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Best cribs and bedside co-sleepers for newborns
Choosing your child's very first bed can be a tricky purchase, especially if you don't know what to look for. After months of research and testing, we round up the best co-sleepers and cribs for newborns.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Sep 26, 2023
This article was updated on 6th September 2023.
Moses basket? Traditional cot? Co-sleeper? Cradle? Cot bed? Crib? With so many options to choose from, you'll be forgiven for feeling a bit bamboozled. Moses baskets and cradles are usually used during a baby's first few months, while co-sleepers, cribs and cots can last a bit longer. As well as finding the best baby monitor to suit your needs, choosing the best newborn bed for your lifestyle and home is an essential you'll want to get sorted before your due date. Scoping out the best travel cot, or shopping for gadgets like a white noise machine, can come later.
In this article, we’ll round-up the best bedside cribs on the market right now. Be sure to check out our guide to the best cot beds and cots too.
But which bed is right for you and your baby? We’ve rigorously tried and tested various cribs to put them through their paces and determine the very best, along with scouring our forums for recommendations that Mumsnet users can’t get enough of.
What are the safety guidelines for bedside cribs?
In 2020 British Satndards were updated for bedside cribs, which now need to meet the new crib standard BS EN 1130:2019, which means all cribs need to have a 12cm barrier or wall while in bedside mode.
Most modern cribs already have this feature, which prevents babies from rolling out of the crib and into their parents' bed. In the majority of models this barrier is easy to fold down when your baby wakes for a feed in the night.
As the largest network of parents in the UK, we at Mumsnet know only too well the importance of providing a safe, comfortable space for a baby. We spoke to baby sleep experts at The Lullaby Trust and spent hours reading authentic reviews in the Mumsnet Talk forums, researching the beds that offered the best value for most parents.
How we tested
Partnering with parent tester, Anna, a busy mum of three with a newborn and four-year-old twins, we’ve put together our guide to the 8 best cribs available right now.
Here are the best cribs and co-sleepers for newborns.
Best cribs and co-sleepers - at a glance
Best crib overall: Chicco Next2Me Magic
Best budget crib: Babylo Snuggle
Best crib for travel: Tutti Bambini Cozee
Best crib for a divan bed: Maxi Cosi Iora
Best crib with a removable carry cot: Snuzpod 4
Best rocking crib: Joie Roomie Glide
Best wooden bedside crib: Stokke Sleepi Mini Oval Crib
Best portable crib: Kinderkraft Neste Up
Best crib with 360 swivel: Halo BassiNest
1. Best crib overall: Chicco Next2Me Magic
Price on writing: £190 | Buy now from Mamas & Papas
Key specs
Size: H66.5 x W73 x D99.5cm | What's included: Mattress, straps, travel bag | Height settings: 11
What we love
Four tilt options and a rocking mechanism
More spacious than other bedside cribs
Mesh covers let air flow freely throughout the crib
Crib and mattress covers are removable for cleaning
What to know
Can’t be rocked when it's in co-sleeper mode
Fairly heavy – some parents may find it too bulky to use as a travel cot
What Mumsnet users say
“The Next 2 Me cot was honestly the best thing I bought for my son and I would 100% recommend one. He loved being close to us, and we loved having him there and he always settled and slept really well. He's 6 months old now and we've only just finished using it in the last week. I was really upset when he got to big for it and had to go in a 'big' cot. I have just sold it on Facebook market place for more than half the original price so although the initial outlay was more expensive than a Moses basket after selling it it worked out to be about the same.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter queensvillage1)
Our verdict
Safe, spacious and functional, the Chicco Next2Me Magic is a super popular choice among Mumsnetters – and for good reason. It’s roomy with plenty of space for baby to grow and wriggle – much bigger than a Moses basket. Plus, it’s really easy to comfort your baby in the night when in side-sleeping mode as you don’t have to get out of bed. The Next 2 Me can be used as a stand-alone crib, side-sleeper and includes a travel bag so you can use it as a travel cot when away from home.
Perfect for breastfeeding mothers, this bedside crib will give peace of mind to parents – especially first-timers – who want to keep their baby close during the night. Although it looks very similar to cheaper co-sleepers like the Next2Me Original, it's the details - like a whopping 11 height settings and one-handed drop side - that make it the best. With thousands of Mumsnetters and happy customers agreeing, we've crowned the Chicco Next 2 Me Magic the best co-sleeper crib for 2023.
