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12 best bedside cribs and Moses baskets, tested by parents and experts
These next-to-me cribs will keep your baby close for night feeds and nappy changes
Tested by Sally J. Hall
It’s one of the first things you think about when you discover you're pregnant – sleep. Namely, where will your baby sleep (and, of course, how will that impact your sleep?).
When you have a newborn, experts agree that the safest place for your baby to sleep is next to you (although always in their own sleep space), for at least the first six months. That’s where small baby beds such as bedside cribs and Moses baskets come in handy, especially when you don’t have room for a full cot.
They make nighttime feeds and nappy changes that little bit easier. You can also keep an eye on them more easily without disturbing them. But, with so much choice out there, it can be hard to know what’s best for you and your baby.
Looking for an affordable buy? We recommend the Graco Sweet2Sleep Bedside Crib for £80 – it's a good size with an easy-to-use drop side.
That’s why our parenting expert at the Good Housekeeping Institute has been busy testing the market leaders to find the best bedside cribs and Moses baskets for your newborn. These are our top-rated picks at a glance, but keep scrolling for the full reviews, plus everything you need to consider before buying.
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Best Moses basket
The Little Green Sheep Organic Ripple Knit Moses Basket, Mattress & Natural Foldable Stand
Read review - 4
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What is a bedside crib and is it worth it?
A bedside crib is a small cot, often portable or foldable, that sits next to your bed at night, so you can stay close to your baby, but they still have their own flat sleep space. Some have a drop side that helps you reach your baby easily for night feeds. It also allows you to check on your newborn without disturbing them, so they’re definitely worth it for peace of mind and less disturbance to your sleep routine. They’re also more compact than having a full cot in your bedroom and can be folded away when not in use or for travel.
Many also come with useful extra features, such as shelves for storing nappies and wipes. Some even have rockers, music and night lights.
Note that by law, a bedside crib should have a barrier that's at least 20cm high between your bed and the baby's sleep space, and many can be attached to your bed with safety straps or a harness. Look for the Safety Standard BS EN 1130:2019 when shopping.
What other kinds of first beds are available?
Some people like the traditional look of a Moses basket, a small woven palm or wicker basket that usually comes with a hood. They’re compact in size, and can be placed next to your bed or moved easily around the house during the day. However, while cosy, your baby may grow out of it more quickly than a bedside crib, which tends to be more spacious. If you’re interested in this style, you’ll find two Moses baskets on our list below.
Another option is a bassinet, which is free-standing and often has legs (as opposed to a Moses basket, which typically sits on a stand or is placed on the floor). They're usually smaller in size, so they’re snug for newborns and can be carried around easily. However, again, your baby may grow out of it quickly.
You can also buy wooden cribs that can be transformed into a cot or toddler bed, or you can even use the carrycot that comes with your pram, as long as it is suitable for overnight sleeping – check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
How do you choose a bedside crib?
There are several key features to look out for when shopping for a bedside crib for your newborn.
Height: Some cribs can be raised or lowered to suit the height of your bed.
Mattress base height: Some cribs have a higher mattress height, so you can lay your sleeping baby down easily when they’re tiny. This can be dropped down later once your baby can roll or pull themselves up.
Ventilation and visibility: Many models have mesh side panels that offer good air circulation – plus it's easier to check on your baby at night.
Travel options: There are several cribs on our list that can be folded for travel. If this is something that matters to you, make sure it comes with a travel bag, too.
Storage: For ease, some cribs have a storage shelf or pockets to keep items such as wet wipes and nappies handy.
Wheels: Look for lockable castors to help you move the crib around the room easily and safely.
Drop side: This will help you reach your baby easily for night feeds.
Entertainment extras: Some cribs come with units that play sounds and music, have a nightlight, or vibrate to help soothe the baby back to sleep.
Mattress: This should be flat and firm with a waterproof cover, or you can add a waterproof cover and then a fitted sheet. Make sure the cover is washable, too.
Multipurpose features: Some cribs have a top section that can be removed to form a bassinet; others have extension kits that allow you to transform the crib into a cot or toddler bed, extending its life.
How long can a baby sleep in a bedside crib?
