Bedside crib vs travel cot: 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 travel cot is a folding cot with a rigid frame and base, used for trips, grandparents' houses or small rooms. 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.
Travel cot
Used for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
- Use only the mattress made for that travel cot. Never add folded blankets or a quilt underneath.
- Practise putting it up and folding it before you travel.
- Check the weight and height limits.
| Bedside crib | Travel cot | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit | for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot |
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.
- Travel cots need the same safer-sleep set-up as a cot: a rigid frame and base and a firm, flat mattress. Do not add folded blankets or a quilt under the baby.
- If a full cot will not fit, the Lullaby Trust suggests a travel cot, set up with the same safer-sleep advice.
- 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 travel cot?
For occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
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 newborn sleep on their tummy?Can a 3 year old sleep in their own room?Can an 18 month old sleep in their own room?Guide to cots & cot beds: what to look forYour 4 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideNight-time temperature quizAll 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.