Read our full Chicco Next2Me Magic review.
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2. Best budget crib - Babylo Snuggle
Price on writing: £80 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: L98 x W53 x D68cm | What’s included: Mattress | Height settings: 4
What we love
Tilt for reflux
Great price
Easy to assemble
What to know
Less sturdy than more expensive cribs
What Mumsnet users say
“I had the Babylo normal size co-sleeper and honestly cannot fault it! It did the same job as the more expensive ones and seems nice and sturdy. I had it for my little boy and my sister is now using it for her baby.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter CupidStunt24)
Our verdict
If you love the idea of a co-sleeper crib but don’t want to spend over £100, the Babylo Snuggle is a great option. It has all the UK and EU safety standards you’d expect from a newborn bed, just without the well-known brand name.
Similar in appearance to the Chicco Next 2 Me, the Snuggle can be used at your bedside or as a standalone crib with a simple zip-up side. If your little one suffers with reflux, you can add an incline to help ensure a better night’s sleep. The crib comes with a comfy 5 cm thick mattress and is lined with soft cotton.
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3. Best crib for travel: Tutti Bambini CoZee
Price on writing: £146 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: L92, W56, H84cm | What's included: Mattress, travel bag | Height settings: 6
What we love
Drop side is helpful for night feeds, especially if you're breastfeeding or recovering from a caesarean section
Can be used as a stand-alone crib
Mesh windows allow air to flow freely
Lightweight
What to know
Doesn't have wheels so it can be difficult to move up and down the stairs
Doesn't rock
What Mumsnet users say
“I have a Tutti Bambini and it's been brilliant. Used it for my first DS and currently using it for DS2. Lots of room which has been great as both of my babies have been tall. You can also adjust the height of the crib which was essential after two c-sections as it made it easier to lift both baby out of the crib to feed, i didn't gave to stand up 100 times a night, I could perch on end of bed and lean over.” (Loved by Mumsnetter eggontoast2)
“I have the Tutti Bambini CoZee as well. Dd is 8 months in a couple of days and still fits comfortably. Unfortunately she learnt to pull herself up to standing yesterday so will have to stop using it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake)
Our verdict
The Tutti Bambini CoZee is an easy-to-use bedside crib that's ideal for any new parent. Spacious and less bulky than other co-sleepers, such as the Chicco Next2Me Magic, it’s height-adjustable to fit any bed, has an anti-reflux incline setting and can be attached to the bed safely using straps.
With a breastfeeding-friendly drop side, a 30-second open and fold mechanism and machine-washable covers, it offers everything a baby needs to sleep comfortably and safely during the day or night. It's great for parents who want to try co-sleeping, but need extra reassurance. It’s also small, light and easy-to-assemble enough to be used as a travel cot whenever you're away from home.
Read our full Tutti Bambini Cozee review.
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4. Best crib for a divan bed - Maxi Cosi Iora
Price on writing: £189 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: H93 x W55 x D75cm | What’s included: Mattress, travel bag | Height settings: n/a
What we love
Large storage basket
Slide function fits perfect height to your bed
Tilts for reflux
Comes with a travel bag
What to know
Thinner mattress than other models
Fiddly to collapse
What Mumsnet users say
“I had the Maxi Cosi Iora with my divan bed. I really liked it, had a basket underneath which was great for storage, and mesh side. My DD has reflux and the recline was really good. Plus it can be easily taken down and comes with a travel bag, for when we did overnight stays.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter DressingGown87)
Our verdict
With a big storage basket to keep those late-night wipes, nappies and muslins handy, the Maxi-Cosi Iora is a fab choice, whatever kind of bed you have - including divans. The crib comes with straps which sit under your mattress to keep it secure and connected. The slide function makes it easy to get a perfect fit, and the drop-side can be zipped up when you want to use it as a standalone crib.
We did notice a number of drawbacks for this crib - there are no wheels so it’s that bit trickier to move it around the house, plus some reviewers found it fiddly to fold down for travel. If you want a co-sleeper crib that stays put though, this is a great option.