Your baby should be next to you for the first six months, so most bedside cribs and Moses baskets are suitable from newborn to six months. However, if your baby can pull themselves up or roll before then, you should swap them into a cot, or lower the crib height if your model allows this.
How we test bedside cribs
Before we start testing, we first ensure all the cribs and baskets adhere to the appropriate safety standards. Bedside cribs with a drop side must comply with the safety standard BS EN 1130:2019. This means your baby can’t roll out or get stuck halfway. All the models featured in the list below met this standard.
Then we start by building the crib, assessing how easy it is to put together, whether it feels sturdy and how easy it is to use features such as a drop side, a reflux title or adjustable height. We also check the size – will you be able to use it for a decent length of time? We look at the mattress – it needs to be flat, firm and breathable and it should have the required safety standard (BS 7177:2008+A1+2011) printed on the mattress as well as the crib. For more advice on safety standards, read this guide from The Lullaby Trust.
Finally, we see how easy each crib is to clean and whether the fabrics are removable and washable. This all goes into the final score.
We also send each bedside crib out to new (sleep-deprived!) parents to test at home, asking them to provide feedback on design, ease of use and how well it suited them and their baby. You'll find their thoughts in our write-ups below.
Pros
- Large sleep space
- Compact overall, so ideal for smaller homes
Cons
- The grey finish may not be for everyone
Score: 98/100
This 2-in-1 bedside crib and travel cot really impressed our expert, barely dropping a mark in testing. It’s a neat, compact little crib that punches above its weight in terms of function and looks. There’s no assembly required – simply grab the top rails, pull upwards and the sides click into place. The sleep space is generous and open, allowing good visibility and airflow. It also has four lockable castors so you can easily move it around your home.
When you want to use it as a bedside crib, bring it right up to your bed and adjust the height accordingly, then use the webbing straps to secure it to your bed, lowering the dropside. There’s also a large shelf underneath the sleep space that’s great for storing clothes, nappies and other gear you need for naps and nighttime feeds. It also folds down easily and comes with a storage bag so it’s easy to take to the grandparents’ when needed.
"In one word, this is great,” said one pleased at-home tester. “If you're thinking of buying a bedside bassinet, I really recommend getting this one.”
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib with drop side |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 88 x 54 x 77cm |
| Sleep space size | 83 x 49cm |
| Weight | 8kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| No. of height positions | 5: lowest 72cm; highest 84cm |
| Method of attaching to bed | Webbing straps |
Pros
- Good choice of colours
- Top crib section can be used by itself
- Converts from bedside crib to standalone cot
Cons
- Needs a little time and patience to assemble
Score 98/100
Larger and sturdier than the SnuzPod Studio (below), this well-made bedside crib is destined to last for generations to come.
The stylish SnuzPod 5 comes in nine colours and finishes, with a drop-side and adjustable heights to sit alongside any adult bed, even if it’s a divan or ottoman. Raise the side and the Snuzpod can be used as a standalone crib, too.
We appreciated the handy storage shelf underneath, while the top crib section lifts off, which is great for using around the house or when travelling. It's pretty easy to assemble, and it can be tilted up at one end, which is useful if your little one has colic or reflux. It's a generous size, so even taller babies will still be comfortable in it at six months.
Breathable mesh on both sides ensure it’s well-ventilated and safe for newborn sleep, and you can see your baby at all times. It has lockable wheels, so you can pull it around the room with ease, and a firm, flat ventilated mattress with machine-washable covers.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib with drop sides |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 97 x 49 x 86.5cm |
| Sleep space size | 80 x 44cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| Weight | 12.4kg |
| No. of height positions | Fits all kinds of bed inc ottoman |
| Method of attaching to bed | Straps |
The Little Green Sheep Organic Ripple Knit Moses Basket, Mattress & Natural Foldable Stand
Pros
- Luxurious, natural fabrics
- Easy to wash
Cons
- It's possible to nip your fingers in the folding stand, so take care
Score: 98/100
This Moses basket looks the part – it’s well made and feels soft to the touch, thanks to the 100% organic cotton lining and mattress. It can be bought as a package with either a static stand (the bundle we've linked to here) or a rocking option made from solid wood, or you can buy it by itself. The assembly is relatively easy, although be careful not to pinch your fingers in the legs as they close. It’s also compact when folded for easy storage.
