{"id":7692,"date":"2026-08-19T15:09:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/?p=7692"},"modified":"2026-08-19T15:09:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:09:51","slug":"bedside-crib-buying-guide-what-should-new-parents-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/buying-guides\/bedside-crib-buying-guide-what-should-new-parents-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Bedside Crib Buying Guide: What Should New Parents Look For?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Bringing your darling home for the first time and wondering where on earth they&#8217;re actually going to sleep? You&#8217;re not alone in finding this one of the trickiest decisions of the newborn stage, and a bedside crib is one of the most popular answers. Here&#8217;s what it actually is, why it matters, and what to look for before you buy one.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Room-Sharing Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lullabytrust.org.uk\/baby-safety\/safer-sleep-information\/room-sharing\/\">The Lullaby Trust<\/a>, babies should sleep in the same room as a parent or carer for at least the first 6 months, as this has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). A bedside crib makes this practical night after night: your little one has their own safe, separate sleep space, but they&#8217;re right there next to you rather than down the hall. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lullabytrust.org.uk\/baby-safety\/safer-sleep-information\/safer-sleep-overview\/\">Lullaby Trust&#8217;s safer sleep advice<\/a> more broadly recommends always placing baby on their back to sleep, in a clear cot free of pillows, loose bedding or soft toys, on a firm, flat mattress, in a room kept between 16-20\u00b0C, and in a smoke-free environment.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Bedside Crib vs Moses Basket vs Standard Cot<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7695\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"8688\" height=\"5792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1.jpeg 8688w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_242712379-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 8688px) 100vw, 8688px\" \/><\/a>A Moses basket is small, portable, and can go from room to room during the day, but babies typically outgrow it within a couple of months. A standard cot offers the most longevity but usually needs to be set up in its own space, which isn&#8217;t always practical (or reassuring) for the newborn stage. A bedside crib sits in the middle: it attaches securely to the side of your own bed (with the side panel down), keeping your tot within arm&#8217;s reach for night feeds and comfort, while still giving them their own firm, separate sleep surface.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What to Look for in a Bedside Crib<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Height adjustability, so the crib mattress can be set level with your own bed regardless of its height.<\/li>\n<li>Breathable mesh side panels, for good airflow and visibility.<\/li>\n<li>A firm, flat mattress: soft or padded mattresses aren&#8217;t recommended for safer sleep.<\/li>\n<li>Secure attachment straps to fix the crib safely to your own bed frame.<\/li>\n<li>The option to use it as a standalone crib (zipped up, side panel up) as well as bedside-attached.<\/li>\n<li>Portability: a lightweight fold and travel bag make a real difference if you&#8217;re staying away from home.<\/li>\n<li>A clear age and weight range, so you know roughly how long you&#8217;ll get out of it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Setting Up Your Bedside Crib Correctly<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Getting the fitting right matters just as much as choosing the right crib in the first place. Start by adjusting the crib&#8217;s height so the mattress sits level with, or very slightly below, your own mattress; a gap or a step up creates an unnecessary fall risk once your baby starts wriggling or rolling. Once the height&#8217;s set, pull the crib firmly against your bed frame and secure it using the manufacturer&#8217;s straps, checking there&#8217;s no gap at all between the two mattresses that a baby&#8217;s arm or leg could slip into. It&#8217;s worth double-checking the fit every few weeks rather than assuming it stays put once set, since mattresses and bed frames can shift slightly over time, and always confirm your own bed is compatible with the crib&#8217;s attachment system before you buy. Most straps are designed for divan or standard bed frames, so it&#8217;s worth checking if you have a frame with a footboard or unusual base.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Important Safety Note: The Tilt Function<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Some bedside cribs include a gentle tilt function, designed to help with reflux or congestion by slightly raising one end. This should only ever be used when the crib is set up as a standalone crib, side panel up and zipped closed, and never while it&#8217;s attached to your bed with the side panel down. For full guidance on using a bedside crib safely alongside your own bed, it&#8217;s worth reading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lullabytrust.org.uk\/baby-safety\/safer-sleep-information\/co-sleeping\/\">The Lullaby Trust&#8217;s co-sleeping advice<\/a> before you set one up.