Chicco Next2Me PopUp review

An incredibly well-thought-through design, the Chicco Next2Me PopUp is a bedside crib that allows safe co-sleeping anywhere, thanks to its quick fold system and 6-height adjustability. It's part of the wide Next2Me range which includes the Mother&Baby award-winning Next2Me Dream Evo.

In use, it can be used either as a stand-alone crib (or travel cot) from birth up to 5-6 months (9kg) or the side lowered and it secured to the side of any bed for a safe co-sleeping experience. It folds flat in just three seconds without the need to remove any part and fits neatly inside its own travel bag (supplied) for transport.

Chicco Next2Me PopUp overview

Key features

Travel-friendly

The Chicco Next2Me PopUp folds open and closed in just three seconds without removing the mattress or disassembling any part. Super-compact, it also comes with its own travel bag, making it easy to take the crib with you on nights away.

Supportive mattress

The mattress has been designed to ensure the correct posture for safe sleep e.g. the surface must be sufficiently rigid and prevent baby from sinking into it. The mattress also ensures airflow to reduce baby sweating.

Tiltable

There are two different height settings which aim to improve baby's comfort during digestion and in case of nasal congestion. However, this cannot be used when the crib is in co-sleeping configuration.

Maneuverable

With two wheels, it's easy to move the Next2Me PopUp around the home to keep baby close by.

Testing the Chicco Next2Me PopUp

Purchased in anticipation of our new arrival, we initially tested the Chicco Next2Me PopUp for ease of set-up, stability, apparent build quality, ergonomics and aesthetics as well as ease of transport. Since arriving home with our new daughter, she has slept in the crib every night in ‘co-sleeping configuration’ adjacent to our bed.

After receiving the crib, we set it up and deconstructed a number of times – noting its ease of set-up and relatively intuitive latches and catches. After just a few minutes of fiddling, we were folding and unfolding the crib on the advertised 3 seconds.

We tried the crib for size in the boots of a number of vehicles, and attached it to two different styles of bed to ensure compatibility.

The crib has been used in the co-sleeping configuration for the entire four weeks of our daughter’s life up to the day of writing this review. We therefore have not tested the tilting configuration with our daughter in the crib, however did note this function’s ease of use prior to her birth when the crib was in a stand-alone configuration.

Build

The utilitarian feel of the crib instils confidence that it will survive all that the first six months or so of parenthood will throw at it, including it being constructed and deconstructed on a regular basis. The latches and catches feel well-made and strong although, aesthetically, I think it’s fair to say that form follows function. That said, however, the neutral grey colour is subtle enough not to clash in any nursery and (given that this is something required from birth – and will likely be purchased in advance) is gender neutral.

One flaw we spotted with the specific crib we tested was a small amount of rust staining on the inside of the cover, from the end of the frame where the powder-coated finish had not completely covered, so do unpack and check yours carefully before putting it to use if you are worried about such things. It is likely, however, that this was a one-off fault.

Performance

We have been impressed by the design, simplicity of use and versatility, and our daughter has slept soundly in the crib for the first four weeks of her life, just inches from her mum – giving us the ability to easily monitor her breathing and attend to her needs immediately as required.

The fact that the crib can be used anywhere means that your baby will be able to enjoy the same home comforts of their own bed wherever you are, and its versatility regarding the ability for it to be tilted ensures that its use can be adapted to suit your baby’s needs. This is, after all, a purchase which, like us, you will likely make well before you meet your little one.

Usability

The simplicity of set-up and versatile nature of this crib means that it should be the only bed you’ll need for the first six months of your baby’s life. Whether you choose to use it in its safe co-sleeping configuration as a rule, on occasion, or just for the first few months as you settle into your new routines, the configuration allows you to monitor your baby’s breathing, and ensure their needs are met as quickly as possible. The low side also allows you to reach your baby more easily without bending to lift – particularly beneficial if mum has given birth via a C-section. Further to this, the crib is mounted on casters at one end which makes it incredibly easy to manoeuvre without lifting.

One point to note is that if the crib is used in the co-sleeping configuration, it is important to consider the ease with which mum will be able to get in and out of the bed post-partem. We found that its location against the bed meant that mum was required to clamber out of bed from the foot end, which could pose a problem for new mums who are finding movement more difficult.

Babies who suffer from digestion problems or congestion can benefit from the crib’s tilting function, although this is not available in co-sleeping configuration, while the availability of fitted sheets at a modest price means that the crib can be kept clean and fresh with ease.

Final verdict

Overall, this crib is an impressively thought-out and versatile piece of kit. It feels well-made and its multiple available configurations mean that it serves the same function as three more traditional sleep environments – crib/Moses basket/travel cot – ideal for those parents wanting to keep ‘stuff’ to a minimum! Based on the testing carried out, we feel confident in this being a safe sleep environment for our new baby and would certainly be happy to recommend the Chicco Next2Me PopUp to a friend (in fact, we already have!).