Cot bed vs Moses basket: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A cot bed is a cot with removable sides and ends that converts into a toddler bed, most often taking a 140 x 70cm mattress. 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.
Cot bed
Used as a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed.
- Check the mattress size listed for the frame. 140 x 70cm is common, but not universal.
- Keep every conversion panel, bolt and instruction sheet for the toddler-bed stage.
- Look at adjustable base heights, teething rails and any matching furniture.
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.
| Cot bed | Moses basket | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | as a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed | 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
- 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.
- Keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, pods, nests, wedges or anything to keep your baby in place.
- 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.
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
Related questions
How long can you use a cot bed?
As a cot from birth, then as a toddler bed once your child is climbing or ready for a bed.
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
- Tutti Bambini Malmo Cot Bed, Cot Top Changer and Mattress Bundle - Honey Oak
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- Grace Inspire Cot Bed - Me & Mini Me Elephants - Grey
- Whitby Cot Bed - White
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Clear cot quizNewborn first week sleep quizDo I need a bedside crib?Can an 11 month old sleep with a soft toy?Your 4 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideWhich cot bed suits your nursery?All safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (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.