Moses baskets buying guide for UK parents
Short answer: A Moses basket is a small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand. Choose one that fits your space and your baby's stage, and use it as the instructions say.
What is a Moses basket?
A small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand. It is used for the first few months, until your baby reaches the maker's weight limit or can roll, sit or pull up.
How to choose
- Use the mattress made for that basket, so it fits with no gaps.
- Use the basket on the floor or on its own stand, never on a raised surface like a sofa or table.
- Check the weight limit in the instructions.
Space and layout
Moses baskets are the most compact option for room sharing in the early weeks.
Safety standards
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Common questions
- Are baby hammocks safe?
- Where should my baby nap during the day?
- What safety standard should a Moses basket meet?
- How long can a baby use a Moses basket?
- Can my baby sleep in a sling?
- Does a Moses basket need a stand?
- Are all Moses baskets the same size?
- Are Moses basket sheets universal?
What the guidance says
- The NHS advises placing your baby in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first 6 months.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- Never put twins together in a Moses basket or small cot. Before they can roll, move them into their own cots.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
- Mattresses: look for BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, and BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021 for cot, travel cot and crib mattresses.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Gliding Crib and Mattress - White
- Tutti Bambini CoZee Mini Me Play Crib - Oak/Charcoal
- Scout Travel Crib, Cot and Playpen Carry Bag
- Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Bedside Crib
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Cot bed vs bedside crib: which is better?Can a newborn sleep in a toddler bed?Can a 5 month old sleep with a soft toy?What is SIDS?Can an 8 month old sleep in their own room?Can a 9 month old sleep in a toddler bed?All safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.