HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Rocking Bassinet, Portable Crib, Travel Cot with Breathable Mesh Mattress

Original Review: February 6, 2019Being a new father, I had spent several hours (more like days) researching cribs. The crib is in many senses the quaint essential product that the baby uses. I finally ended up narrowing down my choices to three (Guava Family Lotus Crib, Baby Bjorn, and Halo DreamNest) for various reasons not listed in this review because of space constraints. //Update (July 9, 2019): I also recently received the Guava Family Lotus Crib as a gift and love it! I use both: one for baby naps during the day so the baby can be monitored in the living room and the other for nighttime sleep in the bedroom.//I recently received the Halo DreamNest from my baby registry (purchased by a friend) and am giving a review for this item. Unfortunately, because this item is from my baby registry and someone else purchased it as a gift for me, it won't appear as an Amazon Verified Purchase (because I didn't invest money to purchase it).Summary: Low profile, multi-functional, easy to use, quick set-up, comfortable, safe, machine washable, easily transportable, and sturdy crib.Background:- The biggest pro in my perspective is that a father (Bill Schmid – a professional engineer) whose daughter (Haley) unexpectedly passed away due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) founded the company (Halo Sleep). His goal from that point on was to make baby products that minimized the risk of SIDS. Halo products are used around the nation (not specifically the DreamNest because this is a new release- late 2018/early 2019) and the company has donated over $5.4 million to fight SIDS. In my opinion, all these factors add much credibility to the company.Pro (listed in order of importance):- The product complies with all applicable government regulations in the country of sale. In the US, DreamNest is JPMA certified and complies with ASTM F406, F2194 and F2388 (changing table/DreamNest Plus only). In Canada, DreamNest complies with Health Canada regulations SOR/2018-186 and SOR/2016-152.- The DreamNest is designed to provide a comfortable but more importantly safe and sound sleep. The strong (high tension) mesh mattress is seamless and prevents overheating for babies (babies can’t self-regulate their temperature and overheating is something to watch out for with new babies). // One update (July 9, 2019) - please ensure that you check the tension road on the mesh mattress regularly to ensure that it has the right tension (green indicator). I noticed that mine had loosened a bit after a month of use.//- Reasonably priced.- Mattress fabric is removable and machine washable (this makes life so much easier)!- The item can be switched between a stable crib and a rocker (allows the parent to soothe the baby). This process is quite simple (“step down to lock and lift up to rock”).- The item comes with a travel bag (most helpful for travel or storage)- The set-up was relatively easy and took me around 30 minutes. I read through the instruction manual and watched the Halo DreamNest set-up video on YouTube which is helpful too (though incomplete):- The system is a 3-in-1 portable sleep system: (a) Rocking Bassinet (2 removable rockers), Portable Crib, and a Travel Cot (can be separated from main item and functions as a toddler nap/sleep time item).- Additional replacement parts (halosleep.com) can be purchased at a reasonable price.- The crib has two wheels (one side) that greatly help with moving the item around (please note that the wheels do not function once the rocker attachments are installed)- Other reviewers online have stated that this company has good customer service. However, I have not used the service and cannot critique it at this point.- Great fabric, good color, and great design that naturally blends well into different rooms.Cons (listed in order of importance):- A major con is that professional reviews on this item are still being written, as this is a relatively new item (but Halo has a good track record).- When I inquired about the material used, the company representative stated that the DreamNest is not GreenGuard or Oeko Tex Certified (cf. Guava Lotus Family Crib, BabyBjorn Travel Crib, etc.). Please note that this is the case with several other prominent baby cribs and products. However, I would like to see Halo products get the GreenGuard or Oeko Tex certification in the future (unfortunately very few baby products have either) and lead the way in this category.- Folding the system takes a bit of practice and learning. So, it is not as easily foldable as other travel crib systems (cf. Guava Lotus Family Crib, BabyBjorn Travel Crib.).- Product weighs around 24 pounds - slightly on the heavier side as compared to other foldable crib systems (cf. BabyBjorn Travel Crib).The reason I am giving 4 out of 5 stars is because of the first two cons.Accessories/Add-ons (separate purchases):- Changing Table ($64.99) OR can be purchased with Halo DreamNest Open Air Plus for $299 (crib+changing table)- Fitted sheets ($14.99)- Storage Caddy ($21.99)- Additional replacement parts (check halosleep.com for exact prices of individual prices).Usage:- As always, parents and caregivers NEED to carefully review the instructions for safe product use, all warnings, and follow safe sleep guidelines (read up on how to minimize SIDS). I cannot remind parents of the importance of being aware of these factors.- The Rocking Bassinet can only be used from birth to 15 pounds.- Toddler weight limit is 30 pounds.More updates (if deemed necessary) will be posted as I continue to test and use this product for my child.

