Your baby should sleep in a cot or crib in the same room as you for the first six months of their life, however, if you don't have the space for a big cot in your room, the best Moses baskets are a great alternative.
Designed to be smaller than your standard baby beds, Moses baskets are practical beds that don't take up much room in your home and can be used in your bedroom or in the living room for daytime naps. They're also suitable baby beds to travel with if you need to.
Best Moses baskets at a glance:
• Best overall Moses basket: Tommee Tippee Sleepee Moses basket - buy here on Amazon UK.
• Best innovative Moses basket: SnuzBaskit Dark Grey Moses Basket And Dove Stand - buy here from SNUZ.
• Best for additional features: John Lewis ANYDAY Moses Basket - buy here from John Lewis.
Moses baskets are designed for use from birth until around six months, after which your baby can move into a cot in a room of their own. Some people also like to have a Moses basket in the living room, so that they don't have to keep taking baby to their room for a nap, or have to move their bedside crib around the house.
Best overall Moses basket
Description
Shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
This modern, durable Moses basket is made from soft hypoallergenic and recyclable material that is BPA and phthalate-free. It's well-ventilated and really easy to clean. Strong integrated handles make it easy to lift and move from to room, and it's ideal for overnight trips away from home as it's so light.
It comes supplied with a mattress and 100 per cent pure cotton waffle liner and includes the Rocking Stand. You can buy the Moses basket separately without the stand, but this bundle saves you money on both.
Our mum tester Verity said: "This is similar in appearance to the Shnuggle but even more futuristic. It has lots of similar features: it's hypoallergenic, easy to clean and well-ventilated. There is plenty of room to grow lengthwise and probably a few more months of use width-ways. The plastic is semi-flexible at the sides, which means the handles meet – very handy when you're carrying the basket with one hand at the same time as holding your baby."
Read our Tommee Tippee Sleepee Moses Basket review
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to clean
- Static and rocking options
Cons
- Stand is difficult to build
Best natural knitted Moses basket
ON SALE
Description
Won silver at our Mother&Baby Awards 2020 for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket.
The Little Green Sheep's Natural Knitted Moses Basket & Mattress is made from a beautiful organic knitted liner and creates a natural sleeping environment for your little one. As well as being a sturdy and secure basket, it is very easy to pick up and move around the home, and it comes with a mattress too. Coconut fibres form a supportive core, acting as thousands of tiny springs and reducing pressure points. With hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating properties, the comfy layers of organic sheep's wool will keep your baby sleeping soundly.
Our mum tester Hannah said: "I would recommend this to a fellow mum due to the high quality of the product, the look and how easy it is to move around the house, this means that your baby can come with you. Every new mum wants their baby to be safe and comfortable, which this product allows. My little girl loves being in the Moses basket and goes to sleep happily."
Read the full The Little Green Sheep Natural Knitted Moses Basket & Mattress review
Pros
- Strong and durable material
- Lightweight
- Organic quilted liner
Cons
- Doesn't include a stand
Best modern Moses basket
Description
Shortlisted in the 2018 Mother&Baby Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category.
Made from hypoallergenic polypropylene instead of wicker, this contemporary Moses basket is ventilated and easy to clean. It's larger than traditional Moses baskets and comes with a luxury quilted mattress and 100 per cent cotton liner included. A range of stands are available to buy separately – our testers tried out the Moses basket and curved stand, which can be used in the fixed bed-height position at night or as a low-level rocking stand for daytime use.
Our mum tester Katy said: "One of the more sophisticated Moses baskets we tried, which is reflected in the price and in the fact that assembly requires a screwdriver (not included) and some elbow grease. The base is reassuringly sturdy and can be used as a rocker – very handy. The liner is easy to pop off, making it easy to clean. The handles are very short, making it awkward to carry – not ideal when running around after my toddler."
Read the full Schnuggle Dreami Moses Basket review
Pros
- Looks modern
- Longer lasting
Cons
- The rocking mode is low down
Best handwoven Moses basket
www.mamasandpapas.com
Description
Made with elephant grass, this beautiful handwoven Moses basket features ethically sourced leather handles that are soft to grip. The basket itself is sturdy and has a protective cotton liner, and comes with a hypoallergenic foam mattress with a machine-washable cover.
One review said: "Love the design and natural fabric. Well made. Delivered promptly."
Pros
- Thick hypoallergenic foam fitted mattress
- Handwoven
Cons
- Not easy to clean
Best innovative Moses basket
www.snuz.co.uk
Description
With dual mesh windows for better visibility and breathability, this SnuzBaskit Moses Basket & Dove Stand looks incredibly modern in your home while keeping your baby safe and comfortable when they sleep. It has enhanced airflow and is also made 45 per cent larger for longevity of use.
