Moses basket buying checklist
Short answer: Before you buy a Moses basket, check: 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.
- 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.
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.
Related questions
What is a Moses basket?
A small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand.
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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.