After a three-year stint on Gransnet's editorial team, Natasha joined Mumsnet in 2021, and has since carved out a specialism in all things home, lifestyle and baby. Sensory play offers an opportunity for engagement with the world outside that helps your baby learn. Soft insects and invertebrates like worms are essential in the breeding season - these easily digestible foods are full of nutritious fat and energy. However, as they are a relatively new product to the baby market, there are some questions you'll want to ask before investing in one.

Best baby nests, pods and cocoons for babies UK 2023

Having worked in childcare and having four of my own I’d say kinetic sand is better than play dough. The only time to intervene, would be if there was an immediate sign of danger to the life of the fledgling.

Intervening with young bird and taking them out the wild can reduce the chances long term survival slightly, as young birds learn important skills at this early stage of development.

Baby Seat, Ages Galt Toys, 3-in-1 Playnest and Gym, Sit Me Up Baby Seat, Ages

Some manufacturers have also made significant changes to the base of the pod, so it is firm and flat like a cot mattress. It also comes with a handy storage bag with a carry handle so you can take it on mini breaks or easily switch rooms at home. Alternatively intervening may be required if the baby blackbird looks to be abandoned or orphaned, but as previously mentioned, although you may not be able to see the parents all the time, they are usually watching nearby. This neutral white baby pod from Kally Sleep has been designed by sleep-safety experts and its hypoallergenic cover comes with Oeko-Tex certifications, making it extra safe for rest, play and supervised tummy time. Over 50% of nests fail in some regions, so blackbirds must try, try again if they don’t first succeed!Blackbird clutches wouldn’t be large enough to keep their population stable if they raised just one brood per year, hence why female blackbirds usually lay at least two clutches of eggs a year, if not three or even four! The Doomoo is designed to be adjustable, so it will see your little one from the newborn stage right up until they're able to use it as a play chair/teddy storage. Read next: See our pick of the best baby shampoo and body wash for your little one's sensitive skin. It may not strike you initially as one of the best toys for newborns, but an impressively simple yet effective play tool for young babies is a mirror – it helps them to develop self-awareness, language and emotional skills, along with being a good tummy time aid. Our mum tester praised this pod for saving her arms on many occasions, and she particularly loves the fabric.

My first sit up play nests | Bounty

We will introduce you exclusively to Newpay finance products provided by NewDay Limited under this Introducer Appointed Representative arrangement. As this product is made by Galt, it is also slightly cheaper than what you'd pay for a more expensive brand. While you should always follow sleep safety guidelines, this nest is made using fabric that claims to help regulate baby's body temperature and offers ventilation, giving you extra peace of mind.

It abled me to potter about knowing my little 1 was insistent on sitting up but could only do it for a few minutes without wobbling. We found the nest invaluable as my little 1 grew and was at the stage of sitting but still a little wobbly. Sensory play is also great for building observational skills as well as problem solving through experimentation.

The best and award-winning UK baby nests and pods for 2023

It's also made from breathable mesh fabric which is designed to keep your little one cool in the summer. While you should never leave your little one unsupervised in a nest, additional ventilation will definitely put anxious mama's minds at rest.

The nest's cocoon-like shape is said to reduce reflux and startle reflex, plus it promotes a semi-foetal position that is said to mimic the womb, helping everyone bank a bit more me-time.