If we could keep our babies close and cuddle them all night long to help them sleep, we would, and while choosing to co-sleep with your little one is a very personal choice that thousands of parents across the UK do, choosing from the best bedside cribs for your baby to sleep in will give you all the benefits of keeping them close to you, without the safety risks. Choosing the best bedside crib for your little one is one of the first of many tasks as a parent, that is until you blink and your baby is ready for a bigger crib in their very own bedroom.
A bedside crib is literally how it sounds: a bassinet-style cot that attaches to your bed with one side that can be removed or dropped down so you can easily reach your baby without any obstacles or the need to get out of bed. Ideal, if you ask us, and celeb mums including Stacey Solomon, Binky Felstead, and Lucy Mecklenburgh agree.
It's like a mini-bed extension for your child so they can sleep safely by your side, and you can lift them into your arms, night feed them, and soothe them back to sleep, all within arm's reach. If you have restricted movement after a C-section, for example, a bedside cot will prove invaluable.
Room-sharing with your precious baby is recommended by the NHS and The Lullaby Trust for the first six months of your little one's life to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Bedside cribs help keep your newborn baby close during the early months while ensuring a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
Best Bedside Cribs 2024
How We Tried And Tested The Best Bedside Cribs:
With help from real parent testers, experts and brands, we've collated a selection of the best bedside cribs for you to choose from to help you co-sleep safely with your little one in the most crucial part of their life. We have factored in a number of key features, including ease of use, affordability, how many babies you are expecting, how much space you have and whether the bedside cribs have unique functions such as a rocking motion or extra storage space. We have taken time to try and think of every need and want and have included some FAQs and expert advice to get you started. If you find the bedside crib of your dreams, we've also handpicked the best bedside crib bedding and the best cot mattresses.
SHOP: The Best Bedside Cribs 2024
Best Bedside Crib Overall
Best Bedside Crib Overall
Credit: John LewisThe original beside crib that first revolutionised the idea that you could be close to your baby and feed much more easily, the SnüzPod 4 is the epitome of versatility and gives us chic Scandi vibes with the smooth curvature in the crib's design. This SnüzPod comes in a white finish and is exclusive to John Lewis. This particular crib stands out to new parents as the breathable mattress has an innovative ComfortAir system, with unique air-flow vents and improved base ventilation, helping to regulate your baby's temperature all year round and is especially helpful in warmer weather.
The SnüzPod can be used as a bedside crib, stand-alone crib, or even a detachable Moses basket that's lightweight and easy to use in and out of the home. It has nine different height settings as well as an optional reflux incline function. Parents also love that it has a rockable stand that'll help soothe your little one to sleep.
Pros
- Eight colour options (so you can pick a style that suits your bedroom)
- Lift-off bassinet design
- Zip-down wall and dual mesh windows
Cons
- Some customers wished the mattress was more eco-friendly
- Takes a bit of time to assemble
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Weight: | 11.5kg |
| Crib size: | H95 x W49 x D100cm |
| Mattress size: | Crib |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | N/A |
| Washable mattress cover: | Yes |
- Lift-off bassinet
- Suitable for use with divan, ottoman and framed beds
- ComfortAir system
- 8 colours to choose from
Best Beside Crib For Small Spaces
Best Beside Crib For Small Spaces
Credit: Amazon From a beloved and reputable band and a favourite with celebs including Lucy Mecklenburgh, the stylish Maxi Cosi Iora gives parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is sleeping in the utmost luxury, only an arm's reach away. A favourite with c-section mums, the crib is a great height to be able to pick your baby up with ease in the first few weeks and when you first come home from hospital. There are five different height positions to choose from, ideal for matching your bed height and a co-sleeping slide function.
Parenting testers from our sister Mother&Baby commented that having a storage compartment underneath is great for storing essentials and that it is slightly smaller than some bedside cribs which is great if you still want space in your bedroom. They also loved that it was easily transportable and even comes with a travel bag. One parent even commented that there is "nothing not to like about this product".
