Can my baby sleep in a crib that rocks?
Short answer: Follow the maker's instructions. Many say to lock the rocking or gliding action for unsupervised sleep. Keep the mattress firm and flat and the crib clear.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- 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.
What the guidance says
- 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.
Related questions
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.
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Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can a 7 month old still sleep in a bedside crib?Your 18 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideDo I need a cot bed?Cot vs travel cot: which is better?Is a travel cot right for you? Quick quizCot bedding myths quizAll safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (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.