Bedside crib vs Moses basket: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A bedside crib is a small crib with a drop-down or removable side that attaches safely to your bed, so your baby has their own separate sleep space beside you. A Moses basket is a small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
Bedside crib
Used from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
- Check it is made to BS EN 1130:2019.
- Make sure the fixing straps suit your bed frame and leave no gap between the crib and your mattress.
- Check the maximum weight and stage limits in the instructions.
Moses basket
Used for the first few months, until your baby reaches the maker's weight limit or can roll, sit or pull up.
- 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.
| Bedside crib | Moses basket | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit | for the first few months, until your baby reaches the maker's weight limit or can roll, sit or pull up |
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.
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
Related questions
How long can you use a bedside crib?
From birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
How long can you use a Moses basket?
For the first few months, until your baby reaches the maker's weight limit or can roll, sit or pull up.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- CoZee Air 2 Bedside Crib
- CoZee Zen Bedside Crib
- Cloud Bedside Crib - Oatmeal
- Cloud Bedside Crib - Nutmeg
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
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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.