Best next to me cribs and bedside cots for safe sleeping ...
Best next to me cribs and bedside cots for safe sleeping ...
Our mum testers have tried and tested the best bedside cribs, offering their insights with in-depth reviews you can read to help you choose which cot to have on the side of your bed, so you can sleep safely side-by-side with your baby.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
We know mums want to be close to their newborns, and having a cuddle before bedtime is soothing for little ones. The NHS advises to put them back in their cot before you go to sleep though. They say this is the safest place of them to sleep in the first 6 months, on their back and in the same room as you. Having a cot close to the side of the bed is a popular compromise. The best next to me cribs and bedside cots for your baby allow you to be close to your precious newborn whilst ensuring your little one's safety. Next to me cribs, also known as bedside cots, are designed to be right next to your bed, so they are within touching distance. This allows your baby to see, smell and hear you, helping to make them feel more settled.
So, what exactly is a bedside crib? Essentially, it's a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed. One side can be removed or dropped down out of the way so you can easily lift your baby out towards you for night feeding or, if you need to, soothe them back to sleep. They're especially great for mums recovering from a c-section. There are loads of different styles that you can choose from too!
With so much choice when it comes to the best bedside crib or bedside cot, it is important to know what to look for. For most new parents, restful sleep is high on the priority list, and a bedside crib might help, as well as making those nighttime wake-up calls a little easier because baby will be close to you and easily accessible for feeds and comforting.
Best next to me cribs at a glance
• Editor's choice: SnuzPod 4 Bedside Crib, £199.95
• Best next to me crib after having a c-section: Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Crib, £179.10
• Best portable next to me crib: Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib, £174.95
• Best next to me crib for travel: Silver Cross Voyager Co-Sleeper, £139
• Best eco friendly next to me crib: Clair De Lune Organic Folding Crib, £149.99
New mums also want to ensure their little one is safe, and a bedside crib gives you the security of being close to your baby while also being practical to use. Other important things to consider are space, you need to ensure there is room by your bed and also think about the style of the bedside crib and any special features such as a rocking function.
Unlike Moses baskets and other cots, many bedside cribs can be raised to meet the height of your bed and even put in an incline position which is great for babies with reflux. You can also get some travel cot options which are ideal for families who travel a lot. As with most baby products, there are so many to choose from, so it can be hard to decide which is the best next to me crib for co-sleeping. Things to consider include price, safety, weight and size (especially if space is limited, or you want to move the crib to a different room during the day), age suitability, how easy it is to clean, as well as comfort and the material it is made from.
The benefits of next to me cribs
A bedside crib offers you the benefits of safe co-sleeping with the added safety of them having their own space. When you first bring your little one home, you probably won't want to be apart from them for a moment, even at night. The benefit of a next to me crib is that you can keep little one right beside you as a safe alternative to co-sleeping.
Most next to me cribs are lightweight and portable, meaning you can move them from room to room if you need to, or even travel with them. The benefit of this is that you won't need to purchase an additional Moses basket and you can save some money on baby products.
With your little one next to you all night, bedside cribs are brilliant for fuss-free feeding. You won't need to get out of bed to reach baby because they will be right there beside you, which is a big benefit. Plus, with little one in their own space, it will start to build independence, and your little one will start to learn how to sleep independently.
If you have had a C-section, then your movement might be a bit restricted for a while, and a bedside crib is a great option. You will easily be able to access baby without having to get up, so it should help you to rest and heal.
How to choose the best next to me crib
Is it suitable for your bed?
A bedside crib must be compatible with your bed, as the baby's mattress must be level with your own. If your bed is lower or higher than most, opt for a crib that's height-adjustable. Triple-check compatibility as some cribs are designed to clip onto bedstead frames and, therefore, won't work with a divan.
Check if the bedside crib mattress is a standard size.
If it isn't, you might be limited to buying bedding from the crib manufacturer. This could prove to be more expensive than an alternative regular bedding set, so factor this into your budget. Check, too, whether the mattress is included or has to be bought separately at extra expense.
How easy is it to assemble?
Some next to me cribs are easy to assemble without the use of power tools. While others will test your DIY skills and possibly your patience!
Do you want to co-sleep?
