Your baby is getting bigger, starting to wriggle more, and you are wondering: how much longer can they stay in the Next to Me crib? It is one of the most common questions parents ask around the 4–5 month mark — and the answer is not just about age.
The short answer
Most babies can stay in a Next to Me crib until they are around 5–6 months old. But age is not the deciding factor. You need to stop using the crib when any one of these three things happens — whichever comes first:
- Your baby reaches the weight limit — typically 9kg for standard bedside cribs
- Your baby can sit up, kneel, or pull themselves up unaided
- Your baby can roll over independently and looks cramped or is hitting the sides
Once any of these milestones are reached, the crib is no longer safe. A baby who can pull themselves up could tip the crib or climb over the side. A baby who exceeds the weight limit is putting stress on a structure not designed to hold them. These are not guidelines to stretch — they are hard limits.
Signs your baby has outgrown the Next to Me crib
The weight and mobility limits above are the official rules. But in practice, there are earlier signs that your baby is ready to move on:
- They are hitting the sides when they move. If your baby is regularly bumping into the ends of the crib when stretching or wriggling, they need more space. Disturbed sleep from hitting the sides is a common reason parents transition earlier than the weight limit.
- They are rolling onto their side or front. Once rolling starts, a Next to Me crib does not give enough space for safe rolling. This is the point where most parents make the switch.
- They seem restless or uncomfortable. Some babies simply outgrow the crib before the weight limit. If yours is consistently unsettled at night but sleeps better in a bigger space (like a travel cot), the crib is probably too small.
- They are trying to grab the mesh sides or pull up. Any sign of your baby using the sides to lever themselves is an immediate signal to move to a cot.
Every baby is different. A smaller baby on a lower centile might comfortably use the crib until 7 months. A larger baby on the 91st centile might outgrow it by 4 months. Go by what you see, not what the calendar says.
Model-by-model weight limits
Not all Next to Me cribs are the same size. Here are the limits for the most popular models in the UK:
| Model | Weight Limit | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicco Next2Me | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | The original and most popular. 50% larger than a standard moses basket. |
| Chicco Next2Me Magic | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Same size as the standard. Adds rocking function. |
| Chicco Next2Me Air | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Mesh sides for extra ventilation. Same dimensions. |
| Chicco Next2Me Forever | 22kg | Birth to 4 years | Converts from bedside crib to standalone cot to floor bed. Significantly larger. |
| SnuzPod 4 / 5 | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Lifts out as a standalone moses basket-style pod. Slightly narrower than Chicco. |
| Shnuggle Air | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Optional cot conversion kit extends use. Mesh sides. |
| Joie Roomie Glide | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Gliding function. Good budget option. |
| Tutti Bambini CoZee | 9kg | Birth to 5–6 months | Breathable mesh sides. Folds flat for travel. |
The standout is the Chicco Next2Me Forever — at 22kg and three configurations (bedside crib, standalone cot, toddler floor bed), it lasts years rather than months. It costs more upfront (around £250–300) but eliminates the need to buy a separate cot.
If you have a standard 9kg model, the reality is you will get 5–6 months from it at best — and possibly less if your baby is on the larger side.
How to transition from Next to Me crib to a cot
The transition does not need to be dramatic. Most babies adjust within a few days if you do it gradually:
Start with daytime naps. Put your baby down for naps in the cot while keeping the Next to Me crib for nights. This lets them get used to the new space without the pressure of a full night.
Keep the cot in your room initially. The NHS recommends room-sharing for the first six months. If your baby is transitioning at 5 months, keep the cot beside your bed for the remaining weeks. If they are older, you can move straight to the nursery if you prefer.
Maintain the same routine. Same sleeping bag, same bedtime sequence, same sounds. The familiarity of the routine matters more than the specific piece of furniture.
Use a familiar sheet. If you have a fitted sheet that has been in the crib, put it in the cot for the first few nights. The familiar scent can help your baby settle in the new environment.
Expect a few unsettled nights. This is normal. The cot feels bigger and more open. Most babies adjust within 3–5 nights. Resist the temptation to bring the crib back — it just delays the transition.
What to do with the crib afterwards
Once your baby has moved to a cot, you have three options for the crib:
Store it for the next baby. If you are planning another child, store the crib somewhere clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid lofts and garages — damp environments cause mould on fabric and mesh components. Remove the mattress and store it separately (though you should buy a new mattress for the next baby regardless). Wash all fabric covers before packing away.
Sell it. Next to Me cribs hold their value reasonably well, especially Chicco and SnuzPod models. A crib that has been professionally cleaned will sell for noticeably more than one that has not. Facebook Marketplace and local parent groups are the best channels. Always recommend the buyer gets a new mattress.
Pass it on. Same advice — clean it thoroughly first, and tell the next parent to get a new mattress. The Lullaby Trust recommends a new mattress for each baby.
Whichever route you choose, the crib needs cleaning before it goes anywhere. Months of overnight use means milk residue, sweat, saliva, and general grime have built up in the fabric, mesh, and mattress area — even if it looks clean on the surface. A wipe-down is fine for cosmetic purposes, but for proper hygiene (especially before another baby uses it), a deep clean makes a real difference.
Selling, storing, or passing on your Next to Me crib?
We deep clean Next to Me cribs, moses baskets, and all baby sleep items. Baby-safe products, free collection and delivery across London. From £45.
Book a CleanFrequently asked questions
How long can a baby stay in a Next to Me crib?
Until they reach 9kg (for standard models) or can sit up, kneel, or pull themselves up unaided — whichever comes first. This is typically around 5–6 months, but varies by baby. Larger babies on higher centiles may outgrow the crib earlier.
What is the weight limit for a Chicco Next to Me?
The standard Chicco Next2Me range (including the Magic, Air, and Dream) has a 9kg weight limit. The Chicco Next2Me Forever has a 22kg limit as it converts from a bedside crib into a standalone cot and then a toddler floor bed, lasting up to 4 years.
Can a baby sleep in a Next to Me crib overnight?
Yes. Next to Me cribs are specifically designed for overnight sleep from birth. The NHS recommends keeping your baby in the same room as you for the first six months, and a bedside crib makes this practical and convenient — especially for night feeds.
Is a SnuzPod the same as a Chicco Next to Me?
They are both bedside cribs with drop-down sides, but they differ in design and features. The SnuzPod has a removable pod that can be carried like a moses basket. The Chicco has swivelling wheels for repositioning. Both have a 9kg limit. Choose based on whether portability (SnuzPod) or ease of repositioning (Chicco) matters more to you.
What should I do with the crib when baby outgrows it?
Clean it thoroughly, then store, sell, or pass it on. A professional clean adds resale value and ensures the next baby has a hygienic sleeping environment. Always recommend a new mattress to whoever uses it next.
Can I use a Next to Me crib for a second baby?
Yes — provided the crib is still structurally sound, the mesh and fabric are intact, and you buy a new mattress. The Lullaby Trust recommends a new mattress for each baby. Give the crib a thorough clean before using it again, especially if it has been in storage.