Choosing a bedside crib for your newborn can bring plenty of questions, from “Are bedside cribs safe?” to how long can your baby use one and when to move them to a cot.
If you’re weighing up a beside crib vs a Moses basket or wondering how a bedside crib compares with co-sleeping, this guide covers the key things to know. With clear answers to common bedside crib questions, you’ll have practical information to help you understand your options and feel more confident preparing a safe, comfortable sleep space for your baby.
What is a bedside crib?
A bedside crib is a baby sleep space that attaches securely beside your bed, letting your newborn sleep close to you while staying on their own separate sleep surface. Many parents choose a bedside crib because it makes night feeds, soothing and settling easier while supporting room-sharing during the first six months.
Is a bedside crib safe for newborns?
Yes, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, a bedside crib provides a safe sleep space for newborn babies. To help create a safe sleep environment, your baby should always sleep on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet and a clear sleep space free from pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, sleep positioners and soft toys.
How long can a baby sleep in a bedside crib?
Most bedside cribs are suitable from birth until around six months old. However, every model is different, so it's important to check the product guidance. You should stop using a bedside crib when your baby can sit up unaided, pull themselves up, roll over consistently or reaches the maximum weight limit specified by the manufacturer.
What's the difference between a bedside crib and co-sleeping?
A bedside crib allows your baby to sleep in their own separate sleep space while remaining within arm's reach of your bed. Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, means a baby sleeps on the same sleep surface as a parent. A bedside crib offers the closeness many parents want while giving baby their own dedicated sleeping area.
Can I use a bedside crib with any bed?
Many bedside cribs feature adjustable height settings and secure attachment systems that are designed to work with a wide range of bed types. However, compatibility can vary by model, so check the product specifications before purchasing to ensure a safe, secure fit with your bed.
Do bedside cribs help with night feeds?
Many parents find bedside cribs helpful during night feeds because baby is close by throughout the night. Having your little one within easy reach can make feeding, comforting and settling more convenient, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, while keeping baby in their own sleep space.
When should I move my baby to a cot or cotbed?
Most babies move from a bedside crib to a cot or cotbed at around six months old, or sooner if they begin sitting up, rolling over or outgrow their crib. A cot gives your baby more space to stretch, move and sleep comfortably as they grow, making it the next natural step in their sleep journey.
What should I put in the bedside crib?
The safest sleep space is often the simplest. A bedside crib should contain a firm, flat mattress with a well-fitted sheet. Babies do not need pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, sleep nests, positioners or soft toys in their sleep space. Keeping the crib clear helps create a comfortable, safe sleep environment.
Is a bedside crib better than a Moses basket?
A bedside crib and a Moses basket can both provide a safe sleep space for a newborn, but they offer different benefits. A bedside crib keeps baby close to your bed throughout the night, making it easier to respond to feeds and wakings, while a Moses basket is lightweight and easy to move around the home. The right choice depends on your family's lifestyle, space and sleeping arrangements.
Can a newborn sleep in a bedside crib from day one?
Yes, most bedside cribs are suitable from birth and can be used from your baby's very first night at home. They provide a safe, comfortable sleep space while allowing your newborn to stay close for feeding, bonding and reassurance during those precious early weeks.
Are bedside cribs safer than bed sharing?
A bedside crib gives your baby their own separate sleep surface while letting them stay close to you throughout the night. Many parents choose a bedside crib because it combines the convenience of having baby nearby for feeding and comforting with a dedicated sleep space designed specifically for infant sleep.
What is the best bedside crib for a newborn?
The best bedside crib is one that suits your family's needs, sleep space and lifestyle while meeting recognised safety standards. Features such as adjustable height settings, breathable mesh sides, a firm mattress, and secure bedside attachment can help provide comfort, convenience and peace of mind during the newborn stage.
With the right information, choosing a sleep space for your baby doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Understanding how bedside cribs work, when they’re suitable and when to move on to the next stage can help you make informed choices that feel right for you and your baby.
Did you know?
You don’t have to navigate all the options alone. Our free Buying for Baby service – available online and in-store – gives you the chance to get personal guidance from our friendly experts. They’ll talk through your newborn needs, answer your questions, and help you find the right options for your baby, lifestyle and budget.