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5. Best crib with a removable carry cot - Snuzpod 4
Price on writing: £150 | Buy now from Mamas & Papas
Key specs
Dimensions: H95 x W49 x D100cm | What’s included: Mattress, bed straps | Height settings: n/a
What we love
Lift off basket
Fits perfectly to bed height
Looks great
What to know
Rocking the crib is awkward from bed
What Mumsnet users say
“I love my Snuzpod. I didn't fix it to the bed, but we zipped the side down at night when we needed to reach my daughter and she only grew too big for it at 8 months. The reflux tilt was really handy but the rocking wasn't great. We could side it between rooms easily too.” Loved by Mumsnet user MariaDingbat)
“The snuzpod is well worth the money! It's gorgeous and so practical. Both of my boys slept really well in it for 7 months, very safe as you strap it to the bed. Would defo recommend.” Recommended by Mumsnetter hithere5677)
Our verdict
With its cool Scandi style and great temperature-regulating details, the Snuzpod 4 is the latest model of the bedside crib Mumsnetters really love. Like a Moses basket, the part of the crib that you baby sleeps in can be easily lifted out.
The lightweight basket can be lifted out of the sturdy wooden base, so your baby can nap during the day wherever in the house you happen to be. If and when your baby sleeps in their own room, the crib easily detaches from your bed and makes a brilliant standalone crib. The curved wooden base does rock, but only back and forth, which can be awkward to operate if you’re lying in bed.
Read our in-depth guide to an earlier model in Mumsnet’s Snuzpod 2 review.
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6. Best rocking crib - Joie Roomie Glide
Price on writing: £160 | Buy now from Boots
Key specs
Dimensions: W69 x H81 x D99cm | What’s included: Mattress, bed straps, travel bag | Height settings: 11
What we love
One-touch rocking
Tilt for reflux
One-hand operated retractable side
What to know
Wheels are fixed so it's awkward to move around
What Mumsnet users say
“We have the joie roomie glide dlx. I think it’s brill, baby is only 2 weeks old so obviously not had long term use yet but I can’t fault it. It’s super spacious and she will fit in it for a good while. It also has a glide feature (which I haven’t actually used yet). It also can be inclined if baby has colic etc. I had a c section and found it much easier to get her in and out of while I’m in bed, plus you can see her easily at all times.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Nat4392)
Our verdict
Designed with movement in mind, the Joie Roomie Glide features a smooth, one-hand glide function that makes rocking your baby to sleep a doddle. Many babies fall asleep more easily with rocking - whether it’s in the car, pram or sling, and this crib rocks gently from side to side at a pace you set.
All the adjustable features - height, incline and rocking - can be operated one-handed, which is a real life-saver when you often have your hands full with your baby, other children or the laundry basket and want to settle them down as quickly and smoothly as possible.
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7. Best wooden bedside crib - Stokke Sleepi Mini Oval Crib
Price on writing: £335 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Dimensions: H87 x W67 x D82cm | What’s included: Just the crib | Height settings: 4
What we love
Converts into a cot and bed with extension kit
Suitable for up to age 5
Solid wood
What to know
Mattress and bedding sold separately
Not a co-sleeper
What Mumsnet users say
“I loved my Stokke Sleepi. I bought it second hand and it’s done my 2 girls and still in great condition. I had mattresses made for it and just used normal cot sheets and they fit fine. It grows with the child with the extensions and it’s very pretty.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter TheGriffle)
Our verdict
Suitable from newborn to age 5, the Stokke Sleepi has a unique, quirky look that’s a big hit with Mumsnetters. The oval design of the newborn crib is shaped to resemble a mother’s womb, and unlike other cribs it grows longer with your child using extensions.
At over £300, it’s on the pricier end of the market, and Mumsnetters say this one’s a great option for both buying and selling secondhand. The unusual shape and lengthening mean standard mattresses won’t fit this cot bed, so you’ll need to get a Stokke mattress or one of the cheaper versions available on Amazon.
Read our in-depth Stokke Sleepi Mini review
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8. Best portable crib - Kinderkraft Neste UP
Price on writing: £117 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: H68 x D90 x W80cm | What’s included: Mattress, sheet, travel bag | Height settings: 5
What we love
Easy to move around the house
Lightweight
Great price
What to know
Side is fiddly to lower
What Mumsnet users say
“I have the kinderkraft neste bedside crib and love it (only difference is the legs are straight and it has handles on the top of them)! It seems no different to the chicco next2me but is a fraction of the price! It's a decent size, looks nice and is really handy next to the bed. It's pretty sturdy too. I also love that it can be tilted if you have a little one with reflux or anything.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter KHR1)
Our verdict
Made to be moved around, the Neste from Kinderkraft is really lightweight so you can carry it from room to room, or tilt the base to wheel it around. This comes in handy for daytime naps, so it’s great if you just want to buy one thing for your baby to sleep in at home, rather than a crib for your bedroom and a moses basket for elsewhere.
