The best baby cribs in the UK 2023

Baby is not here yet and you are already wondering in which bed he will lie down. Classic cradle, evolutionary, portable, or other, which one is the most adapted to his morphology? Which one can accompany him throughout his growth? So many questions that are on the minds of parents. To make the right choice, read our guide to the best baby cribs in 2021.

Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream 1
10/10

Best value for money

Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream

The best crib in 2021

This Cododo cradle from Chicco has everything to please breastfeeding mothers. Anti-swelling, adjustable on 11 heights, with a rocking system, and equipped with wheels with brakes... The ideal cradle to keep an eye on baby and ensure a peaceful sleep.

143 £ on Amazon

The usefulness of this cradle is no longer in question, especially for mothers who choose to breastfeed. Baby will sleep peacefully by your side during his first weeks. Afterwards, you can move the cradle to his room. Very practical for co-sleeping, the Next2Me is adjustable on 11 heights. It is especially appreciated for its anti-reflux feature, adjustable in a slightly tilted position to facilitate baby's digestion.

With the Next2Me, you can keep an eye on your toddler while he sleeps. And for good reason, the crib can be moved from room to room thanks to its wheels equipped with brakes. In addition to the design and ease of assembly, it offers incredible comfort. However, the mattress provided is not a standard size, making it necessary to buy specific covers or undersheets.

Besrey folding cradle 2
7/10

Best value for money

Besrey folding cradle

The best entry-level crib

If you thought a quality folding crib was overpriced, this folding crib will prove you wrong. The Besrey will give your little one all the comfort and security he needs for a truly restful sleep.

60,79 £ on Amazon

The Besrey brand, well known in the field of childcare, offers us a foldable cradle that is both practical and aesthetic. Super light (5,7 kg), this cradle is easy to carry and can accompany you without any problem during your travels. Simple to assemble and disassemble in one step, it can also be moved from room to room in the house to better monitor baby during his sleep.

In addition, the mosquito net that equips it ensures baby a quality sleep. Finally, the Besrey comes with premium quality bedding including a thick and soft mattress that respects baby's morphology, and a storage basket located under the crib. At this price, don't hesitate to go for it!

Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm) 3
9/10

Best value for money

Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm)

The best high-end crib

This compact and evolving bed benefits from excellent finishes, exceptional comfort, and ultra practical storage compartments. But weighing in at 66 kg, it is bulky and takes up a lot of space.

239 £ on Cdiscount

This evolving bed from Gami complies with the NF EN-716:2008+A1:2013 standards for baby beds, NF D60-300-4:2012 for beds without carrycot, and NF EN-12221 for changing devices. It can be used from the birth of a baby up to 4 years old, it can easily be transformed into a junior bed, and its Scandinavian style will enhance any room.

Apart from that, the set contains a changing table, a sleeping area for baby that converts into a junior bed, and storage compartments that can easily accommodate baby's products and clothes. Weighing 66 kg, the Gami bed is however difficult to move. This is quite problematic for families who live on the floor of a building without an elevator.

Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle 4
8/10

Comfortable

Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle

A loving design

Give your baby a cozy nest from birth! In this cleverly designed 4-in-1 crib, your baby will enjoy peaceful nights until he is 15 months old or more.

167 £ on Amazon

The Chicco Baby Hug 4-in-1 crib includes a crib, a recliner, a seat and a high chair. It can be used from birth to 15 months. Even at 36 months, your little one will be able to use it as a chair to have a snack, play or draw, once Baby Hug has been adjusted to the minimum height.

Baby Hug also raises and lowers via a foot switch and can be fully reclined to serve as a crib, or tipped up to serve as a high chair or seat. The electronic toy bar hanging above the sleeping area also keeps baby entertained and asleep when it's time for bed.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best baby crib

Any specific needs?

The best crib in 2021

The best entry-level crib

The best high-end crib

A loving design

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best baby cribs

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream 5
10/10
Besrey folding cradle 6
7/10
Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm) 7
9/10
Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream
Besrey folding cradle
Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm)
Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle
This Cododo cradle from Chicco has everything to please breastfeeding mothers. Anti-swelling, adjustable on 11 heights, with a rocking system, and equipped with wheels with brakes... The ideal cradle to keep an eye on baby and ensure a peaceful sleep.
If you thought a quality folding crib was overpriced, this folding crib will prove you wrong. The Besrey will give your little one all the comfort and security he needs for a truly restful sleep.
This compact and evolving bed benefits from excellent finishes, exceptional comfort, and ultra practical storage compartments. But weighing in at 66 kg, it is bulky and takes up a lot of space.
Give your baby a cozy nest from birth! In this cleverly designed 4-in-1 crib, your baby will enjoy peaceful nights until he is 15 months old or more.
For what age/weight?
9 kg
0 to 5 months
0 to 4 years old
0 to 15 months
Coddle function
Oui
No
No
No
Wheels
Oui
Yes
Transportability
Easy to care for

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - baby crib

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How to choose your baby crib

Here are some essential criteria not to be neglected when choosing your little one's crib in order to offer him a maximum of comfort and to make your life as parents easier at the same time.

