Bedside crib vs nursery furniture set: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. 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. A nursery furniture set is matching furniture, typically a cot or cot bed with a wardrobe and/or chest of drawers. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
Bedside crib
Used from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
- 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.
Nursery furniture set
Used from birth, with the cot bed and storage carrying on into childhood.
- Measure the room and plan where each piece goes before ordering.
- Check what is in the set (cot, cot bed, dresser, wardrobe) and the mattress size the cot takes.
- Wall-anchor wardrobes and drawers as the instructions say.
| Bedside crib | Nursery furniture set | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit | from birth, with the cot bed and storage carrying on into childhood |
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.
- Place the cot away from radiators, direct sunlight and blind cords.
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
Related questions
How long can you use a bedside crib?
From birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
How long can you use a nursery furniture set?
From birth, with the cot bed and storage carrying on into childhood.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can a 10 month old sleep in a cot?Cot bed vs toddler bed: which is better?How do I choose a bedside crib?Can a 5 month old sleep on their side?Your 9 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideYour 11 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideAll 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.