Those first few weeks are a blur of night feeds, nappy changes and checking (again) that they’re still breathing. Getting in and out of bed every time your baby stirs gets old fast, especially if you’re recovering from birth.
That’s where a bedside crib comes in. It attaches to the side of your bed, so your little one has their own safe sleep space while staying right within arm’s reach. You get all the closeness of co-sleeping, without sharing your bed.
Here’s what to look for, plus our pick of the best bedside cribs and how to save on them through Cubbi.
What to Look for in a Bedside Crib
- Safety standards
All new bedside cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019. This means the side panel no longer drops all the way down, so there’s a low barrier between your mattress and theirs. If you’re buying second-hand, check it meets this standard. - A snug fit with your bed
Your baby’s mattress should sit level with yours, with no gaps between the crib and your bed. Height-adjustable cribs are your friend here, and double check whether it works with a divan or bed frame. - A firm, flat mattress
Most cribs come with a mattress included. It should be firm, flat and fit the crib snugly with no gaps around the edges. - Easy-access side panel
A side that lowers easily makes night feeds and settling so much simpler, particularly after a C-section. - Handy extras
Storage shelves for nappies and muslins, a tilt option for babies with reflux, washable fabrics and a travel bag for nights away are all nice bonuses.
The Lullaby Trust and NHS advise that babies sleep on their backs, in their own sleep space, in the same room as you for the first six months. Most babies outgrow a bedside crib by around 6 months (or sooner if they start to sit, kneel or pull themselves up).
1. Mamas & Papas Lua 2 Bedside Crib
Best all-rounder
The Lua is a stylish, minimalist crib that won’t look out of place in your bedroom. The drop-down side has an auto-return function, so you can lift your baby in and out with one hand, and the breathable mesh panels mean you can keep an eye on them through the night. The bassinet lifts off the stand for daytime naps around the house, and there’s a built-in shelf and changing mat to keep essentials close. It also folds into its own travel bag for nights away.
Suitable from birth to around 6 months, with 5 height positions and machine washable covers.
Cubbi Tip 💡 The Mamas & Papas Lua 2 has an RRP from £229, plus there’s 5% off at Mamas & Papas through Cubbi.
2. Chicco Next2Me Bedside Crib
Best value
A long-time parent favourite, the Chicco Next2Me makes night feeds easy with a side panel that lowers in one smooth movement. It’s height adjustable to fit most beds, can be tilted to help with reflux, and has mesh windows so you can see your baby from bed. A great choice if you want a trusted name without stretching the budget.
Cubbi Tip 💡 The Chicco Next2Me has an RRP from £129.99, plus there’s 8% off at Chicco through Cubbi.
3. Maxi-Cosi Iora Bedside Crib
Best after a C-section
A Gold winner at the Mother&Baby Awards, the Iora is ideal if you’re recovering from a C-section or just want minimal effort at 3am. The side slides down easily so you can reach your baby without straining, and with 5 height positions you can get it sitting just right against your bed. It’s roomier than a Moses basket, so it lasts a little longer, and the large storage basket underneath is perfect for spare sheets, nappies and muslins.
Suitable from birth to 6 months or 9kg, with a mattress and travel bag included.
Cubbi Tip 💡 The Maxi-Cosi Iora has an RRP from £159.99, plus there’s 15% off at Maxi-Cosi through Cubbi.
4. SnüzPod 5 Bedside Crib
Best luxury pick
If you want a crib that looks as good as it works, the SnüzPod 5 is the one to treat yourself to. Use it as a bedside crib, a standalone crib or a portable bassinet, so it works just as well for daytime naps downstairs as it does at night. It has 7 height positions, a tilt option for reflux, mesh sides for airflow and a handy shelf underneath. The latest version is also roomier than the last, which is a bonus if your little one is on the taller side.
Suitable from birth to 6 months or 9kg.
Cubbi Tip 💡 The SnüzPod 5 has an RRP from £199.95, plus there’s 10% off at Natural Baby Shower through Cubbi.
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