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Best cribs and bedside co-sleepers 2026: reviewed and approved by real UK parents

Our guide to the best cribs and best co-sleepers 2026 is based on hands-on testing with real UK parents and feedback from families using them every day. With expert insight from a qualified sleep consultant, we’ve highlighted safe, practical and great-value options to help you choose the right first bed for your baby.

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Mar 10, 2026

Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission, but we’ll only ever publish an honest review. Find out more.

best cribs hero image featuring Maxi-Cosi Iora Air, Chicco Next2Me Armonia, Silver Cross Lunar, Snuzpod 5, Chicco Next2Me Magic

Moses basket? Traditional cot? Co-sleeper? Cradle? Cot bed? Crib? With so many options for your baby's first bed 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 the best cribs, co-sleepers and cots can last a bit longer. As well as finding the best baby monitor to suit your needs, choosing the best crib for your lifestyle and home is an essential you'll want to get sorted before your due date.

"Many families I work with choose next-to-me style cribs, which allow babies to sleep in their own separate, safe space right beside the parents’ bed. These can make it easier to respond quickly to night-time cues and to breastfeed more easily overnight." - Mandy Gurney, RGN RM Dip HV, founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic.

The best bedside cribs and co-sleepers: our top 10

In this article, we’ve rounded-up the best cribs on the market right now, from those which glide or rock to the bedside co-sleepers which fasten safety to your bed. With the help of our verified parent-testers, we’ve rigorously tried and tested the vast majority of the below cribs for safety, durability, look and value for money as well as several other important considerations. We've also scoured to the Mumsnet forums for recommendations from the UK's largest online network of parents, as well as consulting baby sleep expert Mandy Gurney, founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic, for her top tips on choosing the safest newborn bed.

How we tested the best cribs and co-sleepers

Partnering with our carefully selected panel of discerning parent testers, we put our shortlist of the best cribs through their paces over several months of rigorous testing, assessment and review. Our testers - Anna, Lauren, Kayla, Phil, Tabi, Tina and Nino - are all real parents who used the cribs in real life conditions (with their very real babies!) scoring them on a number of important factors including safety, durability, standout features and value for money. Read on to discover their thoughts on our pick of the best cribs and co-sleepers for newborns 2026.

1

Best crib overall

What we like
  • 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 we don't like
  • 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

  • Quite tricky to put up and down - our parent-tester Anna found the instructions a bit confusing

Key specs

RRP: £199 | Size: H66.5 x W73 x D99.5cm | What's included: Mattress, straps, travel bag | Height settings: 11

What Mumsnet users say

Buddha15 · Recommended brand
Chicco next to me. I liked that it has multiple height positions so fitted next to our bed well and you can incline the top which is good for reflux or if baby has a cold. And because they are so popular they are easy to pick up second hand and buy mattresses for.
See Post
TheOneWithUnagi · Recommended brand
We have a Chicco next to me but not the evo version which looks like it rocks? It works really well for us, my baby is 90th centile for length and it fitted him for 5 months. Most babies would fit comfortably for 6 months. We suspected we would have big babies as we are both tall and the Chicco is fairly generous compared with some others. We leave the side down attached to the bed and we are breastfeeding so that's really helped with the transfer and not having to get up.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our full Chicco Next2Me Magic review

Safe, spacious and functional, the Chicco Next2Me Magic Evo 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.

Our parent-tester Anna, who tried the Next2Me out with her newborn son, said "I loved it so much, it was so easy to get the baby in and out and I felt he was really safe in there." She also pointed out that, as a parent who didn't feel comfortable bed-sharing, the Chicco allowed her the closeness of co-sleeping without the danger: "It was great in the early days when my baby would only fall asleep with my hand on him." And, just to make sure that the Next2Me is as good as ever it was, we recently re-tested it with new mum Amy, who gave it a glowing 5 stars and said: "Our baby settled in it straight away. The sliding front is really nice and gives lots of confidence for safe sleeping."

With thousands of Mumsnetters and happy customers agreeing, we've crowned the Chicco Next 2 Me Magic Evo the best co-sleeper crib 2026.

