The Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor is the brand's latest release. It's a mid-range, video baby monitor with a dual-mode operation that lets you switch between local (non-Wi-Fi) and remote (Wi-Fi/app) viewing, giving parents the flexibility to keep an eye on their baby in the most convenient way. Boasting a 2K resolution, a 350° pan and 110° tilt, infrared night vision, two-way audio, and viewing access for up to 20 family members, this monitor allows you to see it all. With an RRP of £199.99, it packs in a lot of features at a reasonable price point, similar to the Maxi-Cosi See Pro Baby Monitor, £219.99.

• See our pick of the best baby monitors, tried and tested by UK parents

How easy is it to set up the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor?

Setup was quick, easy and pleasant. It took me under 10 minutes from the unboxing to pairing with the app. The only thing that caused confusion was once I scanned the QR code with the monitor I expected there to be a long beep to notify me it had worked; there is only one short beep, and it can be easily missed. You just have to press ‘I heard a prompt' and ‘next’ on the setup to continue – I'd suggest trying this even if you didn’t hear it.

Also, when setting up the Wi-Fi it will ask you for the Wi-Fi password, but it took me a while to realise it was asking for me to enter it and not just waiting for the next page to load – if nothing seems to be happening double check it’s not just asking you to input the Wi-Fi password.

Were the instructions clear and easy to follow?

There is both a quick guide and more in-depth user guide. In both, the instructions were clear and easy to follow, with helpful diagrams for added clarity.

Was it easy to pair the camera to both the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode monitor and the app?

It was extremely easy to pair the first time round. I just followed the prompts in the app, but there is also a detailed walk through, with a screenshot of each step, in the User Guide provided. While we had no problems at home, when we travelled with the monitor, it did struggle to connect to the Wi-Fi, so we mostly used the parent unit. I do believe this was down to the location’s connection, but it made us very grateful for having the monitor included.

What’s the picture quality like on the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor?

The 2K resolution gives a clear view that makes you feel like you are in the room with them, especially in day mode. The night vision on the Momcozy 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor is definitely the best that I have seen from baby monitors, however sometimes the night vision can appear a tad too bright.

How sensitive is the audio pickup on the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor?

The audio can be slightly lagged but the audio pickup is crisp and clear when the baby makes a noise.

What do you think of the two-way talkback feature?

The two-way speaker is loud and clear both ends. It was perfect for guiding your baby back to sleep and ‘Sshing’ without startling, especially when they’re half-asleep.

What is the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor app like?

It literally takes seconds to view using the app. Once connected to your phone, all you have to do is open the app and click on the camera. Sometimes there was a lag when using the app – for example, the first time I used it the app froze to an image of my baby sleeping. This happened due to changing between so many rooms I believe, but it did make me gravitate to the parent unit more. Also, if the app wasn’t refreshed or if the phone wasn’t used for a certain amount of time, my phone would lock, and if you are doing chores around the house this can mean you don’t realise you’ve lost connection. You can set notifications on your phone for this but I often found the parent unit was more reliable.

What do you think of the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor parent unit?

The decent-size screen has beautiful 2K quality and it is simple and easy use. Not too big to carry, not too small to see. I personally loved the size because not only can I see my baby clearly on-screen, but it meant it was easily found around house. I loved the stand that came out of the back and the way I could have it propped up whilst I washed the dishes or made dinner, and I also like that the buttons are backlit so you can easily use the parent unit in the dark. The parent unit never dropped connection when I was using it – sometimes the screen would go off if there was no activity, but this only happened to me once.

Can you control the pan/tilt from the monitor?

Yes, the 350° pan and 110° tilt are brilliant features of this monitor that allow you to adjust the camera when you're not in the room and anytime the baby move out of focus. The 2x and 4x zoom features were also perfect for this too.

How far does the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor parent unit connection stretch?

I could go into any room in the house, as well as the garden, and it would still work clearly – it was just moving around too much that could cause it to occasionally lag.

What is the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor battery life like?

The battery life is much better than other competitors I’ve tried. It claims to last up 20 hours and I went at least 9 hours without charging the parent unit at all, meaning, you can put the baby to sleep and it will last the whole night.

Can multiple caregivers use the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor app?

Yes, up to 20 family members can access the app. It's a great feature of this product, especially as both parents – or family members - can watch the baby even if they are not in the same room as each other.

Does it suit families that live rurally?

Yes definitely; the option of a portable monitor that doesn’t require Wi-Fi means that the Momcozy 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor is perfect for rural areas with bad signal. Also, offline mode gives peace of mind.

How useful is the lullaby feature?

The Momcozy monitor comes with eight built-in lullabies and a choice of 10 volume levels. It’s a really sweet feature that I think could benefit a younger baby greatly, but silence worked better for our 10 month old.

Is the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor portable?

Yes. The camera is sleek and lightweight making it super easy to move between rooms. We also took the monitor away with us and we found it easy to pack, taking up next to no space or weight. My only niggle is that it could benefit from a protective casing or travel bag.

What’s in the box?

• Monitor (5in display)
• Camera unit
• Camera and monitor power adapters (5V 2A)
• Camera charging cable (2.5m)
• Monitor charging cable (1.5m)
• Mounting screws kit
• Wall mount bracket
• User manual
• Quick Guide

How sustainable is the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor?

The packaging is mostly recyclable with minimal plastic. I appreciated that the monitor comes with a 1-year warranty, and that individual cords and mounts are replaceable.

Is the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor worth the money?

At £199.99 I think it's at a competitive price in the market and comes packed full of features you'd find in more expensive monitors. The only thing that this model seems to sacrifice is a detailed sleep analysis, however I think it more than makes up for this with live temperature and movement monitoring.

Where can I buy the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor?

It's available at Momcozy, Amazon and Currys.

MadeForMums verdict

A comprehensive product with a competitive price tag, the Momcozy BM04 5in Dual-Mode Smart Baby Monitor impressed from the start with its sleek, stylish design that feels as modern as it is practical. The 2K camera offers a high-quality viewing both day and night, making every check-in feel reassuringly close. But its real standout feature is the dual-mode functionality that gives parents the freedom to monitor with or without Wi-Fi. Whether you’re home or away, connected or offline, this monitor offers flexibility for the unpredictability of parenthood.