Pros
- Four incline positions
- Easy-to-fold design
- Large storage area underneath
- One large mesh window
- Smaller than some cribs making it great for smaller rooms
- Transportable
Cons
- The mattress is a little bit thin
- Sturdy and heavy when folded into the travel bag
- Instructions tricky to understand, YouTube videos are easier
| Suitable from: | From birth to nine months |
| Weight: | 10.8 kg |
| Crib size: | 52.3L x 97W x 85.7H cm |
| Mattress size: | Crib |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | 5 |
| Washable mattress cover: | Machine washable |
- Four incline and five height positions
- Easy to fold and carry
- Large mesh window
- Storage compartments
Best Bedside Crib For Longevity
Best Bedside Crib For Longevity
Credit: Amazon Chicco's Next 2 Me Forever Crib wins a place on the list thanks to its ability to convert easily from a co-sleep to a stand-alone crib and then a floor bed for toddlers. Ideal if you want a bedside crib that'll be useful for longer and for both nighttime and naps. A crib that grows with our babies? Sounds like a dream for the environment and our bank balance. The Chicco Forever is also height-adjustable, quick to assemble, and easy to attach to your bed.
The patented anti-misuse barrier system ensures total safety and the wheels make it easy to move the crib around to wherever it needs to be. Parent testers told Mother & Baby that they felt the Chicco Forever was incredibly safe thanks to the anti-misuse barrier system which is activated by the buckles used to attach the crib to your bed - meaning it is securely fastened. They also loved the large mattress that gives plenty of room for your baby to roll around as they get older, unlike some smaller bedside cribs. If you want a bedside crib that will take you past six months of use, this one is for you.
Pros
- 11 heights
- Can transition into a toddler bed
- It's on wheels, perfect for the newborn stage
- All-side mesh windows
- Easy to assemble
- Great alternative option to a traditional wooden crib
Cons
- No in-built storage
| Suitable from: | Birth - 4 years |
| Weight: | 20.7kg |
| Crib size: | 109L x 121W x 91H cm |
| Mattress size: | Crib |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | 11 |
| Washable mattress cover: | N/A |
- Suitable from birth up to 4 years
- Converts into a toddler bed
- 11 adjustable height positions
- Smooth transition into each stage
Best Bedside Crib For Design
Best Bedside Crib For Design
Credit: Amazon
If you're looking for a premium wooden crib that will provide your little one with a cosy and safe space to sleep as well as look incredible in your space. Designed to maximize airflow and make it easy to see your baby via the mesh sides, this crib comes with a hypo-allergenic fibre mattress that's 50 per cent more breathable than standard foam mattresses to reduce the risk of overheating.
Stacey Solomon used this with her youngest son Rex and said, 'I chose the Shnuggle Air Bedside Crib, and I love it. Not just because I can be close to him all through the night, but it also has an incline option, which keeps him comfy when he has a little wind. I love that I can see through it, too, because I find myself constantly wanting to check on him when he's sleeping. It also extends into a larger cot so he can grow with it when he's ready to go into his own room - sob'. It converts to a standalone cot for use for up to two years, with the conversion kit sold separately.
Other mum testers loved the size of the crib, making it a great alternative option to a moses basket. One of the few cons is that the zip down side can be a little noisy, which is worth bearing in mind when trying not to wake your sleeping baby.
Pros
- Seven height adjustments
- Gentle incline option
- Two mesh windows
- Hypo-allergenic fibre mattress
- Neutral design looks good in any room
Cons
- Conversion kit from crib to toddler cot is sold separately
- Zip a little noisy
| Suitable from: | Birth to 2 years (or when baby reaches a height of 89cm or starts to climb out) |
| Weight: | 13.9 kg |
| Mattress size: | 95 x 83 x 56 cm |
| Tilt: | Incline option |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | 7 |
| Washable mattress cover: | Yes. |
- Attractive design
- Gentle incline option to help ease colic and reflux
- Conversion crib kit available to turn it unto a toddler bed
- 7 height adjustments to fit most beds
Best Bedside Crib For Rocking
Best Bedside Crib For Rocking
Designed by baby expert Dr Harvey Karp, the Snoo Smart Sleeper knows when your baby moves or cries during sleep, then uses white noise and rocking motions to soothe them back to sleep. It has been hailed a 'sanctuary' and features some pretty impressive technology for sleep deprived parents. It even says to add an extra 1-3 hours of sleep a night - which sounds like a dream to us. Priced at over £1k, the Snoo Smart Sleeper is the most expensive and luxurious crib on the list and is loved by celebrity parents such as Ashley Graham, Serena Williams and Kate Hudson.