Read next: The best Moses basket mattresses, tried and tested

2

Best co-sleeper for design

What we like
  • Seven height settings

  • Includes travel bag

  • Easy to assemble

  • Crib is well-made and feels very sturdy and safe

What we don't like
  • Crib is quite large, which may make it unsuitable for smaller bedrooms or newborns who prefer a cosier sleep environment

  • Drop panel a little tricky to use

  • No rocking feature

Key specs

RRP: £175 | Size: L93 x W57 x H71cm | Age suitability: 0 - 6 months or 9kg | Number of incline settings: 7 | What's included: Crib, travel bag, shelf under crib, mattress

What Mumsnet users say

Parent-tester Kayla · Tried & Tested
The crib is beautifully designed. It's very sleek and attractive and the wood finish is very appealing.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Silver Cross Lunar Bedside Crib Review

A new release from Mumsnet-favourite brand Silver Cross, the Lunar Bedside Crib is a sleek, beautifully designed co-sleeper which ticked all the boxes for our parent-tester Kayla.

Lined with natural bamboo and with a high-quality mattress, mattress protector and travel bag included, the Lunar is as practical as it is attractive. It also features a useful storage shelf for all your newborn essentials as well as side pockets.

There are seven incline positions and the crib can be used until baby is around six months old. Our parent-tester Kayla was particularly impressed with the adjustability of the crib, saying, "having the include adjustment is a fantastic addition to the design to aid in reflux."

Kayla was also impressed by the ease with which she could assemble the Lunar (something our tester of the Chicco Next2Me Magic struggled with slightly) "it was so easy to put together and disassemble and thanks to the handy bag, it would definitely work as a travel cot too."

3

Best crib budget buy

Kinderkraft Neste UP2

What we like
  • Easy to move around the house

  • Lightweight

  • Great price

What we don't like
  • Side is fiddly to lower

Key specs

RRP: £75 | Dimensions: H68 x D90 x W80cm | What’s included: Mattress, sheet, travel bag | Height settings: 5

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.

Related: The best nappies, tried and tested by real parents

4

Best crib for parent-friendly features

Chicco Next2Me Armonia Bedside Crib

Top Tested
What we like
  • Stylish, premium-feeling design

  • Affordable

  • 11 different height settings

  • In-built motion-sensor nightlight to make night feeding easier

  • Includes a travel bag

  • Useful storage pockets on either end

What we don't like
  • The rocking feature made the crib feel slightly less sturdy

  • Batteries not included for the nightlight (2x AA)

Key specs

RRP: £179 | Size: L98.5 x W70.5 x H65 - 80cm | What's included: Crib, mattress, removable mattress cover, nightlight, travel bag | Height settings: 11

What Mumsnet users say

Parent-tester Nino · Tried & Tested
Overall, it’s a really well-designed, comfortable, and premium-looking crib that feels safe and easy to use once set up. I’m really pleased with it.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Chicco Next2Me Armonia Crib review

There's a lot to like about the Next2Me Armonia - not only does it feature the same number of height settings as the Magic Evo, it also comes with a wide range of helpful, parent-focused additions such as an in-build motion sensor nightlight, side pockets and a rocking mechanism. Plus it's competitively priced at around the £170 mark (and currently on sale for £125 at Amazon!) making it a great mid-range option for your baby's first bed.

Our tester Nino was very impressed with the Armonia, saying that it was well-designed, felt premium and was an improvement on a previous Next2Me crib he had used. He also loved the portability of the crib, saying that it was very easy to move from one room to another (a great feature considering that current safe sleeping guidelines from The Lullaby Trust advise babies under six months sleep supervised at all times).

The Armonia comes with a rocking feature which means that it does move easily to the touch - something which our tester found a little unnerving at first, so that's something to be aware of if you'd prefer a crib which doesn't move. Nonetheless, the Armonia is a lovely, well-designed crib which feels safe, looks great and doesn't cost the earth.

