How to buy the best bedside crib

During the newborn months, a next-to-me crib could make sleeping at night a little simpler by allowing you to keep your baby closer to you for feeds, nappy changes and settling. 

If you're keen to learn more before investing in a bedside crib, we explain the features you should look out for, how safe they are to use and how much you're likely to spend. 

Get our expert tips for making smarter consumer choices. Sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter

What is a bedside crib?

Bedside cribs can fasten to the frame of your bed on one side, so you're effectively lying next to your baby, and the side can usually be dropped down for easier access. This should make night-time feeds and nappy changes for the first six months more straightforward. They also tend to have mesh sides so you can easily keep an eye on your little one without disturbing them.

Bedside cribs are more compact than a cot too, which is great if you're short on space, and some can be folded, doubling up as a travel crib. Plus, some bedside cribs can also be transformed into a cot or toddler bed for when the baby gets older - ideal for 'future proofing' and making your money go further. 

After a cot mattress? See our cot mattress reviews to get the best

What are the benefits of a bedside crib?

• Safer and stress-free alternative to sleeping with your baby in your bed.
• More compact than a cot so will take up less space in your bedroom.
• Lots are foldable which can be handy for travelling. 
• Closeness to your baby might bring you both comfort. 
• Easier access for night feeds so you're not up and out of bed in the early hours, particularly if mobility is poor following a C-section.

How much should I spend on a bedside crib?

Prices for new bedside cribs are usually between £130 and £360. But you'll also see some on the market for closer to £750.

The pricier models tend to be convertible, turning into a traditional, standalone cot for a nursery. You'll also see those that can act as a travel crib when you're on the move and ones that can turn into a floor bed for a toddler. 

But price, quality and safety don't necessarily go hand in hand, as our testing reveals, so it's worth looking at our bedside crib reviews before making your decision.

Discover the baby products the parents at Which? couldn't live without

What should I look for in a bedside crib?

Choosing the best bedside crib all depends on your needs. If you travel a lot, portability might be top of your list, while wheels with brakes could be important if you want to be able to manoeuvre it around your home. We've listed some key features to look out for.

• Height options so it can be tailored to the height of your bed.
• Rocking motions to gently soothe your baby to sleep.
• Removable bassinet for use around the home so your baby is kept safely by your side, night and day.
• Wheels with brakes to aid manoeuvrability.
• Peek-a-boo mesh sides so you can keep a watchful eye over your little one without disturbing them. Also helps with ventilation. 
• Portability as some can compactly fold and join you on your travels. Some come with travel bags to help transport them too.
• Ability to be converted into a standalone cot and even a toddler bed once your baby grows.
• Storage shelves beneath the crib can be useful for storing bits you want readily to hand, such as nappies.

The only guide you'll ever need to babyproof your home

Are bedside cribs safe to use?

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own, flat, separate sleep space - a bedside crib enables this.

Make sure the mattress is firm (baby's head should not sink in more than a few millimetres), completely flat and not raised or have any cushioned areas. 

Some bedside cribs have tilting modes that are claimed to ease congestion and reflux. But following Lullaby Trust and NHS advice, it's best that your baby lies on a completely flat surface, unless instructed otherwise by your GP.

The surface should also be waterproof and kept free of toys or any loose bedding. Pillows and duvets should not be used for babies under 12 months.

Use it as the manufacturer advises you to and, for ultimate peace of mind, check our reviews to find the models we recommend.

How long can babies sleep in a bedside crib?

Bedside cribs can be used from birth until your baby reaches the age of six months - or until they can sit up unaided. From then on, you'll want to transition them to using a cot, which will have more space, height and can grow with your baby.

Is your baby ready for a cot? Read our guide on how to buy the best cot or cot bed

Where to buy a bedside crib

We picked out a handful of sellers that, at the time of writing, are among the most searched for and have a wide stock of bedside cribs.

• Mamas & Papas not only sells its own brand of bedside crib, but also a range of other well-known brands including Maxi-Cosi and Chicco. Prices range from £129 to over £220 and standard home delivery is free on orders over £50. Plus, there's the option of free store delivery if you live close by to one and it's more convenient.
• Smyths Toys has a small selection of bedside cribs with the main brand being Baby Elegance. Prices start relatively low at £40 and rise to £170. As with Mamas & Papas, standard home delivery is free and there's also the option to click and collect.
• Argos also has a small selection of cribs with prices for bedside options ranging £80 to over £200. Examples of brands you'll find here are Obaby and Tutti Bambini. Some cribs come with free delivery, others with delivery charges. Some also give you the option of free store collection, if you have one close by. 
• Boots sells over 20 models of bedside crib with brands including Maxi-Cosi and SnuzPod. You'll see prices ranging from £60 up to more than £500 for models that can turn into cot beds and even sofas. Delivery is free or some items have the option to click and collect. 
• Asda has a small offering of bedside cribs with brands including Ickle Bubba and Kinder Valley. Prices start at a fairly modest £60 and go up to £195. There's a £3.75 charge for home delivery, and the option of click and collect - but not for all models, so check first if this is important to you.
• John Lewis also has a large selection of cribs, with prices ranging from £130 up to around £600 for bedside models, with free standard delivery. Brands you'll find here are Chicco, Shnuggle and Snuz amongst others.