Read more: 

• Best baby monitors tried and tested
• Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor review
• Maxi-Cosi See Pro Baby Monitor review
• Angelcare AC25-1 baby monitor review

The VM85 Connect baby monitor includes a HD camera, remote viewing capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and 5in display. You trust that using a recognised and reputable brand such as Motorola that you’re going to get a solid, robust and reliable product – and with this baby monitor you get just that.

How easy is it to set up the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

When it comes to technology, I always want a product that is quick and easy to set up. Parenting can be stressful enough at times, so I don’t need the added stress of spending hours to set up a simple product! The Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor was as stress-free as it gets to set up. From the moment I removed the product from the box, it was ready to use within 10 minutes.

Firstly, the monitor has to be plugged in for 14 hours to fully charge the battery before it could be used without being plugged in, however, you are able to complete the set up whilst it is charging.

The instructions on the monitor are simple and clear, as is the pairing button on the back of the camera. It took less than two minutes to pair and connect, and I didn’t experience any issues which I had to troubleshoot.

There is also an app (the Motorola Nursery app) which can be downloaded onto a smartphone, which allows for remote monitoring. Again, pairing this took a matter of minutes - even someone who considers themselves a technophobe would be able to complete this easily. All of the instructions to pair the camera with both the monitor and the smartphone app are on the respective screens, and are simple and easy to follow. This meant that I didn’t need to refer to the manual at all during the installation process.

What is the video quality like on the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

There is a difference in the quality of visuals between the 5-inch monitor athe nd smartphone app, but that is to be expected given the price point of this product. In the Motorola Nursery app, you get brilliant 1080p full HD resolution, whereas on the monitor, you get 480x272 resolution.

The quality isn’t the best I’ve seen, but also not the worst. However, it really boils down to the simple fact of ‘can I see my baby clearly enough to check they’re okay?’ – to which the answer is yes.

The night vision on the camera is great, which for me is really important as my little one doesn’t sleep in the light at all! All nap times have to be like nighttime, so the night vision quality is appreciated. I tested the monitor in various different locations, both at home and whilst we were away on our staycation, and I never experienced any lag or interference with the camera.

Is the sound quality on the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor good?

The sound quality is just as strong as the visuals – it is crisp and clear. However, I did notice when the camera is playing lullabies and white noise, that it didn’t always pick up my son crying/moaning quietly, it only came through once it got louder. Whilst this isn’t a deal breaker, I did end up playing white noise from a different device elsewhere in the room so that I didn’t miss when my son woke up or got upset.

What is the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor's range and connectivity like?

I live in a three-storey townhouse, with Ollie’s cot placed in the master bedroom on the top floor, so I was slightly sceptical that the connectivity would remain as strong if I were on the ground floor of the house. However, I was proved wrong! As I moved around the house from room to room to compare the footage, it remained consistent throughout. This is really reassuring in a monitor, as you are not worrying about whether the connectivity will drop out or lag.

We also tested the camera and monitor away from Wi-Fi in a caravan, in a location that had no phone signal either. I wasn’t sure whether this would have an impact or not; however, the connectivity was just as strong as when we were at home. It’s reassuring to know you have a reliable product to take away on holiday, so gives you peace of mind whilst your baby is sleeping in a different room.

The remote monitoring on the smart app was also just as strong as the baby monitor when it comes to connectivity. The only time I experienced lag/drop out was when I had a bad signal on my mobile network, which obviously can’t be helped by Motorola.

How easy is it to use day-to-day?

On the whole, the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor is simple and easy to use. The controls are clearly laid out on the display, and navigating between the different features uses a simple arrow touchpad.

I did find that the tilt and pan features for the camera are very sensitive, and the lightest touch moved the camera more than anticipated – it did take a bit of getting used to! I also felt as though the zoom could be improved on the camera. You get the option of either X1 or X2, there is no in between. The X1 setting is already quite close in comparison to some other cameras on the market which offer a wider field of view, and I would have liked to be able to zoom in to my preferred view rather than just pick between two.

What are the standout features of the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

With the continual advances in technology, I feel that as a generation, we have come to expect more from this type of product. Some products in the top price range offer features such as breathing monitoring and humidity. However, for a product at this price point, I feel the Motorola Nursery VM85 baby monitor does everything you would expect.

The basic expectations are all met – high quality display, motorised pan, zoom and tilt and temperature display. The camera also provides audiobooks/stories and lullabies, with 10 available of each. In comparison, other products I’ve experienced have between five and eight, so it’s definitely a bonus to have a bigger selection.

The system also has two-way talk, and whilst I didn’t use this to its full potential with Ollie (as he’s only 7 months and doesn’t talk yet!), it was really nice to be able to communicate with him as he woke up, so that he heard a familiar voice before I made it upstairs into his room.

You also get motion detection and sound alerts via the Motorola Nursery app, which is a standard feature across all monitoring apps I’m familiar with. However, personally, I don’t actually use these as I always have the monitor on and by my side.

How well does the Motorola Nursery app work?

The app has a really simple interface – basic, but it does exactly what you need it to. Half the home screen on the app is for the camera display, which goes to full screen once clicked on. I only tested out one camera. However, it is my understanding that you can connect up to four different cameras to the app, which is great if you have multiple children.

The app also has a gallery, which can store photos and videos from the baby camera. And there is also a journal where you can store information such as feeding, sleeping, health, growth and teething. The ability to log it all in one place alongside the sleep monitor is a really nice feature from Motorola.

How portable is the monitor?

The Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor has its own little stand on the back, which means taking it between rooms is really easy. The 5in display is big enough that you don’t need to have the monitor directly next to you either, you can still see it over the other side of the room. We also took the monitor and camera away on holiday with us, and packed easily into our suitcase.

What's the battery life like on the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

The battery life on the monitor isn’t the greatest – it is listed as being five hours. However, I felt as though I was having to plug it in after around three hours. In comparison, a much cheaper monitor I have been using, the battery lasts for around 24 hours before needing to be recharged.

How durable does it feel?

The Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor's camera can be placed on a flat surface or attached to a wall, and it feels sturdy and stable. I did notice that the base of the camera swivelled slightly on a flat surface when the camera was panning, so this could be improved.

With such a recognisable brand at this price point, you expect the product to be robust and that it will last, and it definitely feels like it will. The build quality is strong, and over the course of the few weeks in which I tested the monitor, my toddler accidentally knocked it on the floor a couple of times, but there was no noticeable damage or complications.

Are there additional accessories available?

There’s a nice range of accessories available from Motorola. As standard, you can get replacement cables, wall mounts and additional cameras to connect to the Motorola Nursery app.

Additionally, there is the S1 Night Light & Sounds Soother (£34.99) – whilst I haven’t used this, my son loves a coloured mood light to help him settle before bed, so I can imagine this product is a great addition to the bedtime routine. You do get mood lighting with the Motorola Nursery VM85 Baby Monitor, but it's just a small ring around the bottom of the camera.

What's in the box?

• 5in monitor
• Baby camera
• Power cables for both monitor and camera
• Instruction manuals

What are the sustainability features of the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

When the product arrived, it arrived in fully recyclable packaging. The cardboard box was filled with colourful pieces of shredded paper instead of the classic bubble wrap, so that was a nice touch!

Is the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor worth the money?

There are a lot of baby monitor products on the market across a range of different price points. This monitor and camera are high-quality, have some lovely features, and I never once had an issue with reliability. In comparison to other products at the same price point, I feel the features sit on a level with the others.

It really depends on what you want from a monitor. If you want to just keep an eye on your baby, then there are certainly cheaper products on the market which allow you to do just that. But if you want the additional features such as the lullabies/audiobooks, zoom, pan and tilt and great connectivity, then this is one of the best on the market.

Where can I buy the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor?

It's available at Amazon, Currys and Very.

MadeForMums verdict:

I really like the Motorola Nursery VM85 Connect baby monitor – it’s reliable, robust and comes with a host of features. The key for a monitor is that it allows you to monitor your baby. Does this product have all the bells and whistles? No. But it does exactly what you need it to do, both at home and away.

The latest addition to Chicco's Next2Me range is a dream come true for parents of twins. Using the same safe co-sleeping design as its single predecessors, the Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib is a great side-by-side sleeper for babies from birth up to approx 6 months.

While there's been a handful of twin sleepers come onto the market in the past few years, Chicco's offering really does stand out head and shoulders above the rest for its quality and practicality. Coming in at £329, it may seem pricey, but it is far more affordable than buying two separate bedside cribs for your twin babies.

How easy is it to set up the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

The instructions come as images in a booklet and were quite straightforward. My husband assembled the crib, and while he is not a DIY enthusiast at all, he didn’t feel it was passed his capabilities.

About 70 percent of the frame was already attached to the material and the only thing that he was required to do was attach the body to the legs, attach the stabilising brackets, insert the mattresses, fasten the clips to each pole and attach the straps to the bed, which he later discovered was not possible to do to our king size bed.

There were plenty of warnings attached to the instructions, and it could not be made clearer what the risks are if you don't set the crib up correctly.

What is the mattress like for each baby in the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

The mattresses are separate, which works well as if one of them happened to have an accident or vomited – I would only need to take one of the mattresses out and leave the other twin undisturbed, something I have done on several occasions.

The mattresses are quite firm, and I did wonder whether that might be an issue for Elspeth’s reflux, but it seemed to have no impact on it at all. In fact, Elspeth fell asleep within a few minutes of being placed in the crib for her first nap of the day.

How easy is it to fix the Chicco Next2Me Twin Bedside Crib to your bed?

I could not strap the crib to the bed due to the type of bed base we have, but looking at the straps, they seem sturdy, and if it helped keep the babies safe and secure, then I would recommend doing it if you have the capability to do so. I found the height adjustments (11 in total) a valuable asset to the crib, as I find leaning over quite stressful on my back.

When in bed at night, I placed the crib on the highest setting so I could easily reach the twins to do feeds. It was also helpful in the day for naps that they were level with the bedside, and I could easily sneak a peek at them without disturbing.

The Twins Bedside Crib is compatible with most beds, including divan bases or beds with storage compartments, measuring between 52cm and 67cm in height, so hopefully you won't have a problem attaching it to yours.

Can the crib be tilted or rocked?

No; I had hoped that it could be tilted due to Elspeth’s reflux, but it could not and there is no other function, such as a rocking motion.

How easy is it to access your twins at night in the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

Incredibly straightforward. The crib is right next to me, and it takes me seconds to pull down the side and reach in to bring them close to feed. If one twin needed comforting, I could easily do so without disturbing the other. I was shocked and delighted at how big the mattresses are. The twins have ample space to wriggle around in, but were also able to touch and see each other should they desire. The central partition is non-removable, which I believe is a safety feature.

How portable is it?

This is where there is a slight issue. The Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib does not move easily. When my husband was assembling the crib, it did not feel heavy, but once it was finished, moving it into position was quite tricky. It is not foldable, and no carry bag was included. I would not attempt to take it in the car for holidays or short trips.

How durable and stable does the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib feel?

It feels strong and durable, and I think it would certainly last longer than the 6 months (or if the babies reach 9kg) I can use it for. The metal legs are a good thickness and very sturdy, and it's made using quality fabric and materials. I definitely plan to use it until the twins are ready to go into their own cots in their nursery.

How easy is it to keep clean?

The Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib fabric is machine washable at 30 degrees, as are the mattresses.

What are your favourite features about the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

The mesh is thin and breathable, and is featured on all sides of the crib, so the twins can see and feel each other. It also makes it easy for me to keep an eye on them.

The single-handled, pull-down function to access the twins is easy to work and a clever feature – the divider is a little flimsy, and I found myself pulling it up as it kept flopping over, but that is a small detail.

The size of the crib is impressive – I was worried it would not fit down the side of my bed, but I needn’t have worried as it fitted with ease. It measures W98cm x L98cm x H62-80cm when assembled.

What’s in the box?

The box included the frame, the material, the straps, the mattresses and the all-important instructions.