#1 - Security

Safety is an essential criterion so that baby can sleep in peace and so can you. Several parameters must be taken into account for an optimal safety, among others, the depth of the cradle with the mattress which must be of 20 cm at least for the infants. If you plan to choose a model with wheels, make sure it is equipped with brakes to lock the rolling system. The spacing of the bars should be 6 cm maximum and the mattress should be firm and perfectly adjusted to the crib. And of course, you must respect the age range indicated and make sure that the cradle complies with current safety standards.

#2 - The comfort

It is important to ensure that baby sleeps safely, but also comfortably. Comfort is mostly related to the quality of the mattress. Make sure it's thick, firm and comfortable. And as mentioned above, it should fit the crib perfectly and there should be no gap between the mattress and the edge of the crib. The bedding should also be of good quality to avoid allergies. Comfort is the guarantor of quality sleep, all that baby needs to grow up quickly.

#3 - Practicality

An important point to consider, apart from solidity and stability, practicality is an essential criterion for parents who travel regularly with their baby or who live in a small apartment. Foldable, ergonomic models with wheels are recommended. Cradles equipped with wheels can be moved just about anywhere, which can make it easier for moms.

#4 - Type of cradle

Suspended

, rocking, with wheels... many models exist on the market. The color, style, design and functionality differ from each other. You can choose according to your needs regarding these features, as long as the model is solid, practical, complies with safety standards and stable. The rocking cradle allows the baby to fall asleep smoothly, just like the hanging cradle. As the name suggests, the latter is suspended and has no legs. It attaches to the ceiling and rocks to lull baby to sleep.

Some healthy sleep habits for baby

By the time your baby is three months old, he or she will have developed more predictable sleep patterns, and you'll be able to establish a more regular sleep schedule. To do this,

  • Keep a regular schedule for your baby's naps and sleep. Repeating the same actions every night will also help create a routine that will make sleep easier,
  • Avoid putting your baby to bed with his or her bottle, as this habit promotes tooth decay and can lead to a dependence on the bottle to fall asleep,
  • Keep your baby from falling asleep while you are breastfeeding,
  • Place your baby awake or asleep in the crib before he or she is completely asleep. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on his own when he wakes up at night.

Important

If your child snores loudly at night and pauses for breath, or if his or her nighttime sleep is disturbed and he or she is tired during the day, then see a pediatrician, as your little one may have sleep apnea.

The different types of baby cribs

There are many types of cribs on the market, and parents have a hard time finding their way around. Here are the 5 types of cradles available, with their advantages and disadvantages to simplify your choice.

The standard cradle

It is usually a four-sided fixed crib with slats. Currently, there are a variety of styles available to parents to suit the decor of the room where the baby will be placed. The advantage of this type of crib is that it is affordable, simple to build and sturdy. However, the standard crib is not scalable like other cribs and is not easy to move.

The evolutionary cradle

As

the name implies, this crib "grows" with your baby. In fact, as baby grows, the evolving crib can be converted into one or more different types of furniture to fit the size and needs of the little one. 5-in-1 models include a standard crib, a toddler bed, a daybed, a small sofa, and a single or double bed. Although expensive to purchase, the crib is a great long-term investment for parents.

However, you have to assemble and disassemble it each time it is needed. This is quite tedious for some parents. Other than that, with handling and over time, the cradle can wear out and might not be trendy in the future.

The portable cradle

This

type of crib is a great solution to spare your small square footage. Easily moved from one room to another with its wheels, it allows you to better monitor your baby while he or she sleeps while you go about your daily business at home. Most commercial portable cribs have a removable bar that makes it easier to safely co-sleep. Unfortunately, the portable crib models available on the market are limited, their mattresses are usually foldable, and you must regularly monitor your baby once he or she is settled in the crib.

The travel cradle

Best

ally for parents who travel a lot for work or any other reason, the travel crib folds into a bag for easy transport. Very convenient for traveling, it is light and easy to assemble and disassemble for the parents' delight. However, the travel cradle is not suitable for regular use because it wears out quickly. Moreover, it cannot replace a real crib because regular use of this type of crib is not suitable for baby's morphology.