Plus, the basket’s covers and dressings are machine washable at 40 degrees and they come in a range of stylish designs.
“A really lovely basket made from high end materials – it's perfect,” said one satisfied at-home tester, while another said they'd recommend it to any new parents. This is a great pick for those who like the traditional Moses basket look and are after a premium design.
Key specifications
| Type | Palm Moses basket with foldable stand and mattress |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 24 x 42 x 82cm |
| Sleep space size | 28 x 74cm |
| Weight | 4kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| No. of height positions | 1 |
| Method of attaching to bed | N/A |
Pros
- Easy to use
- The drop side panel can be operated one-handed, so you can use it while holding baby
Cons
- It's quite large, so may be hard to carry by hand if you're shorter
- The wheels only roll in one direction
Score: 96/100
Having watched Joie’s assembly videos online, we were skeptical the build would be as easy as it looked, but we were in for a treat. This clicks into place in moments, something all our at-home panellists vouched for, and it’s also super easy to fold up again when not in use. You can fully lower both sides, but note that a beside crib should be used with a barrier of at least 20cm, so don't be tempted to lower the side all the way when your baby's in the crib.
It attaches to your bed using webbing straps and there are five height settings to choose from (although they’re pretty close together).
It has lockable castors but they don’t swivel, so you can only push it in one direction. It’s also easy to carry on your shoulder using the travel bag included if you need to transport it. Overall, this is one of the simplest and easiest bedside cribs to use on our list.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib that's suitable for travel |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 90.3 x 68.5 x 74.8 - 82.2cm |
| Sleep space size | 60 x 82cm |
| Weight | 9.5kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 9kg (around 6 months) |
| No. of height positions | 5 |
| Method of attaching to bed | Webbing straps |
Pros
- Compact
- Grows with your baby
Cons
- We would have liked the travel bag to be included for the price
Score: 93/100
This compact oval crib will sit neatly in your bedroom and is super simple to move around the house. It’s also ready to use straight out of the box – the legs click in and the solid, ventilated base is attached via straps on top. The mattress has a removable, machine-washable cover and our tester liked the addition of anti-slip feet to prevent movement on hard floors.
Cosy and stable with a large enough sleep space for newborns, you can also change the lower crib position to create more space as your baby grows, thanks to an innovative mechanism – we advise watching the handy online video before using.
All the wood used is FSC-certified and the fabrics are 100% recycled polyester, so it scores well for sustainability, too. You can buy a travel and storage bag separately, which is beautifully constructed, but obviously adds to the (already considerable) price tag.
Our at-home tester would have liked the netting to be more see-through for better visibility and our expert thought the travel bag could have been included for the price but those are our only (tiny) quibbles.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib; does not attach to bed, but transforms to crib and toddler bed |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 85 x 64 x 82cm |
| Sleep space size | 75 x 58cm |
| Weight | 7.3kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 9 months (15kg) |
| No. of height positions | 2 |
| Method of attaching to bed | N/A |
Silver Cross Lunar Bedside Crib with Travel Bag
Pros
- Has a wide sleep space
- Handy shelf and side pockets for storage
Cons
- It doesn't have any wheels
Score: 93/100
This Silver Cross comes with a handy carry case, which can be popped on your shoulder (although it's not the comfiest to carry by hand if you’re short). It takes a few steps to assemble and you also need to attach the shelf that sits underneath. While not that deep, the shelf has room for spare bedding, nightwear and nappies – all in easy reach when needed during the night or on the move.
The crib is a good size, has seven height options and a drop down panel, and can be inclined on one end to help babies with reflux, something our at-home testers were fans of, with one saying: “I like that the crib is adjustable and you can raise one end for an unsettled or reflux-y baby.”
