Joybuy Insights

Buying a bedside crib for your baby: what parents should look for in terms of safety, size and features

A baby bedside crib should keep your little one close, take up minimal space and attach securely to the parents’ bed. In practice, however, some purchasing decisions can quickly lead to unnecessary extra costs or a short period of use. Features, mattress dimensions and height adjustment are particularly easy to misjudge.

Common pitfalls when buying a bedside crib

1. Height adjustment without a suitable bed connection

The term “height-adjustable” may initially seem self-explanatory. What really matters, however, is whether the sleeping surface can be aligned with the top of the parents’ mattress. Attaching the crib can be more difficult with divan beds, beds with drawers or unusually thick side frames. Therefore, check the following:

  • What height settings does the height-adjustable bedside crib offer?
  • What range does the top of the mattress fall within?
  • Is the attachment suitable for the width and thickness of the parents’ bed?
  • Is there a gap between the mattresses?

2. Sleeping area that is too small for the intended period of use

A compact bedside cradle or a model measuring 45 x 90 cm works well in smaller bedrooms. However, it will generally be suitable for a shorter period than a 60 x 120 cm baby cot. The manufacturer’s specifications and your child’s development are always the key factors. As soon as your baby can pull themselves up, sit up or climb out independently, the crib should no longer be used as a bedside crib.

3. Accessories do not replace safety checks

A mattress, bumper, canopy or bedding may seem practical, but none of these replaces correct assembly. For safe use, the fastenings, brakes, side panels and height locks must be checked regularly. Additional pillows, blankets or a second mattress can also alter the sleeping surface intended by the manufacturer.

The most important selection criteria

Sleeping area and mattress dimensions

The mattress must fit inside the bed frame without any significant gaps. Common sizes include:

  • 45 x 90 cm: space-saving and designed for the early months
  • 60 x 120 cm: provides more room to move and is often designed as a longer-use baby cot
  • 70 x 140 cm: suitable for a cot that grows with your child, which can later be converted into a junior bed

When buying a children’s bed with mattress, check whether the mattress is actually included in the delivery. Some offers include only the slatted base.

Safety standard and attachment

The product details should state a specific safety standard and provide clear instructions for use. Depending on the design, you may see references such as EN 1130 for bedside cribs or EN 716 for children’s cots. A standards reference alone does not replace assembly according to the instructions.

A co-sleeper must be securely attached to the parents’ bed using the supplied straps or brackets. Before every use, check that the connection is secure and that no gap has formed between the sleeping areas.

Castors, brakes and mobility

A bedside crib with castors is easier to move around the room. For safety, however, it is essential that all the castors can be locked securely when the crib is stationary. Models with a folding function or carry bag are more suitable as a travel cot for babies, provided the manufacturer states that they are designed for this purpose. A stationary wooden baby cot is not automatically suitable for transport.

Our selection for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
roba bedside crib, white, height-adjustable, 5 slatted bars, with slatted base, 60 x 120 cm

roba bedside crib, white, height-adjustable, 5 slatted bars, with slatted base, 60 x 120 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This model combines a 60 x 120 cm sleeping area with adjustable height and can later be used as a children’s cot.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended mattress size is clearly specified. The attachment is designed for bed sides up to 4.5 cm thick.

Main benefit & strengths

Height range from 22 to 42 cm, five removable slats and use up to approximately five years of age according to the product details.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
roba Bedside & Bedside Crib Safe Asleep 3 in 1, 45 x 90 cm

roba Bedside & Bedside Crib Safe Asleep 3 in 1, 45 x 90 cm

Why this product suits this profile: A compact solution with mattress, canvas barrier, mesh panel and seven height settings for the early stages.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product details, it is intended for use until approximately six to twelve months of age or until your baby can pull themselves up independently.

Main benefit & strengths

45 x 90 cm mattress, washable cover and seven height positions between approximately 22.4 and 44.6 cm.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Chicco Next2Me Go side-sleeping crib, soft grey

Chicco Next2Me Go side-sleeping crib, soft grey

Why this product suits this profile: The folding function, six height positions and four castors are ideal for families who want to move or transport the crib frequently.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This model is designed for compact transport. The locking mechanism, straps and brakes must be checked before every use.

Main benefit & strengths

Folds without disassembly, has a washable cover and offers a sleeping area measuring 83 x 50 cm according to the stated dimensions.

Suitable for: Families planning long-term use
roba combination cot, 70 x 140 cm

roba combination cot, 70 x 140 cm

Why this product suits this profile: The larger sleeping area and conversion into a junior bed make it appealing to households looking for a cot that grows with their child.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The conversion options are clearly described. However, this model is wider than a traditional bedside crib and therefore requires more floor space.

Main benefit & strengths

70 x 140 cm sleeping area, three height settings and three removable climbing bars according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Assembly and ongoing checks

Assemble the cot strictly according to the instructions, and ensure that this is done by an adult. Before first use, check all screws, connectors and height locks. With a bedside crib on castors, the brakes should also form part of your daily visual inspection.

Use only the specified mattress or an exactly matching replacement mattress. Check the cover, mesh fabric and fastening straps regularly. If there are tears, missing parts or unstable connections, stop using the cot.

Baby bedside crib FAQ

How high should a bedside crib be?

The sleeping surface should ideally be level with the parents’ mattress. What matters is not the height of the frame but the actual height of the top of the mattress. Once adjusted, the crib must be securely attached without leaving a gap.

How long can a baby sleep in a bedside crib?

This depends on the sleeping area, the manufacturer’s specifications and your child’s development. Compact models measuring 45 x 90 cm are often intended for the first few months. If your baby starts sitting, kneeling, pulling themselves up or wriggling out independently, stop using the crib as a bedside crib.

Is a bedside crib with a mattress cheaper than a separate baby cot?

A complete set can help you avoid the additional cost of buying a mattress and accessories separately. However, whether it offers better value depends on how long it can be used. A 60 x 120 cm or 70 x 140 cm baby cot can be used for longer, but requires more space than a compact bedside cradle.