As well as being a gorgeous crib in its on right, the Snoo has 5 levels of specially designed sound and motion that imitate the calming sensations of the womb. You can pick which sounds and movements you want to use for your baby, with customisable settings that you control via an app on your phone. It is also offered with a 30 day trial, so that you can make sure it's worth the investment. There is also a swaddle option, which is highly specific and not necessarily for every baby as they are all different, some liked to be swaddled, some do not. Parents that have owned the crib have called the Snoo, "Simply remarkable! I could not believe how effective the Snoo is at settling and calming my baby."
The Snoo is, of course, an expensive option, but the technology is truly unique and different to anything else out there. As well as improving sleep, parents have also raved about how easy it is to set up (you just attach the legs) and how attractive and stylish the overall design is.
Pros
- Comes with swaddles sacks in different sizes
- Includes mattress and cover
- Automatically responds to baby
- Can help with sleep training
- Legs are adjustable for different heights
- Weaning feature, so babies can help not be dependent on the rocking motion
Cons
- Some babies may not respond well to white noise, swaddling and rocking
- No drop down side
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Weight: | 17.4 kg |
| Crib size: | 90.8 cm L × 48.3 cm W × 81.9 cm H (with legs) |
| Mattress size: | Comes with mattress |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | Yes |
| Height positions: | Two |
| Washable mattress cover: | Yes |
- Special sleep sack makes swaddling easier, reduces overheating, prevents unraveled blankets and keeps baby on the back
- Breathable mesh walls for healthy air flow
- Soothes upsets with increasing motion + sound, often calming your baby in under a minute
Best Bedside Crib With Storage
Best Bedside Crib With Storage
Credit: BootsThe Lua Bedside Crib is a fab all-rounder with parents who are looking for a bedside crib that offers storage solutions, comfort, style, safety and versatility. The Lua makes it super easy to keep your baby safely near you, wherever that may be. Designed to make parenting easier, it includes storage and even a changer with the built-in changing mat and shelf, and you can take it travelling with the removable bassinet, collapsible compact design and storage bag. As well as being highly practical, the contemporary, minimal design looks extra-comfy and breathable with a mesh, adjustable side for you to watch your baby sleep soundly next to you. It comes in two colours: fawn and grey.
Parent testers of the Lua bedside crib has praised its minimalist look, breathable fabrics making for a super comfortable sleep environment and the pull down side that makes makes it easier for them to access and change their baby without having to get out of bed. They also loved the the storage compartment at the bottom of the crib,. If you're not up to speed with DIY, some users have commented that the assembly is a little tricky and you have to carefully follow the instructions in case you make a mistake along the way.
Pros
- A removable bassinet means baby can nap anywhere in the house
- Breathable fabrics
- Spacious
- Removable and washable fabrics
Cons
- Some customers found that the instructions were vague and difficult to understand
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Weight: | 12.9 kg |
| Crib size: | 98 x 61.5 x 72 to 82.5cm |
| Mattress size: | Crib |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | 5 |
| Washable mattress cover: | Yes fabrics are removable and washable |
- Removable bassinet so your baby can sleep around the house easily
- Breathable mesh panels
- No need to strap to your bed
- Has storage
- Collapsible compact design and storage bag allows you to take it away with you
Best bedside crib for multiple purposes
Best bedside crib for multiple purposes
Credit: Silver Cross/Argos www.johnlewis.com
The Silver Cross Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 Travel Cot has a quick-and-easy, compact fold, making this bedside crib ideal for holidays, nights away from home, or even storing away when your little one outgrows it. The deep foam mattress, mesh air-flow panels, and optional incline setting offer the best comfort for your baby, and we really like that this product doubles up as a playpen - perfect for when your little one outgrows sleeping next to you.
Designed to fit seamlessly into any home as 'part of the furniture', the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 transforms into travel cot, co-sleeper and playpen - ideal for use at home or when on the road with your little one. It is literally with you every step of the way and is truly unique. It is one of the lightest bedside cribs on the list, weighing just 7.7kg, making it super simple to move around as you wish.