Is the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib good value for money?

When I did my research on trying to source a twin bedside crib, I found there were a few different ranges on the market, not many and not brands I'd heard of. I used the Chicco Next2Me crib when my 5-year-old was born and found it a godsend – I think I even carried on using it until Sophia was 7 months old and had to be persuaded that it was time to put her into her own room and own cot!

So while the price of the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib is considerably higher than the ones I spotted on selling websites, such as Amazon, I feel due to the quality of the product and the trust I have in the brand, it is good value for money. You have to weigh up the pros and the cons, but when it comes to your children’s comfort and the convenience of bedside sleeping, I think this is worth the investment.

What are the sustainability features of the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

Chicco prides itself on being a fully sustainable, eco-friendly company and even publishes its sustainability report on its website. The outer packaging of the Twins Bedside Crib was cardboard, but the inside was mainly plastic and polystyrene. The good news is that parts can be replaced if things are missing or break, and Chicco offer a one-year standard warranty that can be extended to three years for free on the Chicco website.

Where can I buy the Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib?

It's available at Mamas & Papas, John Lewis, Kiddies Kingdom and Chicco.

MadeForMums verdict:

I feel this crib is a real investment for parents of newborn twins. I have found it to be so easy to assemble, the twins were just millimetres from me, and so far, they have found it comfortable to nap and sleep in. The price is reasonable and justified for the convenience and for peace of mind. We could have gone for a cheaper alternative, but as I have used Chicco before with my older daughter, Sophia, I knew that it would be a top-quality product. I cannot fault it.

The minimalist Scandi styling, in a choice of white or natural pine, means it will suit most modern nurseries, and the coordinating under drawer provides some very welcome storage to pack all those baby essentials neatly away.

The Hartley Cot measures L144cm x W74.5cm x H82cm, and the mattress can be set at three different heights, lowered as your baby grows. Its generous size (it has the same dimensions as a standard cot bed) makes it suitable from birth until 3 years old, unlike other cots, which may only last until about 18 months to 2 years old.

How easy is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer to build?

It took about 15 minutes to build the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot. The under drawer has more parts so that took slightly longer, about 20 minutes.

The instructions were clear and easy to follow. There were no written instructions, just diagrams, much like IKEA instructions.

How sturdy and stylish does the cot feel once built?

I immediately liked the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot’s minimalist look, and it definitely feels sturdy. However, the under drawer is not as robust. Unfortunately, one of the corners of the base of the drawer was slightly damaged when we unpacked it.

How firm and comfortable is the mattress that comes with the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot?

You can pick from a choice of three mattresses:

• Fibre mattress
• Premium sprung mattress
• All seasons premium pocket sprung mattress

We tested the premium sprung mattress, which is a step up from the basic fibre mattress, and is made of 80 high tensile springs, foam and breathable fibre inner walls.

The mattress performed well when I checked its firmness, springing back into shape after I pushed my hand down on it in the centre and sides. My baby was immediately comfortable on the mattress and slept soundly the first time she used it, and pretty much throughout our test (except for some fussy periods when she just wanted to be cuddled instead of put down in her cot).

Does the mattress come with a cover?

Yes. I liked the fact that the mattress comes with a soft, quilted, removable cover, which can be machine washed, as this adds another layer of comfort. However, from a practical point of view, the fibre mattress is better as it comes with a water-resistant cover, which can be machine washed.

All three mattresses come with a waterproof PVC sleeve, but I found it difficult to put it on under the quilted cover. It’s only 50cm x 50cm, so it doesn’t offer much protection as it’s impossible to know whereabouts on the mattress a baby might have a wee accident. The best way to protect the premium sprung mattress is to buy a separate full waterproof mattress protector.

What do you think of the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot Under Drawer?

The drawer sits on the floor under the cot, rather than being built into the base, and pulls out using four wheels. The wheels rolled easily on our carpet, but as the drawer isn’t fixed, I found it didn’t always pull out and push in evenly, sometimes catching the legs of the cot. If I needed to use the drawer every day, I think I would find that frustrating.

On the plus side, the drawer is the full length of the cot and almost as wide with one central divider, so it holds plenty of items. I used it to store blankets, bedding, baby sleeping bags, towels and muslin cloths.

Does the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot grow with your child?

Like many cots, the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot has three mattress height positions to suit your growing baby. I first started testing it when my baby was 7 months old and beginning to sit up independently, so I opted for the lowest position, but it could be easily adjusted to the other two heights.

If you’re using it with a newborn baby, there is also the option to buy a cot top changer, £49.

As the cot is the same size as a standard cot bed, it feels like it will last my baby a long time (potentially up to 3 years old). However, we converted our eldest daughter’s cot bed into a toddler bed when she was 2 and a half, so we’ll have to wait and see if our youngest is happy to remain in a cot that long.

How practical is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer day-to-day?

What I like the most about the cot is that I can see my baby from all directions due to the open slated design.

Although the side of the cot can’t be lowered, I have not had any trouble putting her down in the cot or picking her up, even with the mattress on the lowest setting, and I am only 5ft 2 tall.

The cot isn’t very portable as it’s the same size as a standard cot bed, so it’s not easy to move between rooms, although this is to be expected from most standalone cots.

How easy is it to clean and maintain the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

Dust naturally collects between the slats, but this is easy to clean with a microfibre cloth. Otherwise, the cot and under drawer can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. As mentioned above, the mattress comes with a removable and washable cover.

The Hartley Classic Cot does not come with plastic teething rails, although other Ickle Bubba products, such as the Coleby Classic Cot, have them included. Something to keep in mind if your baby is a cot nibbler!

What’s in the box?

Split into three packages:

• 2x cot side panels
• 2x cot end panels
• Cot base
• Screws, barrel nuts and Allen key
• 7x pieces of wood for the drawer
• Fixings and wheels for the drawer
• Mattress and mattress cover
• Adjustable waterproof nursery-grade PVC sleeve

What are the sustainability features of the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

Some of the packaging was recyclable, but the mattress was in a black polythene cover. However, Ickle Bubba says it is reviewing its processes to minimise waste, teaming up with Ecologi to offset its emissions and support global carbon reduction projects. It also has a partnership with the Baby Bank Alliance, which enables Ickle Bubba products donated by the public to be passed on safely.