5

Best crib with a removable carry cot

What we like
  • Lift off basket

  • Fits perfectly to bed height

  • Range of colours to suit every room

  • Features a more breathable design than previous SnuzPod generations

What we don't like
  • Rocking the crib is awkward from bed

Key specs

RRP: £200 | Dimensions: L97 x W49 x H86.5 | What’s included: Mattress, bed straps | Height settings: 6

What Mumsnet users say

botleybump · Recommended brand
We had a Snüzpod and loved it.It fit well with the look of our room, so didn't feel like a big lump, was easily propped up for our reflux baby, easy to move, and the top comes off so you can carry baby around in it.
See Post
oliviapsu · Recommended brand
I loved the Snüzpod. Little one used it for 8 months. We moved her mostly just to have her in her own room. She wasn't a big baby though
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet baby & child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our full Snüzpod 5 review

With its cool Scandi style and great temperature-regulating details, the Snüzpod 5 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 latest design of SnüzPod features six different height settings to fit a range of adult beds and to enable parents to fix the crib at an incline to help with reflux. There's also extra breathability with the dual-view mesh side panels, making this an ideal choice for summer-born babies.

Read next: The best toddler beds and bed sheets

6

Most stylish crib

Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Luxe Bedside Crib

Top Tested
What we like
  • Easy to assemble with clear instructions and minimal fuss.

  • Stylish design with wood‑effect finish that suits most bedrooms.

  • Sturdy build feels safe and secure.

  • Comfortable, supportive mattress helps baby settle quickly.

  • Rocking function can soothe baby to sleep.

  • Seven height and incline settings make it easy to get a good bedside fit.

  • Good value compared with other mid‑range bedside crib

What we don't like
  • On the smaller side, so larger babies may grow out of it sooner than expected.

  • Not really designed for travel or regular moves between homes.

Key specs

RRP: £169 | Size: 95.5 W × 61 D × 69.5–81 cm | Included: Crib, mattress, carry bag | Height settings: 7 positions

What Mumsnet users say

Parent-tester Sarah · Tried & Tested
Very stylish, sturdy and easy to assemble - our baby settled in straight away.
See Post
Inmydreams88 · Recommended brand
I have the Ickle Bubba bedside crib.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Luxe Bedside Crib review

The Bubba&Me Luxe Bedside Crib feels more like a grown‑up, stylish version of a Moses basket than a flimsy newborn bassinet. Offering superior design and build quality, the Bubba&Me also offers plenty of practical features including an integrated rocking function and a comfortable, supportive mattress.

Our tester Sarah was particularly impressed with the crib's ease of assembly, look and overall design. "Our baby settled in it right away." She did point out that while the crib is designed to last until age six months (or 9 kg), she envisioned her son growing out of it sooner, saying, "if your baby has a larger 'wingspan' and likes to move their arms about they could end up hitting the sides - I think we will probably only be able to use it until our baby is four or five months as he's quite big."

Overall, for families looking for a comfortable, stylish and reliable bedside crib to use in the early months - especially if room‑sharing is important - the Bubba&Me Luxe does exactly what most parents need it to do without gimmicks.

7

Best co-sleeper crib for breathability

What we like
  • Mesh sides are made from 100% recycled plastic

  • Slide function fits perfect height to your bed

  • Tilts for reflux

  • Comes with a travel bag

What we don't like
  • Thinner mattress than other models

  • Basket is not as large as it could be

Key specs

RRP: £230 | Dimensions: H74.7 x W64 x D97cm | What’s included: Mattress, travel bag | Height settings: five

What Mumsnet users say

Alexis7890 · Recommended product
We have a Maxi-Cosi Iora Air and it’s great. It was recommended to us by 3 different friends who had used it with their babies including one who had the Chicco with their first and much preferred this for their second. Our 6-week-old baby seems happy in it and very easy to set up etc.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Maxi-Cosi Iora Air Review

Featuring a new, more breathable design as an upgrade to the classic Iora, the Maxi-Cosi Iora Air is a fab choice of co-sleeper, 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.

The crib features hidden wheels for ease of portability, five different height settings which can be used both to lower and raise the crib or just on one side to ease reflux or congestion.

Our tester Lauren was extremely impressed with the Iora Air, saying: "Our daughter has slept so well in it from day one. It's easy to adjust to the height which works for us and it has plenty of settings to change if needed or as she gets older."

