Do I need a crib?
Short answer: It depends on your plans. A crib is a small free-standing baby bed, sometimes with a rocking or gliding action, sized between a Moses basket and a cot, used for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
Think about your space, budget and how long you will use it.
- 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.
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.
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 premature baby sleep in a bedside crib?Your 10 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideCan a newborn sleep in a cot?How long can you use a cot?Bed-sharing risks quizIs a cot bed right for you? Quick 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.