Parent testers of the Slumber Carbon 3-in-1 loved the pop up design, allowing for a quick assembly in minutes, with one saying, "It's perfect - light, portable and easy to fold away, but also sturdy, safe and comfortable!"
Pros
- Super quick pop-up design
- Waterproof carry bag
- Lightweight
- Great for travelling
- 3-in-1 design
- Newborn insert and fitted sheets included
Cons
- Some parents found the mattress was too hard, and they needed to purchase a mattress topper
| Suitable from: | Birth to three years |
| Weight: | 7.7kg |
| Mattress size: | Cot (60 x 120cm) |
| Crib size: | H67 x W80 x D112cm |
| Tilt: | N/A |
| Rocks: | N/A |
| Height positions: | 1 |
| Washable mattress cover: | N/A |
- Safe sleeping space and playpen for babies from newborn up to 3 years
- Sustainable outer fabrics crafted from recycled plastic bottles
- Simple, easy fold
- Fitted sheets included
- Newborn insert included
Best bedside crib for travelling
Best bedside crib for travelling
One of the most popular on the market, backed by hundreds of reviews, the Tutti Bambini CoZee packs style and substance as well as safety as you can use it as a co-sleeping bedside crib or as a standalone crib. There's a handy storage shelf for stashing nappies, and it has two breathable mesh window makes it easy to keep an eye on your baby. We love the incline setting to help ease reflux and that you can use this crib as a co-sleeper or as a standalone crib. It even comes with a travel bag so you take this crib with you wherever you go as a truly travel-friendly option.
Grazia parenting writer Hannah Mellin used the Tutti Bambini CoZee with her newborn baby right up until her son was seven months old. She said, "I come across a lot of bedside crib recommendations in my job but I finally chose the Tuttu Bambini CoZee as I loved the size, the look and the fact you can secure it to the bed and use it as a standalone crib later down the line. I wanted something robust and versatile for the first months of my little ones life and it never let us down. From the different incline and height settings (six to be exact, which is the most I've come across) to the ease of putting it together for the first time - it really did tick every box, especially as I was a very anxious and overwhelmed first time mum. It is definitely not the cheapest option, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other parents."
Pros
- Storage shelf underneath
- Easy to use
- Quick set up
- It comes with a handy travel bag
- Folds flat
Cons
- May be too big for smaller spaces
- Has to be secure or it wobbles a little
| Suitable from: | Birth until six months |
| Crib size: | Assembled L92 x W56 x H69 to 84cm |
| Mattress size: | 83 x 52cm x 3cm |
| Tilt: | Yes |
| Rocks: | No |
| Height positions: | 6 |
| Weight: | 10kg |
- Comes with crib mattress, co-sleeping safety straps, carry case, rocking bars and lockable castor
- 6 height positions
- Incline, helps with reflux
- Two breathable mesh panels
- Easy to fold down into travel bag
Bedside crib buyer's checklist
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.
Is the bedside crib mattress a standard size? If it isn’t, you might be limited to buying bedding from the crib manufacturer. Check, too, whether the mattress is included or has to be bought separately.
How easy is it to assemble? Some bedside cribs are easy to assemble without the use of power tools, while others will test your DIY skills and, most likely, your patience.
Do you want to co-sleep? Some bedside cribs let you keep the panel down at night, so you get 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 – these are a good option if you have concerns about the risks of co-sleeping.
Can you use it as a standalone crib? If you think you’ll convert the crib back and forth from a co-sleeper to a standalone crib regularly, choose one which is robust and doesn’t need to be attached to your bed.
How much space have you got? Bedside cribs vary in size so consider your space and how long you intend to use it. A smaller crib will be outgrown quicker.
• Building an emotional and physical bond which can be comforting for parent and baby
Official safe sleeping guidance from both The Lullaby Trust and the NHS also advises that your newborn should sleep in the same room as you for the first six months. A bedside crib is a super handy way to create that space for your baby in your room without taking as much space as a full-size cot might.
What to look for when buying a bedside crib
If you want to be 'in the know' and clued up on exactly what you should be looking for, here's a quick guide to take you through.