It also scores sustainability brownie points as the liner and mattress are made from soft, luxurious bamboo, while the sides are formed of breathable mesh. The neutral beige fabric and light wood frame would look good in any home, too.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib that attaches to bed |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 93 x 56.5 x 70.5cm |
| Sleep space size | 51 x 86cm |
| Weight | 8.1kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 9kg (around 6 months) |
| No. of height positions | 1 |
| Method of attaching to bed | Straps pass around the adult bed beneath the mattress |
Shnuggle Dreami Moses Basket and Stand
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Customisable design
Cons
- Base can be tricky to turn over
Score: 93/100
This easy-to-use Moses basket is a good size, so your baby will be able to sleep in it for longer than most. It has a ventilated base to allow good airflow and the fabric is hypoallergenic, so it’s great for households that have allergy-sufferers, plus it’s easy to clean. It’s ready to use straight out of the box, too – all you have to do is add the dressings, which are made from lovely 100% cotton, machine-washable mesh fabric.
This is a nice customisable option, as you can choose to get the lining with a hood as well, and you can buy it without a stand or with a rocking stand option if you prefer.
Our panel liked the balance between practicality and design, praising its versatility. “It’s a good height for reaching in for my baby and by turning the base over, it becomes a rocker, which meant we used it downstairs for naps as well as upstairs as our baby’s main crib,” said one. They did think the mattress could have been thicker, though.
However, with three colourways to choose from and a flexible design, this should suit most homes.
Key specifications
| Type | Moses basket |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 92 x 48 x 61cm |
| Sleep space size | 25 x 45 x 85cm |
| Weight | 6kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 4-6 months |
| No. of height positions | 1 |
| Method of attaching to bed | N/A |
CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet (exclusive to Il Tutto)
Pros
- Has a reflux incline that's easy to use
- 3 leg options and 6 height settings for flexibility
Cons
- Assembly takes a little practice
Score: 93/100
This is a co-sleeper and standalone crib in one. It’s compact and comes with a travel bag that’s easy to get the crib in and out of and a breeze to carry. It takes a little practice to fold it out and assemble, but, once up, the bassinet is steady and secure. It also has three leg options for flexibility: non-slip feet to use in bedside mode; lockable castors if you want to be able to move it around; and a rocking base if you prefer. Plus, there’s a handy shelf underneath for storage.
It’s quick and easy to transform into bedside mode when you need it (simply undo two clips and zips) and it has a wide opening, so it’s easy to reach your baby. “The generous six adjustable heights meant this design was well suited to our higher than average bed and I felt like I was safely co-sleeping,” said one of our parents, who was also a fan of the "timeless” design.
The sides have generous mesh panels for ventilation, so you can easily keep an eye on your baby when it's in cot mode, too.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib |
|---|---|
| Overall size | L92 x W56 x H69 |
| Sleep space size | 83 x 52cm |
| Weight | 10kg |
| Suitable for | Newborns to 6 months |
| No. of height positions | 6 |
| Method of attaching to bed | Webbing straps |
Pros
- Can be transformed into a cot bed with additional kit
- Made from high quality, FSC-certified woods
Cons
- Changing the mattress height requires tools and time
- Expensive
Score: 93/100
The second top-performer from Stokke in our round-up, the Sleepi V3 also boasts a stylish Scandi design. Putting it together takes a bit of patience, but once it’s assembled, it’s a sturdy crib that looks and feels high quality, thanks to the solid beech FSC-certified wood frame.
It can also be adjusted as your baby grows (although, note, that you have to buy the attachments separately), so it offers greater longevity. The wooden dowel sides allow good air circulation and visibility, while the lockable swivel wheels are easy to attach, making the crib simple to move around.
There's an additional drape you can attach to the top for extra style points, and additional bedding and accessories are available separately too. Our at-home testers only had positive things to say about this one, telling us they liked that it can be adapted as your child grows and describing the design as “lovely” and “very good quality”. It’s an investment but it should be with you for a while.
Key specifications
| Type | Freestanding crib that converts to toddler bed |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 85 x 64 x 82cm |
| Sleep space size | 75 x 58cm |
| Weight | 16.4kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 5 years (with extension kit) |
| No. of height positions | 1 (33cm to top) |
| Method of attaching to bed | N/A |
Pros
- Rocking mode
- 11 height positions
Cons
- A little heavy if you're travelling alone
Score 92/100
Chicco was one of the first brands to bring out a folding, portable bedside crib, and this new and improved model builds on the success of the original (there’s even a double version if you have twins!)