The multifunctional cradle

A

multi-functional cradle will include one or more pieces of furniture in its design, namely a changing table, a chest of drawers to store baby's clothes, some stacked compartments to put diaper products, etc. The advantage with this crib is that it allows you to save space and money. However, although the extra furniture that comes with the multi-function crib is small, it is much larger than a normal crib.

Cradle or bassinet?

Baby cradle

The cradle is a bed generally made of wood, adapted to babies from birth to 6-9 months. Its size is reassuring for newborns because the space remains confined. Like the bassinet, the cradle must meet certain standards such as being stable with a flat and solid bottom, and having sides of at least 20 cm for example. For the cradles whose walls are made of bars, it is important that the space between them does not exceed 6 cm. Models with wheels must also be equipped with brakes. As for the price, you should expect to pay between 50 and 500 € for a cradle.

Cradles come in several versions: portable, standard, evolving, classic, etc. The evolving cradles, for example, have the advantage of transforming into a junior bed and thus grow with your toddler. Other more expensive models can even be transformed into a teenager's bed! The disadvantage with the crib is that the standard wooden model is bulky and therefore takes up a lot of space. Also, when it's no longer needed, you'll have to sell it or find a suitable storage place for it, until the next baby arrives.

Bassinet

It is a real cocoon for babies from 0 to 4/6 months. Easy to carry thanks to its handles, the bassinet is a soft or rigid basket, generally made of wicker or fabric. Its small size gives baby the same feeling he had when he was in his mother's womb. A bassinet is safe when it meets the NF/EN1466 +A1 standards. Apart from that, its walls must be at least 20 cm high and it must be placed on the floor against a wall or on a stable support.

With a bassinet, you'll have no trouble getting baby to sleep next to you. Your child will feel the warmth and smell of his parents. This way, he will be reassured and will be able to sleep in all serenity. However, the bassinet will not be useful for a long time to your cherub, especially this last one is a big baby. Costing between 90 and 200 €, the bassinet is also expensive for a short use. You won't be able to use a bassinet in your car either, as it doesn't have any attachments.

Verdict

In conclusion, the bassinet is charming but a crib will serve your baby longer. In addition, some cradle models have the advantage of being portable and foldable, unlike the bassinet. This is very practical, especially if you don't have much space at home or if you travel a lot. If you are worried that the crib is too big for your baby who is only a few days old, you can use a crib reducer in which baby will quickly feel enveloped and confident.

Good to know

To allow your baby to wriggle around in his crib safely, without the risk of getting his fingers caught in the bars for example, it is advisable to use a cot reducer. This sleeping accessory will also offer him a cocooning space that will give him the comfort and sensation he feels when you take him in your arms.

Why buy a crib?

More practical than a baby bed

Various models of cots are increasingly available on the market and are also suitable for newborns. However, nothing beats a crib, especially when it comes to practicality.

Although it may be tempting to stop investing in a crib, which will only be used for a few months, it is the only equipment that can accommodate the infant in comfort. It is smaller than a cot, allowing it to offer a smaller space where, according to psychologists, the infant can sleep safely during the first months of his life.

The cradle is much more practical and less cumbersome, allowing it to be installed in the parents' room. Some models can even be attached to mom and dad's bed, so they don't have to move around to feed baby.

To provide a cosy nest for your baby

Baby can sleep in peace, in a cosy, comfortable environment adapted to his small size. This is the greatest advantage of this equipment. During the first few months, it is important that the baby feels as safe as in the womb. It is essential to offer him a cosy nest so that he can sleep better. The mattress, the bedding, the pillow and the different accessories must be chosen meticulously.

To rock and entertain baby

Some models are not just for baby to sleep in, but designed with many entertaining features such as vibration mode, rocking mode, wake-up game, different melodies, etc. Parents can put the little one in it to play, eat or just relax. They are mainly intended for use during the day and when baby is 3 months old or older.

Other models have multi-directional wheels and can also be tilted to rock baby. Simply fold the casters back on themselves and the curved design legs take over.

Did you know?

The Californian brand Happiest Baby is currently marketing a Wi-Fi connected cradle called Snoo. Sold for just over $1,000, this cradle is able to detect baby's cries and screams, as well as his movements and agitation. Once baby cries, the cradle starts rocking him automatically. Similarly, the Snoo can track the sleep patterns of the toddler, and has a secure cotton cover that would prevent the child from rolling over.

The best brands of baby cribs

In our opinion, the best brands of baby cribs in 2022 are :

Chicco
Waldin
Monsieur Bébé
Pinolino
Chipolino

Founded by Pietro Catelli when his son Enrico was born, the Chicco brand is a leader in the field of childcare, especially through its chairs for moms, strollers and baby bath accessories. What makes its current fame is especially the Chicco Next2Me cradle that allows many moms to sleep peacefully next to their baby while continuously keeping an eye on him.