Is the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer worth the money?

At £209 for the cot and drawer (without the mattress), I think it's definitely a good-value bundle, especially given that the cot is larger than most cots and offers some serious longevity. The fact that the under drawer isn't attached to the cot means it can be used when you transition your child to a cot bed – extra storage is always going to be useful, so as a family, you'll never 'grow out' of this.  I also think the choice of mattresses, suiting all kinds of budgets, is an affordable addition, too.

Where can I buy the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer?

It is available from Ickle Bubba, Pramworld, Kiddies Kingdom and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict:

If you have room for a large cot and you love minimalist design, then the Ickle Bubba Hartley Classic Cot and Under Drawer might be the one for you. With three mattress heights, easy access storage, classic Scandi-inspired style and offering roomy sleeping space for a growing baby, it packs a lot into its competitive price tag. If you're happy to stick with a cot as opposed to a cot bed for the foreseeable future, it's a great investment.

The latest model, the Armonia, is made from sustainable and breathable materials and boasts a variety of new features. With a motion-sensor light and pockets to keep newborn essentials close to hand, the crib has been designed specifically to make new parents’ lives easier.

With an RRP of £219 (although currently on sale for £179 at the time of writing this review) the Armonia is not the cheapest bedside crib on the market, and if you can do without the extra features, there are more basic models like the Chicco Next2Me Essential bedside crib (at £99). But if convenience and style are top of your list, it's worth the extra spend.

How easy is it to assemble the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

Very. Setting it up took us around 35-40 minutes, and we did it after our baby was born, when we were already quite sleep-deprived.

The instructions were clear and user-friendly. The pictures were easy to follow, and the assembly was intuitive. Thankfully, no tools are needed to set up the Next2Me Armonia bedside crib.

How easy is it to attach the Chicco Next2Me Armonia cot to your bed?

It's easy to attach the crib to the bed with the safety straps. You detach the side barrier, then move the crib into the position you want it, at the desired height. There are two straps – one for each side – that buckle onto the underside of the crib. These are colour-coded, with grey going into grey and red going into red.

You fasten the grey buckles first, then pass the straps around your bed frame, under your mattress. You pull them back through, then fasten the red buckles. Then you pull the straps to tighten until the crib is firmly attached to the bed. One in place it feels immoveable.

How well does the Chicco Next2Me Armonia work with different bed types?

The crib is designed to work with different bed types, even those with storage compartments underneath – they just need to be a minimum of 58cm and a maximum of 70cm tall. The height of the crib is adjustable – there are 11 different heights to choose from – so you can set it to the same height as your bed.

Does it adjust to the height of your mattress easily?

There are levers on the top and tail end of the Next2Me Armonia crib that you squeeze at the same time to adjust the height. With both levers released, the crib just slides up and down – it was really easy to find the right height.

How does the drop-side mechanism work on the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

Unlike some other models of bedside crib (like the Next2Me Magic Evo), the Armonia does not have a mechanism that allows you to lower the side with one hand. Instead, you have to detach it separately at each side (unzip the mesh and then unclip the metal framework), pull it down carefully, and secure it at each side to the underside of the crib. While this is the same for the Next2Me Essential bedside crib, it's definitely more fiddly than the other designs where you simply have a button that you squeeze to release and collapse one side of the crib.

That said, it’s not difficult to detach and reattach. If, for example, you wanted to remove the side barrier for co-sleeping at night, but reattach it and have all four sides up for daytime naps, it would only take a few minutes to transition the crib each time.

Does the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib feel sturdy and safe?

Yes, whether you have the side raised or lowered, it feels very safe. The side barrier is securely attached when it’s raised (this is why it takes a bit of time and effort to get it down), and it is very sturdy. You could absolutely use the Armonia as a standalone crib, unattached to your bed.

It also feels safe when it’s lowered. Even with the side barrier removed, the crib is not completely open – there is a white, mesh panel that stops your baby from rolling out onto your mattress. We kept the crib in this position – next to the bed with the side barrier detached – and felt our son was safe and secure in there the whole time.

How comfortable is the Chicco Next2Me Armonia mattress?

The mattress that comes with the Armonia Next2Me bedside crib is firm and very suitable for safe newborn sleep. It springs back, and doesn’t sag in the middle or at the edges. It's completely flat and perfectly supportive for little babies.

How easy is it to reach your baby in the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

It couldn’t be easier to reach in. With the side barrier removed, you can even sleep with a hand in the crib, resting on your baby. This really helped our son settle. He didn’t like being alone in a Moses basket (especially in the early newborn days) and would stir and cry after just a few minutes.

Once we transitioned him to the Armonia, and could be physically closer to him (safely), we all slept much better! Our son still wakes up a lot in the night, and I really like being able to lift him out of the crib to feed him and settle him back down without having to get out of bed.

It’s also easier to transition him back into his crib once he’s asleep – I only have to move him a very short distance, and he tends to not wake up.

Can you see your baby easily through the mesh side?

You can easily see your baby through the mesh. It’s not completely see-through all the way around – there are various panels of fabric where the handles and pockets are attached on the exterior of the crib. But you can still get a clear view of your baby without having to move, which is really helpful for reassuring yourself that they’re OK in the middle of the night. The mesh walls are also breathable, providing plenty of ventilation and airflow.

How well did your baby sleep in the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

Our baby settled far better in the Armonia bedside crib than he did in the Moses baskets we tried him in beforehand. We think this is because of the closeness – sleeping right next to us helped him to feel safe and secure.

It is a big sleep space for a small baby, and for the first week or so, our son would startle awake – presumably because he was used to being in much smaller, enclosed spaces! But he got used to it very quickly, and in his sleeping bag, he’s very happy in the Armonia now.

Does the crib have any storage?

The Next2Me Armonia crib has pockets, which I found really useful for storing the essentials I would need during the night. It made things like nappies and wipes much easier to find quickly, even when I was half-asleep.

Does the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib have a rocking mechanism?

