When you’re setting up a nursery, the baby crib, a dedicated sleeping space designed for infants under one year old, often with fixed sides and a firm mattress. Also known as a cot, it’s one of the first and most important pieces of baby gear you’ll buy. But not all cribs are created equal—especially in the UK, where safety rules changed in 2011 and got even stricter by 2025. If you’re using an old crib, buying secondhand, or just unsure what to look for, you’re not alone. Many parents don’t realize that some cribs sold before 2011 are no longer legal for use, even if they look fine.
The crib safety standards, a set of UK and European regulations that dictate spacing between slats, mattress fit, drop-side mechanisms, and stability exist for one reason: to stop suffocation and entrapment. A gap bigger than 4.5cm between slats can trap a baby’s head. A loose mattress leaves dangerous gaps where a child could get stuck. And drop-side cribs? They’ve been banned since 2011 because they’ve caused dozens of injuries and deaths worldwide. Even if a crib looks sturdy, if it doesn’t have a CE mark and a label saying it meets BS EN 1130:2019, it’s not safe to use.
And it’s not just the crib itself. The nursery safety, the overall environment where your baby sleeps, including bedding, positioning, and nearby hazards matters just as much. Blankets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals? They’re not decorations—they’re risks. The NHS and Lullaby Trust both say the safest sleep space is bare: just a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and your baby on their back. Overheating, soft surfaces, and cluttered cribs are linked to SIDS. That’s why so many parents are now choosing breathable cotton sheets and avoiding any extra layers.
What about those cute, vintage cribs you saw online? Or the one your cousin gave you? If it’s pre-2011, has a drop side, or doesn’t have a clear safety label, it’s not worth the risk. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you do need to check the details. Look for the CE mark, confirm it meets the latest standard, and test the fit—your baby should fit snugly, with no more than two fingers’ width between mattress and sides.
There’s a lot of confusion out there. Some think ‘if it’s not broken, it’s fine.’ But safety isn’t about appearance—it’s about science. The same rules that kept your child safe in the hospital apply at home. And if you’re shopping online, don’t just trust the title. Look for the product code and cross-check it with the UK government’s crib safety guidelines. A few minutes of checking now can save you from a lifetime of worry.
Below, you’ll find real advice from parents and experts on what to avoid in a nursery, how to spot a dangerous crib, and what the latest rules mean for your baby’s sleep. Whether you’re setting up your first nursery or upgrading an old one, these posts will help you make smart, safe choices—without the guesswork.
In the UK, the term for a baby crib is quite different from what many might assume. This article delves into the British term 'cot', exploring its origins and usage. Using insights into British nursery culture, we explain what a cot looks like and how it fits into a nursery setting. You will also find tips on selecting the perfect cot, as well as some intriguing nursery practices across different cultures.