Although the mesh pad is breathable, it is not sturdy enough to keep my infant comfortable. It is not supportive and causes him to roll or shift dramatically even with slight movements so he immediately wakes and screams. He lasts 5 minutes asleep before he startles. It was very expensive and hopefully when he get more usage out of it as he gets older but so far it is not working for bedside sleeping as we hoped it would.

Some babies will absolutely hate the mesh "mattress." My baby wakes up immediately after being put on it despite being completely asleep in my arms. If you're lucky, your baby will continue to slumber, but why risk it? Buy something better with a real mattress.The net that holds the hammock is also only held up by some flimsy hooks to the sides. If they're even a little loose, they're likely to pop right off and let your child drop to the ground. If you have the changing table, it can lock that part down, but you lose half the space of the mattress.

We use this as a second changing table, supervised resting and play spot for baby. I absolutely love the height of the changing table (I am 5'3"). We used a Boppy Infant Lounger inside as a good support with head elevation for our very tiny baby with reflux. He is now able to play under his play gym while inside and still off the floor (I like this because we have dogs). I like I can easily roll this to a different location. I do not dissemble. I do not use the rocking feature. I may purchase the mattress that is manufactured for it separately. Overall very sturdy, good air flow, reliable, adaptable.Edit: I recently had to take babe to a couple different locations to be babysat, so I loaded up this whole set up. After practicing a couple times, I can assemble and disassemble in literally 5 minutes! Super easy!! (message me on IG #mombodreview for questions)

This was hard to put together. There is a tension bar that fits underneath the “mattress” that was really hard to fit into place. Seemed like it was defective at first, but we eventually got it into place correctly. It’s a little larger than I expected so it’s kind of tight having it next to the bed as my bassinet. It seems like it would be a pain to fold up and put back into its bag for travel, but I have not tried this yet. Also waiting on the sheets to show up so haven’t put it to use yet. The rocker option is nice though, and I also purchased the diaper changing station which seems convenient. Overall it’s a nice pack n play/bassinet and is pretty lightweight. I’ll be using it as a bassinet for now, then just a pack n play and then the toddler “cot” for traveling, so the price point will hopefully prove itself over time. Happy with this purchase even though it was a little hard to put together.

It barely rocks, would be easier to put hand on babies belly and rock them yourself.The wheels will not work. Tried tipping it just like the instructions show and it will not roll to the living which is why we bought it to move it from room to room through out the day.Hard to put together. Had to get husband to do it and he even struggled. Takes alot of strength to bend the bar in place. Hes strong and it was difficult for himWeight limit is a joke. The bassinet is 15 lbs. The cot is 30 ish. Total waste. Some babies come out at 10 lbs. Not worth the moneym want to return and get the cheap ones that come with all the extras by a different brand.

I have not gotten a chance to use this yet as my baby isnt due for a few more weeks. We did set it up and after a few minutes were able to figure out how it goes together. This unit is much more sturdy than other pack n plays I have had. Set up and take down is relatively simple once you figure out how to use the tensioner. It's a little heavy compared to other units. Over all I love this unit so far.After using it for a month I have a slightly lower rating. My baby doesnt seem to like the feel of the bare mattress... he wakes up almost instantly when put down on the bare mattress.. it is a little scratchy. Definitely invest in a crib sheet.