While there is no rocking mechanism as such, the structure of the crib and the style of legs means it does move a little if you push it gently. At first, we were worried about its sturdiness, but were quickly reassured that it does feel safe and secure; it is just designed to allow some movement.

I personally found this helpful – if our son was stirring in the night, we could gently rock the crib by pushing the side (no need to even sit up) to see if that settled him down.

What did you think of the built-in motion-sensor light?

I found the built-in motion-sensor light on the Armonia crib helpful. You can attach it to either end of the cot and choose from three levels of brightness. It’s dim enough that the room stays dark and cosy, and it didn’t really disturb my partner.

It does go off automatically after five minutes, which doesn’t leave enough time for feeds or nappy changes, but you can turn it back on with a button on the side of the crib. The light requires two AA batteries, which are not included.

How portable is the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

It does have wheels (that you lock when the crib is stationary), which are useful to move the crib short distances, but it definitely functions best as a crib that you leave in one place.

The wheels came in handy when we were getting it into the right position, and also when we wanted to clean around it, but if I wanted a crib that I could use for naps in multiple rooms in the house, I would choose something more portable. Something like the SnuzPod4 with its removable bassinet, for example.

The Armonia is easy to disassemble and reassemble, and it comes with a travel bag that you can store it in or use when travelling. Although at 13.6kg, it's weighty to carry around.

Does the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib take up a lot of space?

The crib is much larger and bulkier than a Moses basket – it measures W98.5cm x L70.5cm x H65-80cm when assembled – but is still much smaller than a traditional cot. If you want to attach it to your bed you'll need to make sure you have enough space next to you – if your bedroom is particularly small, you might find it too big.

How easy is it to clean?

The mattress cover is removable and machine washable. The mesh walls and panels on the Next2Me Armonia are also removable, but only hand washable. We found that sponging these with warm, soapy water was sufficient to clean off any spit-up.

What’s in the box and are there accessories?

Inside the box is the crib (which needs to be assembled), a mattress, straps to secure it to the bed, and a travel/storage bag.

You can buy Chicco crib sheets and mattress covers for the Armonia, as well as replacement mattresses.

Is the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib worth the money?

The Armonia has multiple features that elevate it beyond a basic bedside crib. The motion-sensor light and external pockets do genuinely make life that little bit easier when you’re half asleep and tending to your baby in the middle of the night.

Its versatility is also a big bonus. It is sturdy enough to be used as a standalone crib (with the side barrier attached), so if the bedside position didn’t, for whatever reason, work for you or your baby, you could still safely use the Armonia – you wouldn’t have to buy anything else. The wheels on the legs, with integrated brakes, are also useful, as is the travel bag included.

The Armonia is one of the most stylish Next2Me cribs on the market and looks a lot nicer than other iterations that have a more functional look. Overall, I think it's worth the money.

Would you recommend the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib to other parents?

I would absolutely recommend a Next2Me crib to parents of newborns. I really like the closeness you get with your baby; my son definitely sleeps a lot better, and I can check on him in the night without having to even sit up.

Next2Me cribs are also great for night feeds – I could just sit up in bed to lift him out and feed him, then transfer him gently back to his crib. This was especially useful in the early days while I was recovering from a c-section and didn’t want to be repeatedly getting in and out of bed.

Whether or not you need the Armonia depends on how much you want to splash out on the extra features. The light and the pockets absolutely made life easier in the middle of the night – but they’re not essential, and it’s worth considering how much you would need or use them. You can enjoy the main advantages of a Next2Me (the closeness and the ease of access) with one of the more basic models, like the Next2Me Essential, for £80 less.

Where can I buy the Chicco Next2Me Armonia bedside crib?

It's available from John Lewis, Chicco and Kiddies Kingdom.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Armonia Next2Me bedside crib is a great option for parents who want the advantages of co-sleeping, but in a manner that adheres to safe sleep. It offers closeness to make your newborn feel safe, and means you can check on them, feed them and settle them without having to get out of bed.

In the early days of multiple wake-ups (and especially if you’re recovering from birth) this is invaluable. The Armonia’s extra features are nice-to-have rather than essential and while they do genuinely make life that bit easier, some families might find they don’t need or use them enough to justify the increased price tag. That said, I found the additional features very helpful and worth the money.

It's easy to navigate the parent unit with handy touch screen controls and the 5.5in, 1080p full HD screen is impressively clear. The LF2936FHD camera boasts a 360° pan and 94° vertical tilt, as well as a built-in colour change night light and lullabies to soothe your baby back to sleep.

Coming in at £229.99, it's certainly a premium model, sitting alongside the likes of the Maxi Cosi See Baby Monitor Pro at £229.99, but with excellent features and the option to use remotely, it's worth the investment, particularly if you plan on using for more than one child.

How easy is it to set up the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

Set up took 20 minutes, including mounting to the wall – approx. 13 minutes to set up the camera and parent unit, approx. 7 minutes to mount to the wall. Set up of the monitor itself took longer than the mounting; it seemed a little slower than I expected to pair to the parent unit with the camera and then to the WiFi.

Are the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, I found the instructions were easy to follow to set up the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor. Once the camera and parent unit are switched on, it takes you through the steps. The camera connects to the parent unit, then asks you to connect to the WiFi and finally allows you to download the app and connect the app to the camera.

What is the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor's video and audio quality like?

The clarity of the screen is impeccable. I’ve had a few video baby monitors previously between both my kids, and this is by far the best picture and display I’ve had.

Clarity is even great in night-mode where I would expect it to be fuzzy or pixelated due to low light. However, if you try to switch to colour mode during low light, it will be a little pixelated, or if the room is dark it will be completely black, as expected.

The sound on the camera is crisp and clear in both directions. If the door is open and someone is down the hall it will even pick that up. As the sound is so clear, I have not needed to increase the volume for use, but in testing it can go quite loud – louder than I expect would be needed by users.

What do you think of the touch screen functionality on the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

I really like it. The touch screen on the device is very handy – especially during set up when needing to type in the WiFi password! It also allows you to move the camera by swiping the picture rather than pressing the arrows multiple times. The touch screen allows you to access and navigate through the menu, or alternatively you can use the buttons provided next to the screen.

