Crib Safety Standards Every Parent Should Understand

By Elena Fraser, Safety & Compliance Editor | Safety & Standards Column | Childcare Standards Council

When preparing a nursery, one of the most important decisions a parent or caregiver will make is selecting a crib. It’s not just about aesthetics or matching the nursery décor; a crib is where your baby will spend a considerable amount of time during their first year of life.

Therefore, ensuring it complies with up to date safety standards is absolutely essential.

In 2025, both the design and regulation of cribs in the UK continue to evolve in response to product recalls, industry feedback, and paediatric safety research. Here's what every parent needs to know.

Contact us to report infringement.

Why Crib Safety Standards Matter

Unsafe cribs can pose a serious risk to infants and toddlers. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), unsafe sleeping environments are a major contributing factor in many cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Crib related injuries can also include entrapment, falls, and strangulation.

Modern crib safety standards aim to mitigate these risks by enforcing strict design, construction, and labelling requirements. Understanding what these are will help you make informed decisions and give you peace of mind.

Key Crib Safety Regulations in the UK (2025)

The UK follows several harmonised and domestic standards for cribs, including:

1. BS EN 716 1 & BS EN 716 2 (Cribs and Cots)

These British Standards, aligned with European regulations, outline the essential safety specifications for cribs and cots. In 2025, updates to these standards have reinforced the following key requirements:

• Bar Spacing: The distance between the bars must be between 45mm and 65mm. This prevents the risk of head entrapment.

• Height of Sides: The sides of the crib must be high enough to prevent babies from climbing or falling out.

• Corner Posts: No decorative corner posts above 5mm in height, to eliminate strangulation risk from clothing or cords getting caught.

• Mattress Fit: A properly fitting mattress with no more than a 30mm gap around the edges is crucial to prevent entrapment.

2. UKCA and CE Marking

Products sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) must bear the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark.

In Northern Ireland, the CE mark still applies under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Cribs should carry one of these marks to show compliance with relevant safety standards.

Check that these marks are present and visible, often found on the product label or packaging, and ensure the product comes with full assembly instructions and safety guidance in English.

Features to Avoid in 2025

Certain crib designs and features may seem harmless or appealing but have been deemed unsafe by safety regulators:

• Drop side cribs: These have been banned in the UK and many other countries due to entrapment and strangulation risks.

• Pillows, bumpers, and quilts: While still available, these items are not recommended for use with infants under 12 months as they increase the risk of suffocation.

• Soft or plush toys in the crib: Avoid placing them in the crib during sleep. They may obstruct breathing or be pulled over the baby’s face.

• Second hand cribs without history: Buying or borrowing a crib is budget friendly but only do so if it complies with current standards and has not been subject to a recall.

What to Look for When Buying a Crib

Here’s a checklist to help you choose a crib that meets current safety expectations:

• Clearly labelled UKCA or CE mark

• Firm, snug fitting mattress (ideally BS 1877 10 compliant)

• Slats with spacing no more than 65mm

• Smooth edges and rounded corners

• No protruding screws or decorative posts

• Includes assembly instructions and warnings

• No signs of damage, warping, or missing parts

If you’re unsure whether a product is compliant, always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation or search for it on the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) recall list.

Safe Sleep Recommendations

Even with a compliant crib, how you use it matters just as much. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust recommend the following for safe infant sleep:

• Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Clear Cot: Keep the cot free from toys, bumpers, loose bedding, or anything soft.

• Room Sharing: The safest place for a baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as the parents.

• Ideal Room Temperature: Keep the room at 16 to 20°C and avoid overheating the baby.

These practices, combined with a safe and certified crib, create the most secure environment possible.

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Even a brand new crib must be routinely checked for:

• Loose screws or joints

• Signs of wear and tear

• Changes in mattress firmness or size

• Accumulation of dust, mould, or pests beneath the crib

Monthly inspections ensure continued safety and longevity of the product.

Final Thoughts

Crib safety in 2025 isn’t about overprotecting, it’s about informed choices. While the UK has robust safety standards in place, staying vigilant about crib design, assembly, and everyday use is crucial.

Always choose certified products, follow safe sleep guidance, and when in doubt, consult with trusted sources such as the NHS, RoSPA, or the Childcare Standards Council.

Your baby’s safety is never worth compromising for style, convenience, or price. A safe crib is one of the most worthwhile investments you’ll ever make.