Bedside cribs usually have a side panel that can be lowered so you can see and touch your baby. Some let you keep the panel down at night. This gives the closeness and convenience of co-sleeping without the risks of bed-sharing. Others are designed so that the side panel pops back up after you lift your baby out, and these are a good option if you have concerns about the risks of co-sleeping.
Can you use it as a standalone crib?
Many next to me cribs are designed to convert to standalone cribs. This can be useful if you want to use the crib elsewhere in the house for daytime naps or keep it in your room. But move it away from your bed once your baby starts sleeping for longer at night. Will you convert the crib back and forth from a co-sleeper to a standalone crib regularly? If so, choose one that is robust and doesn't need to be attached to your bed. If you're happy to keep the crib attached to your bed for the duration of its use, don't spend extra money on the standalone functionality.
How much space have you got?
Bedside cribs come in many different sizes. Consider the size of your bedroom and how much space you need to get in and out of bed without disturbing your baby. If you're tight on space, choose a compact crib. Don't forget to factor in that your baby might outgrow a smaller crib before they're six months old.
Safety
It is important to check the safety features on all bedside cribs and also that they comply with British Safety Standards. If you buy the next to me crib second hand do ensure that both the bed and mattress are in good condition. Things to look for include checking that the bed is sturdy and well-made with no gaps or loose parts. You also need to consider the mattress, which should be firm and baby's head should not sink into it by more than a few millimetres. The mattress should also be flat with no cushioned areas, and it should have a waterproof cover to keep it clean and dry. Finally, check the age suitability and that your little one will have room to grow.
How we chose and tested the best next to me cribs
Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
We've tested the best models available in the UK, with around 10 reviewers per product to ensure that we get a range of views on the product. Our independent mums review the products based on their usability, design, quality, and value for money. Reviewers give us qualitative feedback on their experience with the product, which our team of journalists review to decide our recommended products.
From all this work, our best baby crib award winners are chosen and listed below in our finalised and definitive list of the best bedside cribs, one for each key category, along with the quotes we found to be most useful when choosing our selection.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
Our editorial team is also constantly looking for new baby bedside cribs to test so that we can help you find the best - be that a cheaper product that we want to test for value for money or the latest style of bedside crib.
Are next to me cribs safe?
If you'd like to be able to see and reach your baby during the night and for your baby to be able to see you, then a bedside crib is a good choice. If you like the idea of safe co-sleeping but are concerned about the risks of doing so, the best option by far is a co-sleeper crib.
Official safe sleeping guidance from both The Lullaby Trust and the NHS advises that your newborn sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months but not in your bed due to the risk of suffocation and overheating. The chance of sudden infant death syndrome is also lowered when your little one sleeps in a separate cot in the same room.
New safety regulations for bedside cribs
In addition to the above, since November 2020, all new next to me cribs manufactured after this date have to meet the BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement. If you want to make sure that the crib you buy meets all of the new safety regulation, keep your eyes peeled because you may come across old versions as they will have to be phased out gradually. Look out for cribs that are on sale, which are more likely to match the previous safety standards.
The biggest new safety requirement for bedside cribs is that the drop-down barrier doesn't drop completely. This means that baby won't be able to roll from their mattress onto yours. Some parents will feel a bit disappointed by this, as dropping the barrier used to be a nice compromise, mimicking co-sleeping but without the same safety risks. The 'half-height' walls that many cribs will have now provide more of a protective barrier though, with the baby's mattress coming a little lower than yours.
Types of next to me cribs
There are lots of types of next to me cribs to choose from, including:
• Foldable
• Rockable
• Wheely
• Adjustable
• Freestanding
• Drop down side
So let's see what our parent testers had to say about our best next to me crib picks...
Best next to me cribs for co-sleeping 2024
1.
SnuzPod 4 Bedside Crib
Editor's Choice
John Lewis
Price:
£169 (was £249)
www.mamasandpapas.com
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Description
Designed for use from birth to six months, the SnuzPod 4 Bedside Crib allows you to sleep next to your baby within easy reach when the night feeds occur. Our testers like that it has a light bassinet and can be used as a bedside crib, stand-alone crib or a Moses basket/bassinet. The crib has nine different height settings too, ensuring it's the right height for your bed. Although it is suitable from birth to six months, some mums didn't think it grows well with baby, however, the Chicco Next 2 Me Magic 2 is ideal for taller babies.
