A bedside crib is a bassinet with one side that opens and attaches to the parents' bed. It allows the baby to sleep within arm's reach, on their own mattress, without sharing the adult bed. This is precisely what the French National Authority for Health recommends for the first six months: the same room, but not the same sleeping surface.
What exactly is a bedside crib?
The term refers to an individual sleeping space with adjustable height, whose side can be lowered or removed. Once attached to the parents' bed and secured with straps, it forms an extension of the adult mattress while retaining a separate sleeping surface.
The distinction is important. In the broad sense, bedside sleeping refers to the practice of sleeping close to your baby. A bedside crib, on the other hand, is a piece of furniture that enables this closeness without the risks of bed sharing.
The three types of models
- The classic bedside crib, on legs or castors, with a drop-down side and adjustable height.
- The reclining model, whose sleeping surface can be raised slightly at the head end.
- The convertible model, which transforms into a small standalone bed or a bench once the bedside-sleeping phase is over.
Prices vary mainly according to the materials and the attachment system. A solid wood model with metal straps costs more than a fabric structure on a tubular frame.
Is a bedside crib safe for a newborn?
Yes, provided it is properly installed and used on its own, without added bedding. The French National Authority for Health recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for six months, without sharing their bed. A bedside crib meets precisely these two requirements.
Safety rests on three specific points. The crib mattress must be at the same level as the parents' mattress, or slightly below it. No gap should remain between the two mattresses. The straps must be tightened each time it is set up and checked regularly.
The remaining safety rules are the same as for any sleeping arrangement. We explain them in detail in our article on safe infant sleep according to the HAS: sleeping on the back, a firm mattress, no pillow, no duvet, and no cot bumper.
How to choose a bedside crib: the criteria that matter
A bedside crib is purchased for a short period. The useful criteria are therefore those that determine everyday use, not those that look good in photos.
Attachment to the parents' bed
This is the number-one criterion. Two systems are available: straps that pass under the adult mattress, and attachments that clamp onto the bed base. Straps are suitable for almost all beds, including storage beds.
Check that the system accommodates the thickness of your own mattress. A mattress more than twenty-five centimetres thick can put some straps under strain.
Dimensions and height
Sleeping surfaces are around 50 by 90 centimetres, sometimes smaller. Measure the height of your mattress from the floor before buying, then compare it with the adjustment range specified by the manufacturer.
Low parental beds, very common in Scandinavian-style bedrooms, can be problematic with some models whose lowest setting is still too high.
The mattress provided
Many bedside cribs come with a thin mattress. Firmness matters more than thickness. It must cover the entire surface, with no gaps at the sides.
If the original mattress seems too soft, replace it with a model in the exact dimensions. The criteria are the same as for a slatted cot, as detailed in our guide to choosing a firm, well-fitted baby mattress.
Side ventilation
Breathable mesh sides improve air circulation and let you see the baby without getting up. Solid sides provide better noise insulation but limit visibility.
Folding, weight and wheels
A foldable bedside crib can be taken to the grandparents' house or on holiday. Solid wood models, which are heavier, are nevertheless stable and quiet.
If you are mainly looking for a portable sleeping solution, another piece of equipment may be more suitable. We compare the different uses in our travel cot guide.
Real adaptability
Many models advertise a second life as a bench or small desk. Check whether the conversion requires separately sold parts. Without them, the promise of adaptability remains theoretical.
How old can a bedside crib be used?
The limit is not an age but a motor skill. Manufacturers generally indicate use up to around six months or until the baby weighs nine kilograms. For some children, the real stop signal comes earlier.
As soon as the baby pushes up on their hands and knees or sits up unaided, the bedside crib must be closed on the open side and then replaced. These milestones often occur between six and nine months. Our article on learning to crawl describes these stages.
In practice, most families use a bedside crib between four and eight months. That's a short time. The cost of use should therefore be weighed against that of a cot, which can be used for three years. A convertible cot bed extends this period even further.
Bedside crib, bassinet, or cot: which should you choose?
All three meet different needs. A simple bassinet provides proximity without attachment, but means getting up at night. A cot covers the entire early-childhood period, without direct access from the parents' bed.
A bedside crib is particularly useful in two specific situations: after a caesarean section, when getting up is painful, and during night-time breastfeeding in the first few weeks, when wake-ups are frequent.
In a small bedroom, the question is different because the bedside crib takes up floor space that remains unusable during the day. We discuss these trade-offs in our article on setting up a small space with a baby.
The question of heating and blankets
A bedside crib is open on the side, so it is more exposed to draughts than a closed bassinet. A baby sleeping bag remains the only recommended bedding, and its thermal rating should match the room temperature. Our guide explains how to choose a baby sleeping bag's size and TOG rating.
What about during the day?
A bedside crib is a sleeping space, not a play space. Awake time is best spent on the floor, on a firm, clear surface that allows free movement.
This is the role of a play mat placed directly on the floor, where the baby can roll, push up on their arms, and reach for what surrounds them. This separation between the sleeping area and the play area also helps establish clear boundaries.
To compare formats and uses, see our selection of play mats.
Key points
- A bedside crib provides the proximity recommended by the French National Authority for Health without bed-sharing.
- The attachment, height range, and absence of gaps between the mattresses take priority over everything else.
- Actual use often lasts four to eight months and stops as soon as the baby pulls themselves upright.
- The mattress must be firm and cover the entire surface, with no additional bedding.
- Compare the cost of use with that of a cot before buying.
Other questions about equipment for young babies are answered on our frequently asked questions page.
Sources
- French National Authority for Health, recommendations on preventing sudden unexpected infant death, consulted in September 2026.