Related: The best mattresses for kids, tried and tested by Mumsnetters

8

Best crib for travel

Tutti Bambini CoZee

On Sale
What we like
  • 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 we don't like
  • Doesn't have wheels so it can be difficult to move up and down the stairs when unfolded

  • Doesn't rock

Key specs

RRP: £169 | Size: L92, W56, H84cm | What's included: Mattress, travel bag | Height settings: 6

What Mumsnet users say

microwoods · Recommended brand
We have the CoZee and it was great for our DD, will be using again soon! I like tutti bambini as a brand and we also bought a cot from there and a travel cot. All good quality!
See Post
Yuckyyuckyuckity · Recommended product
Loved the Tutti Bambini Cozee although we never used it attached to our bed, just as a crib. If I had to pick again I'd go for the version that can rock.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet writer Gemma Wilcock: Read our in-depth Tutti Bambini CoZee review

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, something our parent-tester Anna tried out first-hand: "When we went away for a night we took it with us and our baby slept as if we were at home."

Anna also liked the CoZee's mesh sides, saying that they didn't attach the crib to the bed for the first couple of weeks due to her having had a C-section, but they were still able to see the baby clearly.

Looking for a more breathable version? Read our Tutti Bambini CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet review

Read next: The best cot mattresses for safety and comfort

9

Best wooden crib

What we like
  • Converts into a cot and bed with extension kit

  • Suitable for up to age 5

  • Solid wood

What we don't like
  • Mattress and bedding sold separately

  • Not a co-sleeper

Key specs

RRP: £335 (or £563 for the crib + extention kit) | Dimensions: H87 x W67 x D82cm | What’s included: Just the crib | Height settings: 4

Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our in-depth Stokke Sleepi review

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 - something our parent-tester was particularly impressed by saying it was "a breeze" to adapt the Sleepi as his baby outgrew each stage.

"It’s a really nice design, looks stylish and the wheels make it easy to move around and then lock into position. The initial size is smaller than we expected - great for keeping a newborn close to your bed, but starts to look on the small side as they grow!”

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 next: The best changing bags - stylish bags and backpacks Mumsnetters love

10

Best crib for twins

Chicco Next2Me Twins Bedside Crib

What we like
  • Allows twins to sleep next to each other safely

  • Lots of ventilation and air flow thanks to the mesh side panels

  • 11 adjustable height settings means it's compatible with most beds and can be adapted to help with reflux and colic

  • Easy to wash

  • Feels sturdy and safe

What we don't like
  • Heavy to move around once assembled

  • Assembly can take a bit of patience - our parent-testers needed around 30 minutes and a YouTube video to do it

Key specs

RRP: £329 | Size: H62 x W98 x D98cm | What's included: 2 x mattresses, washable mattress covers | Height settings: 11


What Mumsnet users say

Parent-tester Helina · Tried & Tested
I would absolutely recommend to other twin parents. For the peace of mind that the twins can sleep side by side but not hurt each other, the value for money of this crib is a no-brainer.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Chicco Next2Me Twins Crib review

There aren't many cribs which have all the benefits of safe co-sleeping but for two babies rather than one - enter the Next2Me Twins crib from Chicco. Designed to accommodate two babies up to 9kg (approx. 6 months), the Next2Me Twins Crib features two compartments with two separate mattresses so your babies have all the benefits of co-bedding without fear that they might disturb one another.

The Next2Me Twins features a transparent barrier with mesh insert and mesh walls for optimum airflow, and also has all 11 different height settings available as per the original Next2Me design. Our parent-tester Helina particularly liked the ease with which the crib could be adjusted for different functionality and loved how much space the crib offered without being overly large itself:

"We love the amount of space the twins get, especially considering there's two of them. We love the way they can see each other and be safe at the same time," she said.

11

Best crib with gliding feature

Ickle Bubba Drift Gliding Crib

On Sale
What we like
  • Easy to assemble

  • Very portable to transport around the house

  • Affordable

  • Smart and practical

What we don't like
  • Gliding feature could be better - considering it's a selling point it didn't blow our tester away

  • Legs stick out at an angle which tester found a bit of a trip hazard

  • Not as sturdy as a permanent cot

Key specs

RRP: £119 | Size: L70, W61, D108cm | What's included: Mattress with cover, travel bag | Height settings: N/A | Rocking feature: Yes

What Mumsnet users say

Parent-tester Phil · Tried & Tested
It's good value for money. It's smart, practical if you want something that can fold down easily, be taken apart and carried.
See Post
Our verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Baby & Child editor Jenny Wonnacott: Read our in-depth Ickle Bubba Drift Gliding Crib review

With all the portability of a Moses basket but the added benefits of a comforting gliding feature, the Ickle Bubba Drift is a great budget buy if you're looking for something a little sturdier than a basket but not as pricey as the likes of the Next2Me or Iora.

