Moses basket vs travel cot: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A Moses basket is a small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand. A travel cot is a folding cot with a rigid frame and base, used for trips, grandparents' houses or small rooms. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
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.
Travel cot
Used for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
- Use only the mattress made for that travel cot. Never add folded blankets or a quilt underneath.
- Practise putting it up and folding it before you travel.
- Check the weight and height limits.
| Moses basket | Travel cot | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | for the first few months, until your baby reaches the maker's weight limit or can roll, sit or pull up | for occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot |
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.
- Travel cots need the same safer-sleep set-up as a cot: a rigid frame and base and a firm, flat mattress. Do not add folded blankets or a quilt under the baby.
- If a full cot will not fit, the Lullaby Trust suggests a travel cot, set up with the same safer-sleep advice.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
- Cots and travel cots: look for BS EN 716-1:2017.
Related questions
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.
How long can you use a travel cot?
For occasional or regular sleep, set up exactly like a cot.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Bedside Crib
- Nova Moses Basket & Stand
- Obaby Foam Moses Basket Mattress 75 x 28cm
- Dorel Ivy 3in1 Convertible Metal Crib Grey
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Bedside crib buying checklistCan a 9 month old sleep on their tummy?Reflux and positioning quizCan a 6 week old sleep with a soft toy?Your 2 week's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideBritish Standards for baby sleep products explainedAll 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.