Is a bedside crib the same as co-sleeping?
Short answer: No. A bedside crib gives your baby their own separate sleep surface next to your bed. The NHS calls a separate cot or Moses basket in your room the safest place.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- 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.
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.
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
Related questions
What is a bedside crib?
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.
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Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
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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.