If you're looking for a crib that fits in with a more minimalist or calming home aesthetic to offset other baby chaos around your home, this one may tick the right boxes for you. Our Mother & Baby's Editor, and mum Maria Martin, tested this crib and describes it as being "up there with some of the most stylish – even if everything out there is bathing in a sea of grey!" She says that although the design may not have made her life any easier in a more practical way, it certainly made her life (and mind) clearer with its sleek look.
We also love that while its slim frame makes it more compact than other bedside crimes, which will be important where space is limited, it also allows baby room to sleep comfortably, and the ComfortAir breathable technology helps regulate your little one’s temperature while they sleep, with an optional reflux incline function to help aid any reflux your baby may suffer from. On the other hand, Maria points out that while the SnuzPod4 is sleek and slim, her 3-month-old stretches her arms out to sleep and is getting too big for this crib. She says she doesn't know how much longer she’ll be in this at night, so not sure it’s worth the money – but all babies grow differently in the first few months.
Maria isn't convinced that this crib is the most functional choice. For example, she didn't find the rocking feature to be useful as it rocks side-to-side in a jolty way, as opposed to a smoother, rocking chair style movement. She sticks to her daughter’s Graco Baby Delight Swing instead, with its more soothing motion. She also found that being on the shorter side, depending on the height you have the SnuzPod4 adjusted to, putting baby down gently was a bit of a mission for her. "I have to lean over the end and it’s hard to hold and place baby down without tapping her feet on the frame. The longer she gets (and she’s only 3 months old at the moment) the tougher this is becoming to do", she says.
We know parents want quick-and-easy when it comes to assembling and adjusting baby hardware, but unfortunately this crib isn't the most straightforward. Maria says the instructions, though easy to follow, were long-winded and required various tools to assemble, as well as adjust height and change the bassinet section from a drop-down, next-to-me style crib, back to a bassinet – which is a bit of a faff and you'll need an Allen key! Maria says this makes it difficult to have it next to your bed at night and use it during the day as a bassinet all in one, whereas other bedside cribs are much more convenient with buttons or attachments on the side.
Read our full SnuzPod 4 crib review
Pros
- Stylish and calming design for your home
- Includes mattress
- Machine washable lining
Cons
- Doesn't grow well with baby
- Requires tools to assemble and adjust
Price:
£169 (was £249)
www.mamasandpapas.com
View offer
2.
Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Crib
Best next to me crib after having a C-section
Amazon
Price:
£199.95
View offer
Description
The Maxi-Cosi lora won the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
The Iora gives parents peace of mind to rest easy knowing that their baby is sleeping in the utmost luxury, only an arm's reach away. We love how it is sophisticated, adjustable and comes with a mattress. One design feature you'll really appreciate in a crib if you have come home from the hospital after having a c-section is height adjustability, and this one comes with five different height positions to choose from! Our mum tester Jasmine Abbott tested the crib for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards and said that it was the perfect height for her to be able to pick her baby with ease right from bringing him home after having had a c-section. She says a lot of other cribs, bedside cots, cot beds and Moses baskets are lower down, forcing you to bend more, which causes discomfort, disrupting the healing process.
The crib is a good bedside sleeper with a co-sleeping slide function. Jasmin also appreciated the storage compartment underneath, saying it's ideal for spare blankets, nappies, and clothes to grab in the middle of the night if needs be, making life so much easier whilst trying to deal with a crying baby. "The mattress is easy to find sheets for too and it’s larger than most Moses baskets so will last longer before I need to upgrade him to a bigger crib", she says.
Jasmine describes the size of the crib as "perfect", saying it’s not as big as a full-sized crib but it's much bigger than standard Moses baskets. She liked that this made it comfortable for her baby, and that the mattress is of good quality – "so many feel flimsy or are really thin", she says. Another mum tester Anita Belgaumkar agrees it's slightly smaller than some bedside cribs, and likes that this means it leaves more space in the bedroom, and seems sturdy and easily transportable. Some mums, however, said it was not that easy to move from room to room.
Our parent tester Gulhan Arapoglu said that while she didn't find it to be light, she did find it manageable to move from room to room and liked that it's nice and sturdy. However, she says it's quite big when packed away in the travel bag, and her husband would have to carry it if travelling as she'd struggle with it on the stairs, which is something to think about if you have a lot of stairs in your home. If you're looking for a more portable option, the Shnuggle Air beside crib is easy to move.
