Wondering if you actually need a Moses basket for your newborn baby?
When shopping for baby you’re presented with an enormous amount of stuff you could buy, but it can be tricky (if you’re a first-time parent) to know what you will actually use.
Clothes are a given. And you know baby will need blankets. But where should baby sleep?
If you’re confused about what a Moses basket is and if you actually need one, read on!
There’s a full list of newborn baby essentials over on this post.
This post contains affiliate links.
What is a Moses basket?
A Moses basket, sometimes called a bassinet, is a lightweight bed for a newborn baby often made from wicker material with a firm, fitted mattress placed inside for baby to sleep on.
They sometimes have handles and most will fit into standard Moses basket stands to elevate the basket off the floor.
Some Moses baskets may come attached to stands but most are sold separately. You don’t have to purchase a stand with the basket, but many parents find they are useful for placing baby higher to make picking them easier.
When the Moses basket is placed next to the your bed it’s also easier to lift them out at night if the basket is on a stand bringing baby’s bed to the same level as yours.
In recent years manufacturers have started making Moses baskets from a range of different materials, including cosy wool designs and seagrass.
How long should a baby use a Moses basket?
Babies will typically use a Moses basket for roughly three months. However some babies may start to look a little too snug in their Moses basket at six weeks.
This really depends on your baby’s weight and you should always be guided by the individual safety instructions that come with your Moses basket.
You may also like: How many baby clothes do I need?
What’s the difference between a Moses basket, crib, cot and side-sleeper?
There are lots of different types of baby beds, so where does a Moses basket come in?
The Moses basket is only for newborn babies, whereas a good cot will last your baby for two years.
Both a Moses basket and cot are enclosed by four sides to keep baby from rolling out, but a side-sleeper has one side that can be lowered to attach to an adult bed.
A side-sleeper is really useful for having baby more accessible at night. You can simply reach across and pick them up if they need a feed.
A crib is a smaller version of a cot and will typically last your baby up until they are six months.
Finally we have the cot bed. This bed will last your baby until they are four or five, as the railings can be removed once they hit the toddler years.
Of all of the options the cot bed is the best value, because it will last you longer. However it should be noted that some babies struggle to adapt to the cot bed, as it is very large for a newborn who prefers to feel more snug.
Advantages of a Moses basket
There are many pros to having a Moses basket for your baby in the early months.
Fits in small rooms easier
NHS advice states your baby should be sleeping in the same room as you for the first six months.
Many bedrooms would struggle to fit a cot or cot bed, but a small Moses basket and stand can be much easier to accommodate.
Is more portable
A Moses basket is far more flexible than a cot or cot bed because it is smaller, lightweight and is designed to be picked up with its handles.
If you want baby to nap in the living room or kitchen, simply pick up the Moses basket and settle it on the floor or put the stand wherever you want.
If you are travelling somewhere to stay overnight then you can just slip the Moses basket into the car boot.
Bedding is small and easy to clean
The bedding that comes with a Moses basket is far smaller than the fitted sheets you would place on a cot bed for example.
This makes it easier to put the bedding in the wash, as it takes up less space and will probably just slip in with a normal load.
Baby may prefer a smaller bed
A newborn baby has just spent nine months inside the snug cocoon of mama’s womb. So a smaller bed may appeal more to them for naps and overnight sleeping than a huge cot bed.
Cheaper initial cost than a cot
The cheapest Moses basket is £25 which is cheaper than the cost of a wooden cot or crib. However you will get more use out of a cot or crib as baby won’t grow out of it as quickly.
Disadvantages of a Moses basket
Can be expensive
The most expensive Moses baskets sell for more than £150. You can get a Moses basket for £25 however add in all of the bedding you need to purchase and the cost will be a minimum £35 in total.
Baby will outgrow it quickly
Adding to the expense issue is the fact your baby will not use the Moses basket for very long.
Once baby has stopped using it then you have a bulky item you either need to store or try to sell/ give away which is a bit of extra hassle.
If you have more than one baby of course you can set the Moses basket aside for the next child to use. However the cost is still steep compared to how much long-term use you will get from the product.
How much do Moses baskets cost?
The price of Moses baskets ranges massively from £25 to £150+.
This depends on the brand and materials used to make the basket.
A more expensive Moses basket is not necessarily better for baby’s sleep. It really comes down to look and brand more than anything.
Most Moses baskets do not come with the stand as standard, which can add another £20 to £30 to the cost.
However much you do spend on baby’s Moses basket, double check it conforms to the British Safety standard BS EN 1466:2014. There are lots of tips for buying safe beds and bedding for babies on The Lullaby Trust website.
What else do you need to buy with a Moses basket?
Most Moses baskets will be sold with a mattress that is fitted to the dimensions of the basket.
To go with this you will need to buy fitted sheets that are tailored to the mattress. Some manufacturers of Moses baskets will sell fitted sheets to go specifically with their product.
However many Moses baskets mattresses are a standard size – 66cm to 75cm long – so you can purchase fitted sheets from other brands if you wish.
You will also need to buy two waterproof mattress covers, which is absolutely essential to protect the mattress if baby has an explosive nappy plus one extra for when one is in the wash.
Baby will also need two to three lightweight blankets.
Some baskets will come with a few of the essentials you need, such as this £35 ANYDAY Moses basket from John Lewis which also includes a fitted sheet and liner for the mattress.
Is it worth buying a Moses basket for your baby?
You do not have to buy a Moses basket for your baby, but many parents find them useful.
If you have a small bedroom and space in your budget to purchase a Moses basket then it may be worth considering buying one so baby can sleep in your bedroom.
They also allow a lot of flexibility in the early days with a newborn baby, when naps may feel a little chaotic and random.
Having a Moses basket that you can move from room to room can be a big advantage.
I had a Moses basket that was used for both of my babies. I was glad to have it, as I did move them around the house for their nap times depending on what room I was in.
However if I had been looking to cut back on my expenses on baby this would have been one of the first things to go. You don’t have to have one, but they can help!
