Cribs buying guide for UK parents
Short answer: A crib is a small free-standing baby bed, sometimes with a rocking or gliding action, sized between a Moses basket and a cot. Choose one that fits your space and your baby's stage, and use it as the instructions say.
What is a crib?
A small free-standing baby bed, sometimes with a rocking or gliding action, sized between a Moses basket and a cot. It is used for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
How to choose
- Use a mattress made to fit that crib exactly.
- If it rocks or glides, check there is a lock and use it for sleep where the instructions say to.
- Check the weight and stage limits.
Space and layout
Cribs take up less space than a cot, which helps while your baby shares your room.
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
- Can my baby sleep in a crib that rocks?
- Is a crib better than a Moses basket?
- How do I choose a crib?
- Do I need a crib?
- How long can you use a crib?
- When should I buy a crib?
- Can I buy a second-hand crib?
- Crib buying checklist
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
Crib vs travel cot: which is better?Can a 7 month old sleep in a travel cot?Is a travel cot safe for a newborn?What cot beds does Baby Kingdom sell?Cot vs Moses basket: which is better?Cot set-up quiz for new parentsAll 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.