Since we first did our first guide back in 2013, a number of the products featured are no longer available, so we thought it was time to do the 2016 edition! Here's some cribs, cradles and bassinets that are rocking (sorry!) our world right now... and if we've missed your favourite, do leave us a comment below so we can check it out.
Best for co-sleeping: The Bed Nest (£199)
Lu's number one buy for a new baby. The Bednest has all the advantages of co-sleeping with none of the risks. It’s height adjustable so suitable with any bed and it’ll last you until your baby is six months, so outlives a moses basket and folds flat into a bag for travel. If the price tag looks prohibitive, you can hire one for £89.
Best for longevity: Stokke Sleepi Mini (from £349)
I'm a huge fan of the Stokke Sleepi. In fact, we're all massive Stokke fans at BG and the Sleepi is just another example of the company’s fantastic designs solutions. You buy the mini for your new arrival, then six months or so later you get a conversion kit to transform it into the full Sleepi cot. It's great for small spaces, too.
Best for wicker refusniks: Moba moses basket (£99.99)
If you are set on a moses basket, then the contemporary Moba is what you’re looking for. We featured it a while back and still think it’s fabulous – there’s a colour for everyone. And it’s one of the few alternatives to traditional wicker. The price includes mattress and bedding so is pretty reasonable, too.
Best for minimalists: Nesta’s Nest (£670)
Another one for people allergic (not literally) to wicker is the divine Nesta’s Nest. Handmade in Berlin, it consists of a wool felt bassinet and birch stand and can be used up to six months before moving on to become chic toy storage. Prices listed as €495 for the bed, and €105 for the stand.
Best for swinging: Leander suspended cradle (£199)
Lu's Alfie slept extremely happily in a hammock for the first few months of his life, so we can testify to the benefits of hanging cradles. This Leander one is sleekly modern with a traditional twist and definitely eye candy!
Best for escapism: Creme Anglaise Moon Cradle (£900)
Yes, yes, I know, it’s ludicrous and eye-wateringly expensive, but think how cute little bubba would look in the Creme Anglaise moon cradle. It’s made from hand polished and sealed wooden pallets and we adore it.
Best for prints: Noe & Zoe Star Print (£134)
Traditional with a good dose of modern styling - monochrome and stars. There's a popping neon pink print available, too. Designed with a soft cotton lining and comfortable cushioned filling, the Noe & Zoe star basket also features an adjustable hood and it's gentle on the wallet.
Best for rocking: BabyBjorn Harmony Baby Cradle (£299)
The gentle rocking of BabyBjörn Cradle is a soothing way for your little one to fall asleep. The cradle is perfect in the early months when your newborn alternates short periods of sleep and wakefulness. It is easy to move around your home so you can always keep your baby close to you.
Best for budgets: John Lewis Anna Swinging Crib (£69)
When newborn babies first come home, they'll really appreciate a snug environment at sleep times and if you can't justify a big spend, the Anna crib is a perfect solution (and looks the part too with a white finish birch frame).It has locking latches, so you can choose between rocking and fixed modes.
Best for traditionalists: Natural Mat Willow Crib (£300)
This offering from Naturalmat is a beautiful, handcrafted traditional crib made entirely from renewable willow. A timeless, stylish crib that will stay in your family for generations. Price includes Crib, Crib Stand, Naturalmat Coco Mat, and Crib Bumper. Beautiful.