Sturdy yet foldable, it fits into a travel bag, providing a safe, familiar sleeping space for your little one, wherever you go.
With 11 height positions, it suits most beds, and the one-handed slide side makes night-time feeds less disruptive. We love the rocking mode for soothing babies back to sleep, and the four inclines offer added comfort for those suffering from reflux. Little wheels make it easy to move out of the way when you get into bed, and there’s a brake to keep it steady once in position. It comes with a thin, firm mattress covered with 3D mesh to reduce overheating.
Zipping up the side transforms it into a stand-alone crib, spacious enough for babies up to six months. Weighing 12.3kg, it’s not super lightweight, but portable enough to make it travel-friendly.
Key specifications
| Type | Travel bedside crib with drop side |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 80 x 99 x 73.5cm |
| Sleep space size | 94 x 68cm |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| Weight | 12.3kg |
| No. of height positions | Fits all kinds of bed inc ottoman |
| Method of attaching to bed | Webbing straps |
Pros
- Lots of colourways to choose from
- Made from FSC woods
- Mesh sides allow visibility and air flow
Cons
- Adjusting the height and tilt function require a tool and some re-building
Score: 92/100
The SnuzPod Studio comes in a range of bold, modern shades, making it a stylish pick. We love the dark green and blue tones, lightweight design and quality beechwood finish. It’s fairly easy to assemble – we recommend watching Snuz’s handy video – but note that changing the height and using the tilt functionality (if your little one suffers from reflux) does require a little extra DIY, so keep your Allan key handy.
You can set the Studio up as a standalone crib with both sides in the 'up' position, or you can use the drop side when it’s placed against your bed. The fabric feels soft and smooth to the touch, while the mattress is firm and flat. Our expert thought this was a nice product with some excellent features, and other than finding the height a little tricky to adjust, our panellists were fans too.
“I love that the crib has wheels, so it's easy to move around and it can also be picked up to move, as it's lightweight,” said one. “The mesh sides are great, we can see baby and baby can see out, and it keeps the crib cool and comfortable.”
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 99 x 59 x 79cm |
| Sleep space size | 45 x 78cm |
| Weight | 6kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| No. of height positions | 6 |
| Method of attaching to bed | N/A |
Pros
- Drop side is very easy to use
- Good-size crib with plenty of room to grow
Cons
- Tricky to assemble and fold away
Score: 75/100
This affordable option from Graco has one of the easiest drop sides to use of all the bedside cribs we’ve tested – simply squeeze a clip beneath the top rail and it lowers by itself. To raise it again, just pull it up and make sure it clicks into place. The crib is also generously sized. What let it down slightly is the set-up and fold-down process, which is tricky. Once up though, there's a lot to like, so this is a good pick if you don't plan on moving your crib around.
As well as 11 height options – the most on our list alongside Chicco – you can raise one end in case your baby suffers from reflux, which our at-home panellists really appreciated. “I like the fact that you can adjust the height and put it on a tilt, this was an important feature for me,” said one parent. “We have a dog so I like that I have the option for it to be higher to keep the dog's nose out!”
It has locking castors and the front feet fold sideways so you can use it with a divan bed. It also comes with its own carry case, so it can be transported once you’ve managed to fold it away.
Key specifications
| Type | Bedside crib that attaches to bed |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 95 x 68.5 x 81cm |
| Sleep space size | 84 x 46cm |
| Weight | 8.6kg |
| Suitable for | Newborn to 6 months |
| No. of height positions | 11 |
| Method of attaching to bed | Webbing straps |
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Sally J. Hall is a parenting tester for the GHI, reviewing everything from bedside cribs and pushchairs to nappies. She has written extensively on pregnancy, birth and the health and development of both pregnant mums and their babies. She has in-depth knowledge of the parenting world, has tested thousands of products and is passionate about finding those that make parents’ lives easier.
Sally has worked on many major UK parenting titles and was previously editor of both Emma’s Diary and Bounty. With extensive contacts across the parenting industry, she published B Baby Magazine for eight years, which covered the private maternity market across the UK and is the author of books Plant Based Baby and Eco Baby.
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