How did you find the remote access through the LeapFrog app?

Remote access is a very handy feature for when you're moving around the house. When popping between rooms for quick tasks it’s rare that I take the parent unit with me, so the app enables me to check on my little one if I hear a noise and I’m not within distance of the parent unit. I also find it slightly quicker to go through the settings, turn on music, night light etc on the app. The only downside I’ve found to the app so far is the lag in connection to the camera. It can take a good few seconds for the live feed to display but the parent unit also has a lag with connection to the camera, so it's no different whichever method you use.

Does the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor have a temperature display?

Yes; the temperature monitoring is a great feature and is pretty accurate most of the time, when compared with the temperature recorded by our smart home heating. However, unfortunately it has the odd moment when is appears to glitch. During one experience, in the space of a couple of minutes, the temperature showed several different figures that were very different, ranging from 18.1° to 25.3°. We have smart heating in the room so I know it was around 20° at the time of this glitch. It's hard to tell if this is just something we've experienced or a common issue.

What's the motion detection like on the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

The motion detection is great on the LF2936FHD monitor. It’s very sensitive, although you can change the sensitivity if it’s too much. It also has sound detection and, again, this is very sensitive – which is great – but you can reduce the sensitivity if it’s too much for your needs. As my little one moves a lot in her sleep I found the motion and sound detection best to have turned off, but for younger babies this would be ideal.

What do you think of the night light and lullabies on the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

I think the night light and music/sound features are very useful. The night light (built into the camera base) is quite bright, even on its dimmest setting, but I love the fact you can choose a colour to suit and also select a duration – 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes or continuous – before it switches off. There are a number of pre-set colours to choose from or you can choose from a colour spectrum wheel instead, either through the parent until or app.

You can also choose duration for the music/sound and there are a number of different lullabies and soothing sounds for your baby. I found the soothing sounds in particular were great for getting my little one to re-settle during the night, although again the sound was a little louder than I expected even on the lowest setting.

Can you save photos or recordings from the baby monitor?

Yes, the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor allows you to save photos and recordings, and the capture quality is just as good as the live feed quality. Although if you do try to use colour rather than black and white while the room is low light, it can be a little pixelated, as with the live feed.

What is the signal range like for the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

Great! I’ve not had any issues with the connection to the camera in any part of the house, even at it’s furthest point. The WiFi connection and the app also mean that I can access it on the app anywhere. I have checked the connection while working 20 miles away and was still able to get a fairly real time view, with only a seconds delay.

It maintains a stable connection and I've had no experience of it wavering. The only slight delay has been when initially connecting to the camera, when opening the app or powering up the parent unit.

How intuitive is the parent unit to use?

The touch screen on the LeapFrog LF2936FHD is very responsive. I haven’t found it slow or laggy, but there are rare moments when I find I need to press something for a second time – but it’s less often than not.

The navigation through menus is quick and seamless, however the options are all graphics rather than text. Although most of the graphics are somewhat obvious, if you’re not familiar it may take you a few attempts to find certain things, such as the WiFi settings for example.

How portable is the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

The parent unit is portable and light, although it is sizeable. Personally, I take it in to rooms if I’m going to be in there for a little while. If I’m popping to the kitchen for 10 minutes, it’s more convenient to use the app and leave the parent unit in the main room where I’ll be. It’s great to have the option to use either.

It can be used when travelling; it’s lightweight to take with you and easy enough to plug in. If you want to use the app while away, you would need to connect it to the WiFi where you are staying, and then reconnect it when back home. I have only tested this on one occasion but had no issues with it.

What's the battery like on the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

The battery life for the parent unit seems to be very good. I managed to use it for around 5 days on and off, before I needed to recharge it. I do have a charger plugged in to the living room so tend to put it on charge when it’s in that location, to ensure that it always has some charge.

Does the camera operate on battery or mains?

The LeapFrog LF2936FHD camera only works when plugged in. It’s not something you can charge and then use on battery, although I’ve never been aware of any baby monitors that do have a camera operating off battery, so I believe this is pretty standard.

How does the LeapFrog LF2936FHD compare to other baby monitors?

We’ve previously had a VTech RM5766 video baby monitor, an older VTech model, a cheap unbranded version, and also used a Tapo camera when our baby video monitor broke. With all of these I found that the image and sound quality was just not up to scratch. As well as being not as clear, I also found there was an obvious lag with the image/sound and sometimes they would freeze and pixelate when baby was moving around too quickly. The LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor is far better than any of the previous ones we’ve used in terms of the quality of image and sound. The VTech was the closest in comparison with features, but still not as good a quality as this LeapFrog one.

What do you think are the standout features of the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

The standout features for me are the built-in sounds and lullabies, which have been extremely useful for settling my little one, the app, and the two-way talk feature, so I can speak to my baby through the camera unit.

What’s in the box?

• Parent unit
• Camera
• Charger for parent unit
• Power adapter for camera
• Wall mount
• 2 x screw
• 2 x wall plug
• Parent guide

Is the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor worth the money?

With an RRP of £229.99, it is an investment, but I would definitely say it’s worth the money. Having tried other ones that were of poorer quality, I can see why this particular one has the price point it does. The features are fantastic, the quality is impeccable and it seems as though it is built to see users through multiple children.

Where can I buy the LeapFrog LF2936FHD baby monitor?

It's available from John Lewis, Boots and Mamas & Papas.

MadeForMums verdict

Overall, I would highly recommend this baby monitor to any parent. This is the best baby monitor I’ve used and although the price tag may seem a bit steep to some, it is definitely worth the money for the quality and durability. The image and sound quality alone are remarkable, but when you add in the numerous features such as remote access, soothing sounds, nightlight, range of motion, motion and sound detection, it's definitely a worthwhile purchase.

Read more: 

• CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 review
• Maxi-Cosi See Pro Baby Monitor review
• Momcozy BM01 Video Baby Monitor review

All this technology naturally comes at a price, with the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 retailing at £279. This puts it right at the top of the baby monitor market, with other motion detection devices like the Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor, £299.99

How easy is it to set up the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3?