Side panel: If you want to achieve that co-sleeping closeness, make sure that one side of the crib can be lowered. If your baby is likely to nap or sleep without you there, you should make sure this side panel can be easily raised and/or reattached to keep them safe.
Fabric: It goes without saying, but accidents happen in the night so you'll want the crib fabric to be easy to clean. It should be easy to remove and re-attach and machine-washable to oust the mess.
Bedding and mattress: Most bedside cribs come with the mattress supplied, but check that it’s suitably substantial to provide a comfortable sleep for your baby. A baby mattress should be firm and flat.
You'll also want to make sure that standard crib sheets will fit before buying. Your baby's bedding must fit the crib securely and have no excess fabric, so if you need to buy specialist bedding, you'll need to consider its availability and added cost.
Design: Safety and comfort are the most important features in your bedside crib, but, let's be honest, you'll want to pick the one you can happily live within your bedroom for the next six months too. And while it might seem way too far ahead right now, you might want to think about where you’ll put it when your baby outgrows it.
Added features: Some bedside cribs come with extra features designed to help your baby sleep better and make your life as a parent easier – yes, please! Some bedside cribs rock to settle your baby or have an incline feature so you can elevate the mattress to soothe symptoms of reflux. Some have pockets or shelves for storing nappy-changing essentials, and some have a detachable bassinet, which you can use in another room for naps.
It's worth keeping an eye out for these as they'll only make your crib more valuable to you, but with each feature, consider if it's necessary to you and your home and how it could help your little one.
FAQs
Are bedside cribs a good idea?
Half of the babies in the UK will have slept in their parents' bed by the time they're three months old, whether that's through the parents' choice to co-sleep or from accidentally nodding off after a feed. It's so easily done. However, it's worth bearing in mind that this does increase the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation and overheating due to the risk of bedding accidentally covering your baby as you sleep.
The chance of SIDS is lowered when your little one sleeps in a separate cot, and so a bedside crib offers you the benefits of co-sleeping but with the added safety of them having their own space.
These benefits include:
• Easier for breastfeeding mums to nurse through the night with more sleep
• Spending more time with your baby if you're a working parent
• Quicker response to your baby if something is wrong
How long can a baby stay in a bedside crib?
A baby can generally sleep in a bedside crib until they are around six months or when they start rolling over both ways. Some babies may outgrow their bedside crib much sooner and it is recommended that you both check the manufacturer's guidelines and closely monitor your babies development. When your baby starts to sit up on their own or exceds the cribs weight limit, it's time to move them to a larger crib, such as a wooden cot bed.
Is a Moses basket or bedside crib better?
It is all down to you. Even though Moses baskets are the perfect size (and a cosy reminder of being all snuggled up in your belly) for the first few weeks, most babies do outgrow them quickly compared to a bedside crib.
Do you need a Moses basket and a bedside crib?
Moses baskets are a lot more portable and many parents choose to opt to buy one for their downstairs living area as well as having a bedside crib in the bedroom. This can be pricey though and some bedside cribs now have an option to make them more portable without having to dismantle the whole crib.
Are bedside cribs safe?
Bedside cribs are safe when used correctly. The Lullaby Trust says that bedside cribs should preferably be brand new, have a firm, flat surface with a waterproof cover, and that the sleeping surface is in good condition and undamaged. Here's some other guidelines to keep to:
Check for safety standards. Ensure the crib meets safety standards, such as those from ASTM International or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Keep sleep space completely clear from loose bedding. This includes avoiding pillows, muslins, soft toys and blankets without holes.
Secure attachment. Make sure the bedside crib is securely attached to the adult bed to prevent gaps where the baby could get trapped. If you're not sure, use as a standalone crib instead.
For more parenting stories, (non judgmental) advice, tips and memes, check out Grazia's new parenting community on Instagram, @TheJuggleUK
Eleanor Weaver is Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor and has been a writer for Grazia. She's borderline addicted to exploring social media for trends and décor and, thanks to her experience on Mother&Baby, has kept a keen eye on celeb mums. She often shares what they've been using to help make parenting that little bit easier as well as the most-loved baby products you need to know about.