Read our full Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Crib review
Pros
- Five different height positions
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Not easy to move around from room to room
Price:
£199.95
View offer
3.
Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib
Best portable next to me crib for "breathability"
Amazon
Price:
£149.58 (was £179.99)
redirect.viglink.com
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Description
Shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards in the best cot, crib or Moses basket category.
The Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib is designed to maximise airflow and make it easy to see your baby via the mesh sides. To reduce the risk of overheating, it also comes with a hypo-allergenic fibre mattress that's 50 per cent more breathable than standard foam mattresses. The crib is uniquely designed to grow with baby – converting to a stylish standalone cot and extending the safety and comfort for toddlers up to approximately 2 years of age, which our testers liked – but the conversion kit is sold separately at £109.95. the crib has storage space for nighttime essentials and an incline setting to help soothe the symptoms of reflux, however, it doesn't have a rocking feature. For a crib with a rocking feature, the Chicco Next 2 Me Magic 2 is a great choice.
Our mum tester Natasha Barker didn't feel that as a next to me crib this product made her life any easier. She liked that you can see baby through the mesh but felt that it wasn't practical when it came to tending to baby in the night. She says, "The fact this is advertised as a co-sleeper crib I think is wrong as it cannot be used with the side down when baby is asleep, unlike other similar products. This means any time baby wants to feed the side needs to be unzipped, unclipped and then put back together again afterwards, which if you're cluster feeding could be quite a few times in the night!" She also points out that if little one just needs a little pat in the night to sooth back to sleep, you have to sit up and reach over the sides. "I just ended up lifting baby out to feed as it was less hassle!" She says. Our mum tester Alison Barnard adds that it's also quite noisy to zip back up again/clip the bar back in, and says, "on one occasion I did wake him doing this."
Overall our testers said they would recommend this crib. Mum tester Adelle Barnett says "Yes I would recommend this product. It is well made and solid and you can really feel the quality from taking it out of the box, building it and then finally when made and baby is in it." Mum tester Jessica Bates says "I would recommend the Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib to other mums because it is a lovely design in neutral colour which would fit in with all decors." She also says she really liked the storage hammock underneath as it makes the area look a bit tidier as before she always had random items in a heap nearby.
Read our full Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib review
Pros
- Breathable mattress
- Lots of airflow
- Easy to move around
- Conversion kit available separately
- lots of storage space
- Easy to clean with removable washable fabrics
Cons
- Doesn't have a rocking feature
- Mesh not practical
Price:
£149.58 (was £179.99)
redirect.viglink.com
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4.
Tutti Bambini CoZee Air Bedside Crib
Best next to me crib for a divan bed
Emily Gilbert
Price:
£179 (was £225)
www.tuttibambini.com
View offer
Description
The older version of the CoZee Air, the Tutti Bambini CoZee won Bronze in the 2018 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
So quick and easy to open and fold – just the ticket if you're looking for a truly travel-friendly option. Mother & Baby's Features and Reviews Editor and mum Emily Gilbert tested this product for us and says "we simply removed it from the bag and unfolded the legs, making sure the brackets clicked into the plastic receives on the underside of the crib base. And there it was! Standing before our very eyes in just a matter of seconds." The rest of the assembly was similarly a breeze, she says – but things got a bit trickier when it came to actually attaching the CoZee Air to their bed.
One of the things that sets this crib apart from some others is that it's designed for a divan bed. A mum on the BabyCentre forum says they bought one and yes, the straps just wrap around the whole base of your bed – they're really long! Emily says the instructions are simple and well laid out when it comes to building the actual cot, however, for attaching it to the bed, they personally could have done with more details. Emily suggests finding a video online, which is what they did to make the process a lot more straightforward.
If you have a particularly high divan bed like Emily, you'll be relieved to know that there are six different height positions for the CoZee Air. The lowest (position one) is suitable for a mattress height between 49-52cm while the highest (position six) is suitable for a mattress height of 64+cm. It is easy to adjust the height by squeezing the large button on each side and moving the crib either up or down.