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Spotlight: The Amana FirstSleep Bedside Crib<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/cribs\/53409-amana-firstsleep-luxury-bedside-crib-pebble-grey.html\">Amana FirstSleep Bedside Crib<\/a> in Pebble Grey (\u00a399, RRP \u00a3225) is suitable from birth up to approximately 6 months, and offers 5 height positions so it can be matched precisely to your own bed. It includes breathable mesh side panels, a handy storage basket for muslins and nappies within reach, and folds away with an included travel bag for trips away from home. Co-sleeping safety straps come included, so it can be securely attached to your own bed, and it can equally be used standalone, zipped up as a normal crib, tilt function and all, just never tilted while attached with the side down. It comes complete with a crib mattress and two mattress sheets, and measures L95 x W57 x H73-85cm, weighing 10kg.<\/p>\n<p>Amana was created with one clear mission: to empower parents with thoughtfully designed, beautiful products that support exceptional baby care. With roots in the nursery industry since the 1980s and over 45 years of collective experience, the range was developed alongside a respected British design house, bringing together timeless style and practical functionality, without the luxury price tag. Fittingly, &#8216;Amana&#8217; means trust, which feels rather apt for something your little one will be sleeping in.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-scaled.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7694\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_630648369-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>How long can I use a bedside crib for?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most bedside cribs, including the Amana FirstSleep, are suitable from birth up to approximately 6 months, which conveniently lines up with the Lullaby Trust&#8217;s recommended minimum period for room-sharing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is it safe to use the tilt function while the crib is attached to my bed?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No, the tilt function on the Amana FirstSleep should only be used when the crib is set up standalone, with the side panel up and zipped closed. It should never be used while the crib is attached to your bed with the side panel down.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can a bedside crib be used for travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, the Amana FirstSleep folds down and comes with a travel bag, making it a practical option for staying at relatives&#8217; houses or on short breaks, while still giving your baby a familiar, safe sleep space.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What mattress should I use in a bedside crib?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Always use a firm, flat mattress designed for the specific crib, as recommended in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lullabytrust.org.uk\/baby-safety\/safer-sleep-information\/safer-sleep-overview\/\">Lullaby Trust&#8217;s safer sleep guidance<\/a>. The Amana FirstSleep comes complete with a properly fitted crib mattress and two mattress sheets, so you won&#8217;t need to source one separately.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What happens after 6 months? Do I need to buy a full cot straight away?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not necessarily right away, but it&#8217;s worth planning ahead. Once your baby outgrows the crib&#8217;s weight or height limit, or starts trying to sit up or pull themselves up, it&#8217;s time to move them into a full-size cot in their own space, even if you&#8217;re still room-sharing for a little longer. Many parents use the run-up to the 6-month mark to research and buy a cot in advance, so the transition doesn&#8217;t feel rushed when the time comes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does my bed need to be a particular type for a bedside crib to attach safely?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most bedside cribs, including the Amana FirstSleep, are designed to work with standard divan and framed beds using adjustable straps, but it&#8217;s worth checking compatibility with unusual bed types, such as ottoman beds, beds with a footboard, or very high or low bed frames, before you buy, since these can sometimes make a secure, gap-free fit trickier to achieve.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A Good Night&#8217;s Sleep, Sorted<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Choosing a bedside crib comes down to a few key things: proper height adjustability, breathable and secure materials, and a firm mattress that meets safer sleep guidance. Take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/506_amana\/17509-amana-firstsleep-bedside-crib\">Amana FirstSleep Bedside Crib range<\/a> to see if it&#8217;s the right fit for your bedroom (and your bub).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bringing your darling home for the first time and wondering where on earth they&#8217;re actually going to sleep? You&#8217;re not alone in finding this one of the trickiest decisions of the newborn stage, and a bedside crib is one of the most popular answers. Here&#8217;s what it actually is, why it matters, and what to look for before you buy one. Why Room-Sharing Matters According to The Lullaby Trust, babies should sleep in the same<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7693,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[534],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7692"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7692"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7696,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7692\/revisions\/7696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}