When the Ko-Coon nesting pod arrived on my doorstep I was skeptical; we never had one with Aria and she was just fine, what difference could the Ko-Coon pod make? Turns out, quite a bit, so much so that even Dan is a convert!

Ko-Coon is a local company based in Cape Town whose aim is to make things a whole lot less overwhelming for parents – their merino wool products are handmade by the local community using natural fibres and neutral tones making them the perfect fit for any baby room and home. Their products range from the Ko-Coon nesting pod and beautiful moses baskets (with stands) to sensory receiving blankets and merino wool pillows.

After browsing their site for a while, you will notice that they put a huge emphasis on using merino wool where they can. After reading up about this particular material, I believe that this is one of the key stand out factors that sets a Ko-Coon nesting pod apart from the rest. Merino wool is incredibly impressive and has so many advantages when it comes to infants. Some of the benefits that stood out to me:

• It is antibacterial by nature. This gives me such peace of mind that when Maia is sleeping in her pod, it is clean literally from the inside out. In the same vein…
• It inhibits dust mites, mould and mildew. I certainly do not want those little critters anywhere near my child!
• Just like a down duvet, it is cool in summer and warm in the winter, helping to regulate your child’s temperature.
• Merino wool is completely hypoallergenic as well as breathable which means that it is great for little ones who might suffer from respiratory problems or allergies.

Now that you have some background into Ko-Coon and what sets their products apart, let’s chat about the nesting pod, because if you’re anything like me, you’re probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “not another baby gimmick” because I certainly did. Okay, so first things first, what actually makes up the Ko-Coon nesting pod and what do you get when you purchase it, I’m about to go into a whole lotta detail about each item including what they can be used for once your bub outgrows their pod, because you know, we like major bang for our buck.

The nesting cushion: This is the base or “mattress” of the pod and is made of that glorious 100% merino wool, covered by a weaved cotton fabric. It provides support for your baby but it doesn’t put any unnecessary or harmful pressure on their neck or spine. The cushion makes a great little mat for tummy time and can also be used as a pillow once your child needs one.

The border: My favourite part of the pod because it allows me to customise the pod according to Maia’s growth. So when she was a teeny tiny newborn, we made the pod smaller in essence. Now that she’s growing, we’ve widened things up a bit so that she still fits. It gives your child that snug and safe feeling which is extremely important during the forth trimester (the first 3 months after birth). I’ve used the entire pod as is for tummy time, but you can also take the border out and use it as your support tool. It also comes in handy to help prop your child up when you’re teaching them how to sit, as well as a make-shift bed rail underneath the sheet for when they move into a toddler bed.

The cover: Made from a soft knit fabric, the cover of the Ko-Coon nesting pod makes your baby feel as snug as a bug in a rug. It zips open and close so that it’s really quick and easy to change when you need to. I have two white ones and a stone one, both equally as gorgeous.

The puddle pad: Okay so this doesn’t come in the nesting pod bundle but it’s too good not to mention and well worth the buy in my opinion. The puddle pad goes on top of the nesting cushion (inside the cover) to protect it should your baby’s nappy leak, so like a waterproof made of natural fibres. It folds up really nicely and would also make a great change mat for your car or nappy bag.

This information is all good and well but what do I think of the Ko-Coon nesting pod, and why. Truthfully I love it. It has honestly become one of my must-have baby items and for a good few reasons:

1. It helps with sleep, well in Maia’s case it definitely does. I find that she settles a lot faster and drifts off to sleep a lot quicker when she is in her pod.
2. The nesting pod is really versatile and we have used it all over the house from her cot, to our bed and even in the lounge in her moses basket. I have used the pod for Maia to do tummy time and it works brilliantly. It’s also such a helping hand if she is awake but I need to help Aria with something (like for example, breakfast), I can plonk Maia on her pod, in her basket and I know that she is happy and safe while I attend to Aria.
3. We can rest easy at night knowing that Maia is safe and secure in her nesting pod. For such a tiny little person, a cot is a really big space – I like the fact that the Ko-Coon nesting pod keeps my babe all cuddled up in one spot in the cot.

READ MORE: Our evening routine with a baby and a toddler

Would I spend my hard earned money on a Ko-Coon nesting pod? Absolutely yes. Would I recommend it to friends and family? Without a doubt in my mind. If you’re looking for a baby/nesting pod, I cannot recommend this one from Ko-Coon enough, not only is it so well made and versatile, it’s well priced, it’s locally made and it’s endorsed by pediatric occupational therapists and physiotherapists. They have also recently launched their “trade in baby bundles” which is such an incredible initiative and gives you 20% off your purchase!

Would you like to win a Ko-Coon nesting pod? Of course you do! Entering is really simple:

1. Comment on this blog post and tell me what aspect of the Ko-Coon nesting pod most appeals to you.

2. Make sure you are following both myself and Ko-Coon on either Instagram or Facebook (or both!) and tag one friend in the comments of this picture on Instagram or Facebook (or both!)

Giveaway will run until 8 April 2019 at 20h00.

The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize, failure to do so will result in a new winner being drawn.

Ko-Coon is responsible for delivering the prize to the winner.