The retractable side is a bit fiddly to take down, but this shouldn’t be an issue for comforting your baby at night as it would already be in the open position. The crib fits snugly next to your bed, with straps to keep it in place. There’s a recline setting for reflux, a carry bag to take it on trips and the mattress and sheet are included when you buy.
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9. Best crib with 360 swivel: Halo BassiNest
Price on writing: £200 | Buy now from Boots
Key specs
Dimensions: 114 x 61 x 94cm | What’s included: Mattress, sheet | Height settings: Not stated
What we love
Rotates to make getting out of bed easier
Tucks under your bed when not in use
Includes soothing sounds, vibrations and a nightlight
What to know
Requires 3 AA batteries
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the halo bassinest and it’s been the best purchase we have made! The bassinest rotates a full 360 onto the bed and u can ‘shoogle’ it like a pram through the night! The base is very heavy and sturdy so may be difficult to move room to room. But I am honestly so pleased with it. We did have a next to me but the let’s wouldn’t fit under our bed hence this purchase." (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Anon9990)
Our verdict
With more bells and whistles than you can shake a stick at, the Halo BassiNest has really impressed Mumsnetters who've used it. It swivels 360 degrees, meaning you can smoothly shft it out of the way - an attractive feature for those pushed for space or if you've had a c-section.
The BassiNest comes complete with what's amusingly dubbed a 'soothing centre' - five buttons controlling the crib's vibration, sounds and light features. What's more, it folds right down to slide under your bed, which is amazing if you need the space during the day.
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What are the benefits of a bedside crib?
Babies need to be close to their parents, especially when they’re very tiny, and it’s very normal for them to want to be close to you while they sleep. While some families opt to bedshare, many new mums want a bit of their own space at night, as well as the peace of mind a safe bedside crib brings.
With a bedside crib, you’re able to keep your baby within arms reach, breastfeed at night without getting out of bed, all with the reassurance that your baby is sleeping in a safe place designed for their needs.
Bedside cribs are especially good for mothers recovering from a C-section, as it’s so much easier and less strenuous to lift your baby out of a bedside crib than a cot or moses basket.
How to choose the right newborn bed
We’ve compiled some tips to help you choose the product that’s right for you – and ensure your baby sleeps safely.
1. Safety first
The Lullaby Trust advise that you check your chosen bed complies with British Safety Standards. If bought second-hand, the bed and mattress must be in good condition.
Check that the bed is sturdy and well made with no gaps or loose parts, and that it will keep your baby secure with enough room to grow.
When it comes to a baby's safety while sleeping, you'll also need to check the mattress:
Is it firm? Your baby’s head should not sink into it by more than a few millimetres
Is it entirely flat with no raised or cushioned areas?
Does it have a waterproof cover so it is kept clean and dry?
Correct positioning
Babies must always be put to sleep on their back (never on their front or side) with their feet positioned at the end of the bed.
Any bedding and clothing covering them should also not rest above shoulder height or cover their face or head.
Pods, nests, pillows, duvets, thick or bulky bedding, cot bumpers, hammocks or sleep positioners aren't recommended, and the bed should also be free of loose bedding and soft toys.
2. A newborn bed is the right buy for you if…
You’re looking for a separate bed for your baby
You have room for one in your bedroom or downstairs for daytime naps
3. A newborn bed is not for you if…
You would prefer to share your bed with your baby and co-sleep
You have a limited budget and would rather spend money on a cot bed that will last longer than, say, a crib or Moses basket – cot beds can eventually be converted into a toddler bed (yes, seriously)
4. How much do you want to spend?
Prices range from £80 to well over £400 so consider your budget.
If your baby isn’t sleeping well (and neither are you), it might be tempting to splash out on products that promise a better or longer night’s sleep, but the reality is that babies wake up even in the most expensive of beds.
What's the best crib to buy for a newborn?
The Chicco Next 2 Me Magic is the best crib to buy for a newborn. It's super easy to use, breastfeeding friendly and allows you to be right next to your baby while you both sleep. To read more about what our testers thought of this co-sleeping bed, head to our Chicco Next 2 Me Magic review.
Why you should trust our reviews
At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.
We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.
Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.