Fully understanding the anguish (okay, torture) that a baby’s bad sleeping can cause parents, designers at Saplings sat down in 2007 to brainstorm their way to a convertible sleep system. Their invention starts off as a cosy, square-shaped crib.
Once your baby has outgrown this, retain the head- and footboards and grow it into a cot by adding longer sides. A great transformation. But, as TV infomercials would scream, that’s not all, folks. Later, when your baby has grown into an actual walking, talking child, the system is ready for its third incarnation – a junior bed, using the very same headboard but different footboard and base.
Each incarnation of the Saplings Sleep System is sturdy and robust. All up, the system goes from being a 70cm long crib to a 140cm long cot and junior bed.
What we love
It may sound like the Saplings Sleep System requires a PhD in engineering or carpentry to assemble, but far from it. With easy-as set of instructions and an Allen key included, the Saplings Sleep System can be put up before your baby can say boo!
In crib mode, it takes up little more space than a traditional Moses basket, so won’t clutter up your bedroom if your baby is your roommate for those first few months. It’s a cosy, secure space for baby.
Likewise, the cot is a wonderful size and will last your baby well beyond 18 months, before the final transformation into junior bed kicks in.
What to watch out for
On the face of it, the system’s £260 price tag appears good value for a crib, cot and junior bed. But it does only comes with the crib mattress. You’ll need to buy another mattress for the cot/bed options. These range in price from £35 for a foam mattress, £45 for eco-foam, £70 for a spring mattress and £90 for the cool flow model form Saplings.
It’ll also require some storage, as two parts of the bed will have to be packed away at any one time.
We got the white model (it also comes in a natural wood finish) but thought it could have done with a few more layers of paint. We could also smell what paint was there - not something I’d like my baby to have to whiff as she slumbers.
Who is the Saplings Sleep System best for?
Parents who want to get the whole kit and caboodle for in one go without having to hit the high street (or internet) each time their child grows.
A great buy of a robust, durable product if you want the shopping wrapped up quickly. But the total financial outlay in one hit may be too much for some parents, and if storage space is limited at your home it could be a problem. There’s very little grey area with the Saplings Sleep System - you’ll love it from the word go or elect to make single, smaller purchases through your baby’s first years.