It comes in a simple, grey fabric finish and features mesh panels for added breathability and visibility, though the sides don't roll down and it doesn't fasten to the bed so definitely falls more into the crib than co-sleeper category.

Our parent-tester Phil said he liked the portability of the crib, pointing out that it could be easily moved from one room to the next and would be ideal to take on holiday when folded down and placed in the included travel bag. We also like that it comes with a removable mattress cover, though you may still want to use a protector.

12

Best crib made from eco-friendly materials

What we like
  • Easy to assemble

  • Larger and longer-lasting than a standard Moses basket

  • Made from eco-friendly materials

  • Mesh lining is both breathable and allows for parent to see baby very easily

  • Height adjustable to fit neatly alongside bed

What we don't like
  • Pricey

  • Height adjustment can be a bit fiddly to adapt (but shouldn't really need to be once you've got the correct setting for your bed)

  • An earlier version of the crib had some safety concerns pertaining to the sturdiness of the panels and the height of the mattress when using the reflux tilt setting

Key specs

RRP: £250 | Dimensions: 82.4L x 48.4W x 85.4H cm | What's included: Crib, mattress, allen key for assembly | Age suitability: From newborn to 6 months (or baby able to roll)

What Mumsnet users say

Mumsnet editor Tina · Tried & Tested
I really like this crib, yes it’s a premium product but it has a premium look and quality finish that’s designed to last. 
See Post
Our verdict

Tested and reviewed by Mumsnet Head of Content Tina Williams: Read our in-depth Gaia Hera Bedside Crib² review

Retailing at a hefty £250, the Gaia Hera Bedside Crib² is certainly an investment, but with a beautifully crafted design made from eco-friendly materials and coming with minimal plastic packaging, it's a stunning choice for both baby and the environment.

In testing it, I found that my baby son slept very well in this crib, which is larger than a Moses basket but not so large that it didn't feel like a safe, comfortable space for a newborn. I loved the mesh design of the cradle, allowing for easy checking on my baby as he slept. Another great feature of the Hera is its castors, allowing for easier maneuverability around the bedroom than many competitor cribs.

Mostly, though, it's the look of the crib which makes it stand out - it's just a really nice piece of furniture that feels really well-made and built to last.

baby lying in a crib

What are the safety guidelines for bedside cribs?

In 2020 British Standards 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.

According to baby sleep experts, The Lullaby Trust: "The safest cot for a baby is a clear cot. That means removing anything that isn’t essential. Babies need just two items in their cot:

  • A firm, flat, waterproof mattress.

  • Lightweight bedding. 

It’s important to remove anything that isn’t essential because items such as toys, blankets and bumpers could cover their face and obstruct their breathing."

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.

According to Millpond Sleep Clinic founder Mandy Gurney, RGN, RM, Dip HV:

"Many parents choose a Moses basket or crib in the early weeks because they’re smaller and cosier, and research suggests that a snug, womb-like sleep space may help newborns feel more settled and secure in the transition from womb to world.

Many families I work with choose next-to-me style cribs, which allow babies to sleep in their own separate, safe space right beside the parents’ bed.

"These can make it easier to respond quickly to night-time cues and to breastfeed more easily overnight. Studies show that room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) can reduce the risk of SIDS and also help support breastfeeding, particularly in the early weeks."

How to choose the best 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?

Your baby should sleep in a clear cot. This means just a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.

- Mandy Gurney, founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic

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.

"The safest position for your baby to sleep is on their back, with their feet at the bottom of the cot or crib. This reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is recommended for all sleeps, both during the day and at night, until your baby can roll confidently on their own." - Mandy Gurney, founder of Millpond Sleep Clinic

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 basketcot 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 £300 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?

We think 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.

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 with a particular focus on pregnancy, child and baby care product guides, articles and reviews. As a mum of three, Jenny has extensive hands-on experience in all of the Mumsnet content she writes about. She is passionate about sourcing, testing and thoroughly researching the products which make every stage of parenting easier, from the best pregnancy pillow to the most reassuring baby monitor.

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