Straight out of the box, the Cubo Ai 3 is easy to assemble, with clear instructions. The setup process involves assembling the stand, mounting the camera, and connecting it to WiFi via the app. There’s the option of a wall mount for the camera too. While the setup was straightforward, it did take a bit of time.

The camera requires a WiFi connection and the accompanying app, which was relatively easy to set up too. Once connected, the app guides users through configuration smoothly. During travel, setting up the monitor in a new location and connecting to new WiFi network was a bit of a faff, requiring some troubleshooting before getting it up and running again.

What are the key features of the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3?

The CuboAi 3 uses AI to detect rolling over and face covering. This function would have been great for giving peace of mind at the newborn stage, but at 11 months old it was less relevant for my sons. That said, I wish I'd had it earlier!

Another key feature is sleep analytics and tracking – useful for checking sleep patterns with one child, but it doesn't work with 2. We tested it on one of the twins for a couple of nights and found the results a bit unnecessary. The sleep tracker highlights wake-ups, caregiver visits and coughing, all of which we were aware of without having to consult the app! To take advantage of all the monitor's sleep tracking features you need to pay for their 'Ultimate CuboAi Care' subscription, which was beyond our budget at £5.83 a month.

The ability to rewind video footage is great for tracking how the babies settled overnight. It was also fun to watch funny moments the other parent had missed. A bonus feature is the ability to clip up the recorded footage and share with family, something you don’t get with your bog-standard non-WiFi connected monitor.

We also made full use of the talkback function, our voices came through clearly (even if we weren’t always successful at getting the babies back to sleep!).

Does the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 have a temperature indicator?

Yes it does. The temperature and humidity monitoring is a handy feature—we already had a thermometer in the nursery, but it was useful to see it on the screen. I found the gauge to be accurate too.

What is the picture quality like on the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3?

It's fantastic, and I think one of the strongest features of the Cubo Ai 3 is the night vision. The picture is in HD, and even with 2 babies in shot you can clearly see features. Compared to other monitors, this clarity put my mind at ease, with the ability to zoom in to clearly see their face and where the elusive dummy had disappeared to.

Is the camera adjustable?

The CuboAi 3 camera is in the shape of a cute little bird and the lens itself is adjustable to get the best angle for your space. It’s a very wide angle, which meant fitting in 2 cots was no problem. The lens can only be adjusted manually, potentially an issue in the future as the little ones get more mobile.

How easy is it to connect the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 to a smartphone?

It's easy to download the app and I found it to be user-friendly, making it easy to access video, audio, and sleep analytics. However, notifications can be excessive and I found myself muting them often. While the CuboAi 3 generally performed well, there were occasional dropouts on my smartphone. The video feed lagged at times, taking a few seconds to catch up to a live stream. This often seemed to happen without cause, as I found the signal range to be strong wherever you had WiFi. So while I was in the kitchen, the furthest point from the nursery, picture and sound came through loud and clear – not the case for our previous monitor.

What's the sound quality like on the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3?

The monitor captures sound well but I found background noise wasn’t filtered as efficiently as our other monitor, which means the white noise came through clearly.

The most common issue we had was the sound bugging after there had been a connection issue. The picture would remain but the sound cut and glitched. Not the end of the world (you can hear these babies a mile away) but frustrating for a product at that price point.

How portable is the monitor?

The CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 was taken on holiday and proved relatively easy to transport. The stand, while slightly bulky, provided a stable base and a good viewing angle without the need for makeshift solutions like propping it up on books. It didn’t come with a travel case or compact storage option, but it’s not billed as a travel monitor, so that wasn’t a problem for me.

How does the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 compare to other baby monitors?

Previously we were using the GHB Baby Monitor, a non-WiFi connected camera that was very affordable from Amazon. After canvasing the opinions of parent friends and briefly using a very cheap app on phones and tablets, I decided a monitor not connected to the outside world was the best option, mainly to avoid dropouts when the WiFi was down.

One feature that was missing from the CuboAi 3 that the GHB Baby Monitor does very well is the ‘VOX’ setting – the screen is off until there is noise. Ideal at night. While the CuboAi 3 does have a ‘Dim’ option, the screen is still slightly lit up on the phone or tablet, which is quite bright in a dark room. It also meant the sound was on all the time.

One thing the CuboAi 3 does have over our existing monitor is that it’s pretty. The bird-shaped camera for a nursery is fitting and aesthetically pleasing.

What's in the box?

• CuboAi 3 camera unit
• Floor stand and wall mount
• Power adapter and cables
• Temperature and humidity dongle
• Quick-start guide

Is the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 worth the money?

The CuboAi 3 is a premium-priced baby monitor, and while it offers a lot of features, not all of them are essential. As a first-time mum I would have felt a peace of mind in the early days having alerts on my phone, but the older your baby gets the less relevant they are. This is one of the reasons I found it frustrating having to pay an extra subscription to access all the AI features – the purchase price of £279 is already high enough. The subscription we used was the year-long complimentary Premium Plan offered after purchase. Usually this is £3.75 a month, with the Ultimate Plan costing £5.83 per month. It is a worthwhile investment in the long term if HD, clipable video and sleek design is important to you.

Was the packaging sustainable?

I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of plastic that came with the box, with very few plastic-covered cable ties and plastic bags. There were 3 layers of cardboard box to get through before getting to the product itself, but all recyclable.

Where can I buy the CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3?

It's available from Amazon and Cubo.

MadeForMums verdict

The CuboAi Plus Smart Baby Monitor 3 is beautifully designed with impressive picture quality and useful features like excellent HD night vision and video rewind. However, its AI alerts are more beneficial for babies in the 0–6 month bracket than older babies, and occasional connectivity issues are not ideal.

The lack of a separate monitor was also a downside for our family, although it was useful to have the feed on my phone in my pocket and easy to access. It proved relatively travel-friendly, though connecting to new WiFi networks was sometimes a hassle. I would recommend getting it early to benefit fully from all the AI features. Once the need for rolling and face-covering notifications is gone, the CuboAi 3 remains a great product for high-quality video and sleep tracking, and is an adorable and stylish addition to the baby’s room.