The Best Baby Nests

Baby nests are almost exactly what they sound like: bird-like nests for your baby. Replacing twigs, grass, and feathers with rounded sides, soft fill, and cozy fabrics, these baby nests keep human babies hugged gently as if they're being held, and this level of comfort just may lead to longer periods of sleep. At the very least, these nests provide a cozy spot for to help procure some much-needed hands-free time for you. And as any parent with a baby who loathes tummy time knows, propping your baby up is a game-changer in that department. With soft, gently sloping sides, baby nests can also be a wonderful spot for practicing the ever-important tummy time. Lay it under a baby mobile and it's an instant play spot for keeping your little one both snuggled and entertained. Here are some of our favorites.

Mamibaby Baby Lounger Baby Nest

One look at this baby nest, and you’ll wish it came in an adult size. With the coziest velvet and cotton-wrapped bumper, your little love will snuggle down, tucked safely, soundly, and free from the dangers of rolling over. Ideal for napping near you while you work, this baby nest has handles for easy carrying (just never with the baby in it, of course). Other perks include an adjustable size (it opens at the bottom for 12-24-month-old children) and removable bumpers, as well as a fully detachable cover that is machine-washable.

Pros:

  • With closed bottom, fits baby 0-12 months.
  • Reversible cover with cotton print on one side and plush velvet on the other.
  • Sturdy zipper.
  • 100% hypoallergenic polyfill.
  • Highest level of safety certifications.

Cons:

  • There is no stopper knot at the end of the cinching ribbon, so it can easily get lost in the cover.

Cosy Nation Baby Lounger

Designed to mimic the shape and feel of a mother’s womb, this baby nest perfectly cradles your newborn in a soft bumper. Completely breathable and hypoallergenic, your new bundle can safely rest without the worry of overheating. And while many baby loungers come in simple, basic colors (beautiful in their own right), this lounger has absolutely adorable prints in eye-catching designs that’ll keep your baby interested while simultaneously helping to develop their eyesight. A comfortable mattress built into the bottom gives an extra boost of comfort for your tiny tot, too.

Pros:

  • Oeko-Tex certified for the highest level of safety.
  • U-shape bumper is ideal for snuggling your baby on their back, as well as providing a supported spot for tummy time.
  • Cover can be easily removed for machine-washing.
  • Includes a cotton cover, a thin 1.6″ mattress pad, and a bumper. All three are designed to remove and detach for easy cleaning.

Cons:

  • The zippers are a bit of a pain. On the smaller side, they are difficult to zip back up once you have removed the cover.

Mestron Portable Baby Bed

Parents, listen up: if you have a colicky baby, this one is a game-changer. With a unique design that supports the head and back, this baby lounger also has an adjusted leg support roll that raises your little one’s legs. This leg support roll aims at helping with digestion, which in turn may help with a colicky baby. Made with a memory foam pad, this baby nest fully forms to the shape of your infant’s body. Additional mesh fabric ensures breathability, and because of its smaller size, it’s super easy to cart around the house or pack it to go when traveling.

Pros:

  • Adjustable leg roll.
  • Hand-washable.
  • Small size fits in a variety of spaces, including a stroller, rocker, or swing.
  • Supportive head cradle.
  • Multiple color options.

Cons:

  • A bit on the small side, this baby nest is ideal for the first three months.

Snuggle Me Organic Baby Lounger

Providing the best organic, non-toxic snuggle spot for your little one, this 100% organic cotton baby nest is ideal for parents wanting a cleaner environment for their baby and the world around them. Made with GOTS-certified organic fabrics over a polyester fiberfill, the beauty of this lounge lies in its breathable, safe fabrics and luxuriously comfortable nook for your little one to play. Snuggle Me recognizes the safety issues of using a lounger as a bed, so they recommend using this baby nest purely for lounging needs. Due to the soft, snug sides, this is a soothing spot for a fussy baby, making it ideal when you just need a few minutes hands-free. Placed under a mobile, your little one can play the afternoon away safely and cozily.

Pros:

  • Multiple beautiful colors to choose from.
  • Breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics and fill.
  • Recommended for ages 0-9 months.
  • The lounger itself, as well as the cover, is fully machine-washable.
  • Unpadded center pulls the sides in to better snuggle your little babe.

Cons:

  • The pillow cover fabric attracts all hair and fuzzies. It’s easy to clean, but still a bit of a nuisance for pet owners.

DockATot Deluxe+ Dock

So called ‘The All-in-One Portable and Lightweight Baby Lounger”, the DockATot is extremely portable and lightweight. Ideal for traveling, the DockATot can act as a lounger/bed space for your baby in places or situations where you don’t have a crib. With a snug fit that discourages rolling, this womb-like environment encourages your little one to surrender to sleep. Additionally, the gradual, rounded edges of this baby nest are a wonderful spot for propping your baby up for some supported tummy time. Made with Oeko-Tex certified fabrics that are best for a safe microclimate, your little one will not overheat in the DockAtot.

Pros:

  • Sized to fit most 0-8 month olds.
  • Comfy, safe space for rest, lounging, tummy time, or even diaper changes.
  • Additional accessories include interchangeable covers and a Toy Arch.
  • Easily machine-washable.

Cons:

  • A bit of a splurge, the DockATot is a more expensive baby nest option, though likely worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby nests safe?

While baby nests are perfectly safe with supervision, there are a few best practices that are important to follow. For example, in recent years there has been some research examining the safety of baby nests in regards to suffocation. It’s important to always place your baby on their back, not their side. Because of the cushioning on the side, laying a baby on their back helps to ensure that they can’t roll over into the cushions (which is where the risk of suffocation lies). Additionally, it is important to never carry your baby in a baby nest. And again, always use a baby nest with supervision. While they are certainly a comforting place for your baby to rest, they shouldn’t replace a firm mattress and crib as a permanent sleeping spot.

What is the recommended age for baby nest use?

Most baby nests have a closure at the bottom that opens for use when children grow out of the closed stage. Typically, the closed-bottom stage is for infants 0-6 months. Once opened, the nest is appropriate for up to 12 months or even 24 months on some models.