self out of bed in the middle of the night, you can't simply unzip a panel and slide your baby out. But I found the padded rim of the cot really handy when I had to lean in and settle him in the middle of the night.

How easy is it to see your baby in the crib?

The mesh side panels are what set this crib apart from your average Moses basket. I found them a massive game-changer as my baby likes to make lots of noise in his sleep, so I can glance over and check if his eyes are actually open. However, it would be even better if the mesh was all round, as the covered part in the middle sometimes obstructed my view.

How portable is it?

Once assembled, the crib itself isn't too heavy at all. I could lift it over the bed and into another room without breaking a sweat. It's a shame that the design doesn't fold, and there is no carry bag, so I wouldn't use it for travelling.

Does it rock or tilt?

No. The legs are fixed, and the crib doesn't move.

How comfy is this crib for your baby?

My son slept well in this crib, and having a little more width than the Moses basket meant he didn't wake himself up while doing his startle reflex.

I was very grateful for the sides being soft fabric when he was thrashing around at 2am, attempting to self-settle after a feed, and managed to wiggle all the way to the edge.

There is plenty of room for a newborn to grow into, and it wouldn't be too cramped for a 6-month-old.

How robust and durable does the crib feel?

The legs are really sturdy, and given the price, it feels like great quality.

The wide angle of the legs makes the crib stable if you have a little wriggler, but that does mean it takes up more floor space. After you've used it for six months, it would definitely still be in great condition to pass on or sell on.

How easy is to keep clean?

The sheet on the mattress is removable, which is handy for any wet-through moments. After my son's jabs, he was rather sick, which required a sheet change. The sheet dried quickly so we were able to put it back on the next night. Due to the crib's shape and size, it's hard to find a suitable fitted sheet, so that's not ideal, as I like to have extra.

Does the crib have any in-built storage?

There's a fabric shelf underneath with enough room for essentials. We don't have a lot of room by the side of our bed so I found the accessibility of the shelf a little tricky.

Are there any design elements you find particularly useful?

The padded edges are great for leaning over the cot and getting baby in and out.

What would you have wanted to know before getting this crib?

It's ideal as an at-home crib, but not the easiest for travel.

What’s in the box?

• Instructions
• Crib body
• Fabric storage shelf
• Mattress with zip-off cover
• Crib support tube
• 2 x frame joints
• 4 x legs
• 4 x frame support tubes
• 10 x screws

Packaging

The crib came flat-packed in a cardboard box, and the parts were wrapped in plastic.

Sustainability

The crib is made of solid wood, metal, plastic and fabric and makes no specific sustainability claims.

What warranty comes with the crib?

There is a one-year warranty. The Red Kite website states: "We have you covered, our aftercare service is included in our 1-year warranty, providing support, home collection and spare parts. If we identify something that you cannot fix, then we will collect and fix it for you and send it back to you without any hassle. We will even give it a clean up to bring it back to the day you purchased it. We have you in mind at every step of the way."

Who would this product be most useful for?

Parents who want their babies in the bedroom but don't like the idea of them being attached to the bed. There was enough room by the side of the crib for me to get in and out of bed easily – an advantage that's taken away when you have a co-sleeper style cot attached to the bed.

Is this product worth the money?

A total bargain buy that stands up against more expensive cribs.

Where can I buy the Red Kite Snooze Crib?

It is available from Argos, Kiddies Kingdom and Baby Planet

MadeForMums verdict

This bedside crib really surprised me, and you can't deny that it's value for money. It's the perfect, good-quality all-rounder for anyone with a newborn who doesn't want to spend too much.