A nice little bonus is that you can position one side of the CoZee Air higher than the other to help a baby with reflux. More benefits include two ventilated sides (many just have one), as well as a handy storage shelf underneath. It also comes with both lockable rocking bars and castors, meaning you can use it as a co-sleeper or a height-adjustable standalone crib that rocks. Emily says it's a shame that you have to choose between the rocking feature and being attached to the bed though.n
Size-wise it's one of the larger bedside crib options, so if you're short on space this might not be the one for you. We'd suggest the Clair de Lune bedside crib as a great fold-away option. Emily points out that it is compact enough to fit into its travel bag and relatively lightweight at 10kg.
Read our full Tutti Bambini CoZee Air Bedside Crib review
Pros
- Easy to build
- 6 height positions
- Storage shelf
- Comes with lockable rocking bars
- Different colours available
Cons
- May be too big for those with smaller spaces
- Crib can't be attached to the bed if you want to rock
Price:
£179 (was £225)
www.tuttibambini.com
View offer
5.
Silver Cross Voyager Co-Sleeper
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Best next to me crib for travel
Silver Cross
Price:
£139 (was £175)
www.silvercrossbaby.com
View offer
Description
The Silver Cross Voyager co-sleeper is designed to keep your baby closer to you so you both get a great night's sleep. Plus, the quick-and-easy, fold (one of the most compact on the market) makes the Voyager ideal for holidays or nights away from home which our testers really liked. It comes with a travel bag and the fabric is conveniently removable for easy washing. The co-sleeper includes straps that loop under your mattress to secure it in place – it can also be used as a standalone cot, which is handy when moving it from room-to-room in your home.
Our mum tester Sian and her partner were eager to try this product after losing sleep sitting up and crane their necks or having to get out of bed to check on little one, who slept previously in a traditional Moses basket in chunks of about an hour and a half, struggling to settle on the fairly flaccid and thin mattress. They loved the ability to place the crib flush to their bed and zip down the side, making nightly checks so much easier.
Their little one slept better too, they say, thanks to a plusher, yet slightly firmer, mattress, which Sian thinks offered a bit more support and comfort. The deep foam mattress, mesh air-flow panels, and optional incline setting offer the best comfort for your little one, however, there is only one incline setting available, so maybe the Tutti Bambini CoZee with more incline settings would be another option too.
Read our full Silver Cross Voyager Co-Sleeper review.
Pros
- Ideal for travel
- Handy storage space
- Height adjustable
- Incline setting helps congestion and reflux
Cons
- Only one incline setting
Price:
£139 (was £175)
www.silvercrossbaby.com
View offer
6.
Chicco Next 2 Me Magic 2 Bedside Crib
Best next to me crib with removable side
Boots
Price:
£169 (was £249)
www.mamasandpapas.com
View offer
Description
Shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, the Next2me Magic is a newer version from Chicco, more advanced than ever.
The push of a button is all it takes to remove the side of this bedside crib, although some mums did find this a little tricky! Our testers also really like that the mesh panel on the side is extended, meaning you can see baby easily from the other side of the room. Our mum tester Charlotte Deakin points out that this could have it's own drawbacks though, if like her, you have a mirrored wardrobe that could act as a distraction for your little one. Charlotte says that sometimes her baby took longer to settle because of this, so it might be something to consider. The mesh mattress and side panels allow for plenty of air to circulate, and it's easy to adjust the height to suit your bed, although some mums found the side panel a bit tricky to move up and down. If this side access is key for you, look at the Maxi-Cosi lora.
Our mum tester Amy Williams used the Chicco Next2Me Magic as a travel cot so her newborn could continue to get used to his new sleeping environment while they were away. It was perfect, being really quick and easy to assemble and dismantle. Plus, it comes with a travel bag which Amy found fits everything into nicely. It has some great features such as the ability to incline and rock and also has 11 height levels which means it fits against pretty much any bed. "One bed we slept in while we were away was really high but this is not a problem if you have the Magic", she says. We also love that the legs have swivel wheels and brakes for easy manoeuvring.
Read our full Chicco Next2me Magic crib review
Pros
- Good for taller babies
- Comes with a travel bag
- 11 height settings
- Fits most types of adult beds, including divan base beds
- Safety straps for safe co-sleeping
Cons
- Some mums found moving the side up and down wasn't a very smooth manoeuvre
Price:
£169 (was £249)
www.mamasandpapas.com
View offer
7.