Our parent tester said: "Having the SnüzBaskit from day one was a complete game changer for both myself and my baby girl. Like any newborn, she felt so tiny and precious that every moment holding her or moving her around felt so important. With the SnüzBaskit, I felt that every time I put her in there to sleep, she was ok, protected and safe – allowing me to relax for those much-needed minutes having hands that were free to make food and cuppas with!"
Read our full SnuzBaskit review
Pros
- Comes with a stand
- Made with sustainable material
- Larger than standard Moses baskets
Cons
- Machine washable liner not included
Best value Moses basket
Description
Sturdy and lightweight, the beautiful Moses has integrated handles to make it easier to move when needed. The weave design also allows for airflow through the basket.
One review said: "Exactly what I was looking for! Just the basket, I have my own mattress, so this was perfect. It's light, strong and smells so good! It's made of natural straw. Sides are strong, even if the baby is active, it won't collapse, holds baby well! Absolutely love it! A lot better than those expensive fake Moses baskets."
Pros
- Good value
- Sturdy
- Breathable
Cons
- Stand and mattress sold separately
Best Moses basket for additional features
www.online4baby.com
Description
With three detachable toys to entertain your baby, a nightlight and lullaby attachment, this Moses basket does everything. It has breathable mesh sides and a retractable canopy. It also has a basket underneath for storing essentials.
One customer review said: "Excellent quality! Snug as a bug in a rug and sleeps so well. Very sturdy and strong and I love the storage at the bottom."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Includes nightlight and three toys
Cons
- Basket not detachable from stand
Best neutral Moses basket
www.johnlewis.com
Description
The John Lewis ANYDAY Moses basket comes with a mattress, padded liner and fitted sheet, so you don't have to worry about finding ones that fit. It even comes with a white cellular blanket. It's cosy for your newborn and practical for you, as the sturdy material supports your baby, and the handles make it easy to move around the house.
One review said: "Very good quality Moses basket and excellent value. Looks great in new nursery. Lightweight, so easy to transport from room to room. Would definitely recommend this to other expectant parents."
Pros
- Comes with a cellular blanket
- Portable
Cons
- Some mentioned their baby outgrew it quickly
Best contemporary Moses basket
www.babyplanetonline.co.uk
Description
This Mamas & Papas Moses basket is simply beautiful, and the liner is made from high-quality materials that are soft against your baby's skin. It also comes with a foam mattress with removable and washable cover. We love the design of this Moses basket.
Pros
- Contemporary design
- Internals made with soft bamboo cotton
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Best accessorised Moses basket
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Description
This starter Moses basket is the perfect statement piece for any room, with a free-standing drape to help shade your baby. The Moses basket stand can be adjusted in height so that your baby can be eye-level, and it can also be changed from a stationary to rock mode.
One review said: "Bought as present for my great nephew. It looks fab and he is sleeping for 8 hours every night! 17 days old. My niece says her baby loves being in it."
Pros
- Free-standing drape
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Hard to assemble
Moses baskets: All you need to know
Do you need a Moses basket?
Some mums prefer their babies to sleep in a cot from day one, as it means not having to make the transition from a bedside crib to a cot later on. Others think their tiny newborn might feel rather lost in the vastness of a cot and prefer a cosier cocoon for the first few months. If that's you, or if you can't fit a cot in your bedroom, then a Moses basket is the answer.
Would a bedside crib be better?
The main advantage of a Moses basket over a bedside crib or baby cot bed is portability – a Moses basket has handles on either side of the bassinet, so you can easily carry it with you from room to room when your baby is napping. If you'd rather your baby always nap in your bedroom, then a bedside crib may be a better choice. Moses baskets are generally a more affordable option too.
When do babies outgrow Moses baskets?
Moses baskets are usually suited to babies from newborn up to the age of four months old. However, it's worth noting the weight limit of your Moses basket, as some babies can exceed the limit before, and some are also suited to babies up to six months old.
Another thing to note is that if your baby can sit up or pull themselves up on their own, then it's time to transition your baby to a cot.
Can you use a Moses basket overnight?
A baby can sleep in a Moses basket during the night, and ensure the basket is free from covers, teddies and any pillows. For safe sleep the Lullaby trust recommend your baby must be in the same room as you for the first six months.
How much storage space have you got?
You won't use a Moses basket for long, but this piece of baby kit will have huge sentimental value. You might want to keep it for another baby or as a little basket for teddy bears. Some designs fold neatly away for easy storage once outgrown.
Moses baskets can be pretty versatile. You can have one for your baby in your bedroom or even for the room you spend the most time in during the day. Most Moses baskets also come with handles so that they can be easily moved too.
Will you take it away overnight?
A Moses basket isn't specifically designed for travel use, but when you're popping in to visit the grandparents overnight, taking it with you is easier than packing a travel cot. Plus, your baby is likely to sleep better in the familiarity of their usual bed.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.