Bedside cribs buying guide for UK parents
Short answer: A bedside crib is a small crib with a drop-down or removable side that attaches safely to your bed, so your baby has their own separate sleep space beside you. Choose one that fits your space and your baby's stage, and use it as the instructions say.
What is a bedside crib?
A small crib with a drop-down or removable side that attaches safely to your bed, so your baby has their own separate sleep space beside you. It is used from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
How to choose
- Check it is made to BS EN 1130:2019.
- Make sure the fixing straps suit your bed frame and leave no gap between the crib and your mattress.
- Check the maximum weight and stage limits in the instructions.
Space and layout
Bedside cribs suit room sharing because they sit right next to your bed.
Safety standards
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Common questions
- Are baby nests and sleep pods safe for sleep?
- Is co-sleeping safe?
- Is a bedside crib the same as co-sleeping?
- What safety standard should a bedside crib meet?
- How long does a baby stay in a bedside crib?
- Can my baby sleep on my chest?
- Can my baby sleep in a bedside crib attached to my bed?
- Should the bedside crib side be up or down at night?
What the guidance says
- The NHS advises placing your baby in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first 6 months.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, pods, nests, wedges or anything to keep your baby in place.
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can I buy a second-hand bedside crib?Can a 6 week old sleep with a soft toy?Can a 4 month old have a cot bumper?Can a 5 month old still sleep in a Moses basket?What is SIDS?Can a 6 month old sleep in a travel cot?All safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.