Clair de Lune Organic Folding Crib
Best eco-friendly next to me crib
Clair-de-lune
Price:
£ 149.99
clair-de-lune.co.uk
View offer
Description
Made from GOTs-certified organic cotton, the Clair de Lune Organic Folding Crib is ideal for parents with a smaller bedroom as it can easily be folded away when not in use. We really liked that this crib was designed with practicality and design in mind, it's both lightweight and secure when in place. With its organic materials, breathable design, and premium bamboo mattress, this crib will surely provide your little one with a restful and healthy night's sleep.A disadvantage is that you can't adjust the height, so if this is a problem, the BABYLO Cozi Sleeper has five easy-to-adjust height settings.
Mum Hannah tested the crib, she says: "I find it a lot easier to get to my baby in the night because I can have this right beside the bed, but then can fold it away when it's not in use. The cot is a good side too I feel happy and comfortable that my baby has the room to have a wiggle! From a cost perspective, I feel this will last my baby a lot longer and it can easily be moved around the house so I am getting the most out of my money."
Pros
- Spacious crib
- Stylish design
Cons
- Can't adjust the height
Price:
£ 149.99
clair-de-lune.co.uk
View offer
8.
Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib
Best convertible next to me crib
Amazon
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Description
This co-sleeping crib has been shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards for several years, won Gold in 2017 in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, and a year later was shortlisted in the 2018 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's a consistently popular choice with mums and always impresses the experts.
This Chicco Next2me Side Sleeping Crib converts easily from a co-sleeper to a stand-alone crib – ideal if you want to switch between naps and nighttime. It's height-adjustable, quick to assemble, and easy to attach to your bed. It weighs just 9kg and comes with a handy travel bag which our testers liked. The mattress can be inclined, making it suitable for babies with reflux, but it is a little firm so if you prefer something more comfortable the Silvercross Voyager has a deep foam mattress.
Tested by mum Hannah Jhutti for the Mother&Baby Awards 2018; she said: "This was much easier to use than a Moses basket. My back was hurting from having to lean over the bed to lift baby out, but with this crib next to me, I just sat up and scooped baby out! During the night, if baby cried, I could reach in and hold his hand or stroke him to comfort him back to sleep. I loved being able to see him lying next to me, knowing he was safe and that I couldn't roll on to him"
Read our full Chicco Next2me Crib review
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Six different height settings
Cons
- Mattress is on the firm side
View offer
9.
BABYLO Cozi Sleeper² Bedside Co Sleeper Crib
Best budget-friendly next to me crib
Amazon
View offer
Description
A great budget-friendly option, this BABYLO Cozi Sleeper² Bedside Co Sleeper Crib features a zip-down side panel and two clip-on straps to hold it safely against your bed, although some mums did find it a little flimsy. However, our testers liked that you can use it as a stand-alone crib too. There's an adjustable incline to help with reflux and a five-height adjustment.
Amazon review: "We bought this for our 3-month-old as he had outgrown his Moses basket. Really easy to assemble and comes with a firm mattress and two sheets. Great for night feeds and he has slept well in it from the first night with no issues. Would use again from day one next time."
Pros
- Five adjustable heights
- Storage compartment
Cons
- Some mums felt it was a bit flimsy
View offer
FAQs
What features to look for in a bedside crib
Side panel
Check if you can sleep with the side of the crib lowered, as this means you can see and reach your baby more easily. If your baby is likely to nap in the crib when you're not in bed beside them, make sure the side panel is easy to re-attach.
Storage
Pockets or shelves for storing nappy-changing essentials are very handy on a bedside crib, especially if your room isn't huge.
Fabric
The crib fabric should be easy to clean in case your baby is unwell or has a nappy leak. It should be easy to remove and re-attach and machine-washable.
Mattress
Next to me cribs come with the mattress supplied, but check that it's suitably substantial to provide a comfortable sleep for your baby.
Incline
Some cribs have an incline feature, so you can elevate the mattress to soothe symptoms of reflux. Check that it's easy to adjust without waking your baby.
Bedding
Your baby's bedding must fit the crib and mattress securely, with no loose sheets. Check whether standard crib sheets will fit. If you need to buy specialist bedding, it might be an additional expense.
Bassinet
Some cribs have a detachable bassinet, which you can use in another room for naps. Check it's light enough to carry easily from room to room.
