6 Best Bedside Cribs of 2026

The CoZee is the simplest of the cribs here and the one reviewers keep recommending to anxious first-time parents. Testix gave it 9.2 out of 10 and the Best in Test title, praising its build and value, while Mumsnet calls it easy to use and a good choice for nervous first-time co-sleepers. It has six height positions between roughly 69 and 84 cm, a removable side so you can lift the baby across without leaning over a rail, and mesh on both sides. Its straightforward design is the main point. At about 9.9 kg it is among the lighter options, it straps to the bed frame and it can also be used on its own as a freestanding crib, which gives you a second place to put the baby down during the day in the same room. Mumsnet notes the drop side suits night feeds, while also flagging that it has no wheels, so moving it up and down stairs means carrying it. The trade-offs are modest. There is no rocking function and no tilt, so a baby who settles only when moved will not get help from the crib itself. The six-position range is also narrower than the Chicco's eleven, so check your bed height against the measurements before buying. As with every bedside crib, it is for the first six months or so, with the baby lying flat on the firm mattress and without cushions, toys or loose blankets. If you want a dependable, no-fuss crib and do not need extras, this is the one to look at first. It makes the most sense for a first baby, or for parents who simply want the least to think about at three in the morning.

The Iora Air is the crib to choose if airflow and visibility are your priorities. Mumsnet names it its best bedside crib for breathability, praising the recycled mesh sides, and Testix scored it 8.8 out of 10 as Best for Adjustable Comfort. Maxi-Cosi describes it as suitable from birth to about 6 months and up to 9 kg, with five height positions, a slide function to ease it against the adult bed and a rocking mode that works by flipping an arched leg support. The mesh is integral rather than a single window, so you can see the baby from the bed with the side raised. The cover unzips and is machine washable, which is more useful than it sounds with a newborn, and the same manufacturer notes it can later be used as a stand-alone crib once the baby no longer needs to sleep right next to you. Testix also points to a thicker mattress than the budget options, around 4.5 cm. Mumsnet's caveat is that the mattress is thinner than some rivals and the basket is smaller than in the standard Iora, so storage is limited. At about 10.8 kg it is mid-weight, and it is a strong fit for most beds, including divans, according to the same review. The higher price band reflects the extra features rather than a bigger crib. Choose this one if you live somewhere warm, if you like to keep an eye on the baby without getting up, or if you want rocking and tilt in a crib that still folds for travel. It is a good all-rounder that gives up only a little in storage.

The CoZee Air takes the basic CoZee and adds the comforts parents asked for: an extra mesh window, a rocking action and a quick fold. MadeForMums gave it the highest rating in its round-up, 4.6 stars, as best for smooth rocking, saying it delivers on safety, practicality and style. Testix scored it 8.3 out of 10 as Best for Airflow thanks to dual mesh panels. It keeps the six height positions of the original, with a removable side and a frame that folds in around 30 seconds, plus a travel bag and a draught curtain for cooler rooms. The rocking is the smoothest in the MadeForMums group, but note that it only works when the crib is used standalone, not when it is strapped to the bed, so it helps most in daytime naps in the same room. The mattress cover is spot-clean, or machine wash only if necessary, which is less convenient than other models, and it sits at a higher price point than the plain CoZee. At about 10.2 to 11 kg depending on the source, it is not the lightest. This suits parents who want the CoZee's easy bedside design with better airflow, a quick fold for visits to relatives, and a gentle rocking option in the daytime. If you only need a crib attached to the bed, the original CoZee gives you the same shape for less effort.

The standard Iora is the one to pick when you want room to keep nappies, wipes and spare clothes within arm's reach of the bed. MadeForMums names it best for extra storage, thanks to a large basket beneath the sleeping area, and says it is simple to build and easy to fit to different types of bed. It offers five height positions, two slide positions and a barrier of about 18 cm when the side is down. It folds for travel and weighs around 10.8 kg, with a footprint a little smaller than the Chicco. The mattress is comfortable and the tilt feature is there for babies who settle better slightly raised, though it does not rock. Because the basket does the work of a nursery shelf, it keeps the bedroom tidier at night. The compromises are the mesh and the covers. MadeForMums points out that mesh runs on one side only, so there is less airflow than in the Iora Air, and the mattress cover and outer fabric need hand washing and crease easily. If good ventilation is your top priority, the Air version is the better fit. This is a practical choice for small bedrooms and for parents who prefer to have everything for night-time care in one place. It gives up some breathability for convenience, so it suits milder rooms and households where tidiness matters.

The Next2Me Essential is Chicco's stripped-back bedside crib, aimed at parents who want the brand's familiar design without the extras of the Magic Evo. Testix included it in its comparison of ten bedside cribs, listing a height-adjustable base and a removable side, but did not give it a score or ranking, so independent evidence for it is thinner than for the other cribs in this list. The manufacturer's description points to a crib that is compatible with different beds, has adjustable height and good air circulation, and comes with the mattress and a carry bag for use from birth to about 6 months. In other words, it covers the basics of a bedside crib and leaves out the more elaborate functions, which keeps it easier to understand and often easier to use. Because the available testing is limited, treat this as a sensible value option rather than a proven favourite. Some details, such as the exact number of height positions and the weight of the crib, are not stated in the sources we reviewed, so check the manual and measure your bed before buying. As with every bedside crib, secure it tightly to the adult bed with no gap, use only the mattress supplied and keep the sleeping area free of soft items. It is the choice for parents who want a recognised brand, a removable side and a plain design, and who are happy to trade features for simplicity. If you want the strongest track record, the cribs above it have more detailed reviews behind them.