Safe bedside sleeping: what you need to know

Sleeping right next to your baby, without sharing the same bed: that is the whole idea of bedside sleeping. The crib attaches to the parents’ bed, its side lowers on your side, and your baby sleeps in a bed of their own, within arm’s reach. Night feeds are simpler, wakings are shorter, and everyone keeps their own space.

Share the room, not the bed

Health professionals recommend that babies sleep in their parents’ room for the first months, but in their own bed. A bedside crib meets exactly this recommendation: your baby is right beside you, with no risk from a duvet, a pillow or the body of a sleeping adult.

Choosing a bedside crib

• A suitable standard. In Europe, cribs and cradles for domestic use fall under standard EN 1130, which covers in particular attachment to the parents’ bed and the drop-down side. Check the instructions and the product marking.
• A secure attachment system. Straps that run under the parents’ mattress stop the crib from moving away during the night.
• Adjustable height. Your baby’s mattress should be level with yours, with no step or dip.
• A firm, well-fitting mattress. It should fill the whole base of the crib, with no gaps at the sides.

The right habits, every night

• Always lay your baby on their back, flat, on the mattress supplied.
• Nothing in the crib: no pillow, duvet, bumper or soft toy. Choose a baby sleeping bag suited to their size and the season.
• Keep the room cool, around 18 to 20 °C, and smoke-free.
• Check that the crib is properly attached: there must be no gap between the two mattresses.
• If your crib has a rocking function, use it to help your baby fall asleep, with the timer, and stay attentive.

When to stop using bedside mode

The lowered side is designed for the very youngest. As soon as your baby can sit up, kneel or pull themselves up unaided, close the side or move them to a bed suited to their age. Also respect the maximum weight stated by the manufacturer.

In short

Used properly, bedside sleeping offers the best of both worlds: the closeness your baby needs and the safety of a bed of their own. Take a few minutes to read your crib’s instructions, and your nights will be all the more peaceful.

This advice is general. For any question about your child’s sleep, talk to your paediatrician, health visitor or midwife.