Design
Safety and comfort are the most important features of a crib, but pick one you can happily live with in your bedroom for the next six months! Think about where you'll put it when your baby outgrows it. Choose one that folds compactly if you plan to keep it for another baby.
Extra features
Some of the cribs we tested have features designed to help settle your baby, such as rocking. You might think you don't need this, but many babies find it soothing. A rocking crib may spare you from pacing the floor with a wakeful baby!
Do I need a next-to-me crib for my baby?
If you already have a stylish cot for your baby, you might be wondering whether you need a co-sleeper. It's fine to put your baby to sleep in a cot from the very first day as long as you always position their feet at the foot of the cot. However, a smaller sleeping place is cosier, and your baby is more likely to settle well in this more secure environment right next to you. A bedside crib takes up far less floor space in your bedroom than a larger cot.
The main advantage of a bedside crib over a Moses basket or standard crib is the lack of a barrier between you and your baby provided by the convenient removable side.
A co-sleeper crib also makes nighttime feeds and soothing your baby back to sleep much less of a faff as you get to stay in bed. If you have restricted movement, perhaps after a C-section, a co-sleeper will prove invaluable.
Should a next to me crib be level with the bed?
Yes, the next to me crib should always be level with the bed. It is also important that there are no gaps between the bed and the crib. Babies do move around in their sleep and, especially if they have started rolling over, you don't want them to get trapped in any gaps created between the bed and their crib.
When is baby too big for a bedside crib?
Most babies will tend to outgrow their bassinet by the 6-month mark. It's all based on your little one's physical development, which can massively vary from baby to baby. It's a good idea to check the weight limit of your baby's bedside crib to make sure you're not putting your baby in a crib they're now too heavy for.
How to clean a bedside crib
Whether it's a nappy that's leaked, some spilt milk or some baby vomit, cleaning your bedside crib regularly is an essential chore you must do to keep baby safe from germs.
It's advised to wash sheets twice a week. Any obvious marks or spills on the crib should be cleaned when you spot them to avoid staining. You'll also want to make sure any cleaning and washing products you use are baby-friendly.
We'd recommend giving your bedside crib a deep clean every month. This involves removing the mattress and any components that can be removed. Using a vacuum cleaner to remove any crumbs or dust.
Next, wash all the sheets with a gentle and mild detergent and wipe down the surfaces with a baby-safe anti-bacterial spray. Before reassembling the cot, allow everything to dry fully.
How to dismantle a next to me crib
Every bedside crib dismantles differently, so you'll want to check the manufacturer's instructions before dismantling yours. There are also a lot of very helpful YouTube videos online that helpfully demonstrate exactly how to dismantle most leading bedside cribs. Here is a good demonstration of how to dismantle the Chicco Next To Me Magic crib.
Are bedside cribs the same as next to me cribs?
There are a number of different names for bedside cribs. Some parents call them their next to me crib, and others refer to them as co-sleeping cribs or even co-sleeping cots. Whatever you call them, these kinds of cribs are characterised by their three sides (or sometimes a side that can be lowered), the attachment to the bed that can be adjusted to the right height.
Do babies sleep better in next to me cribs?
Nothing can guarantee that your little one will sleep, but babies are reassured and comforted when they are with you. A next to me crib does mean that even when baby wakes up you can stay in bed and simply reach over to comfort your little one, and they make night feeds easier too.
Is a next to me crib better than a Moses basket?
A next to me crib is likely to last longer than a Moses basket and it is more convenient for night wake ups and feeds. However, a Moses basket might take up less space and could be more portable. It is really a personal preference whether you get both or choose either a Moses basket or next to me crib.
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.
Which bedside crib for baby?
Hi @day86. I know what you mean about all the labels. I have kept most of them (think I removed one big one) as I thought they might be needed if/when I pass it on. I've got used to them - the whole cot is hardly aesthetically pleasing! I don't know about getting the side down, but I do remember that the bits that the illustrations showed as clicking neatly together when the side was down just didn't.
I have to say I think it's pretty crappy for the money. I hate the way it's all rickety as well without tying it to the bed.
I bought a Bugaboo travel cot which is pricey but is just so much nicer - it feels really well made. I'd use it all the time but I can't see into it so easily from my bed (plus you can't elevate one end if you want to for reflux issues).
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