Waldin is part of one of the reference brands in early childhood accessories. It is especially appreciated for the playful style, aesthetics and reliability of its products (especially the cribs it markets) that place the well-being and safety of the little one at the heart of its priorities.

Monsieur Bébé is a brand recognized in the manufacture of maternal accessories and baby products such as hutches, walkers and baby poufs. It stands out in particular for the careful finishing of all its cradle models, like the Stars wood that is adjustable to ensure better breathing for the child, promotes a peaceful sleep for the baby thanks to the structure in rocking mode and better security via its ultra practical bed tower.

The German brand Pinolino offers furniture adapted to the serenity and convenience of your baby. Placing modernity and innovation at the heart of its products, it manufactures technically accomplished chests of drawers, changing tables, bed linens and cribs for the great happiness of parents and their little one.

The Chipolino brand is best known for its nursery products prioritizing the well-being and mental development of baby. The brand's well-designed play sets, changing mats and walkers make it a favorite among toddlers and parents.

What is the price for a baby crib

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 130 £
Mid-range
130 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Learn the 2-finger rule.

If you purchase your crib and mattress separately, don't forget to look at the recommended mattress size! The crib mattress should fit snugly in the crib, with no gaps around the edge. There should be no more than a 2 finger gap on either side. If it's hard to get the 2 fingers through, it's safe for the baby.

Check the robustness.

After

assembling your crib, give it a good shake and make sure it doesn't move. You should take a look at it every month or two to make sure all the screws and bolts stay tight.

No sleep positioners.

Sleeping

your baby in an empty bed without a positioner is much better for their health. Sleep positioners have had a proven contribution to SIDS deaths in infants and are, therefore, strongly discouraged. The best way to put your baby to sleep (currently) is on his or her back: swaddled if he or she cannot yet roll over, free if he or she is already able to roll over.

Splinters and toxins.

Wooden cribs should be well sanded and sealed with a baby-safe sealant. Make sure your child is not teething on the wood of the crib; as splinters may appear. Be sure to do your research before painting your child's crib, so that you don't have a dangerous and toxic paint.

Keep a distance of 1 m between the cradle and the electrical wires.

If

your baby's crib is near a window or if you have a monitor mounted on the wall, make sure all window cords and electrical wires are at least 3 feet away from the crib. This curious little one likes to reach out and play with wires and cords. This could be dangerous for him.

FAQ

What is the best crib?

The best crib depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

Where should I place my baby's crib?

It is best to place the crib in the middle of the room, or with the head against a wall. However, we strongly advise against placing it near a window, as your baby may be subject to draughts. Also, the cradle should be away from a cupboard or shelf to prevent objects from accidentally falling on the child.

Until what age will my baby's crib no longer be used?

It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in a crib from birth until he is six months old. It is indeed at this age that your little one starts to stand up and as a result, he can feel cramped in his crib. After the cradle, a classic or evolutionary bed with bars can take over.

What density mattress is ideal for baby's crib?

As an indication, for a foam mattress, the density recommended by paediatric specialists is between 20 and 30 kg/m3 and 55 kg/m3 on average for a latex mattress. In terms of thickness, a 12 to 15 cm mattress will be more than comfortable for your little one.

What material should I choose for a crib?

Commercial cribs are made of wood, metal, cardboard, plastic or plywood. Among these, wood remains the most appreciated by parents for its durability. Metal is also a robust material that lasts over time. But since the metal cradle remains heavy, it is not practical for travelling and moving. If design is important to you, plywood or plastic cribs are for you. However, these materials are not very sturdy. Finally, if you're more of an environmentalist, the cardboard crib is the one for you.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , occasbaby.fr
  3. , parents.fr
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  5. , happy-nest.fr
  6. , petiteamelie.fr
  7. , conseil.manomano.fr
  8. , soinsdenosenfants.cps.ca
  9. , calincaline.fr
  10. , lesnumeriques.com
  11. , consumerreports.org
  12. , crateandbarrel.com
  13. , aubert.com
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , laredoute.fr
  16. , bebe9.com
  17. , allobebe.fr
  18. , berceaumagique.com
  19. , but.fr
  20. , maisonae.fr
  21. , bebebisous.com
  22. , frenchpoupon.fr
  23. , autourdebebe.com
  24. , amazon.co.uk
  25. , leboncoin.fr
  26. , journaldesfemmes.fr
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  30. , dreambaby.be
  31. , auberceaudor.ch
  32. , bebebisous.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream 9
Chicco Cododo Next2Me Dream
Besrey folding cradle 10
Besrey folding cradle
Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm) 11
Gami - Compact bed (60x120cm)
Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle 12
Chicco Baby Hug 4 en 1 Acquarelle

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