When shopping for replacement baby mattresses or figuring out whether a Moses basket will fit in their bedroom, many parents have the same question: are Moses baskets standard size? In this guide, we'll answer your pressing questions about Moses basket sizes and help you figure out if a Moses basket is the right choice for your newborn.
Are Moses baskets standard size?
There is no universal size of a Moses basket. Every manufacturer will use their own individual dimensions, and even the dimensions of different models of Moses baskets from the same manufacturer can vary. However, most Moses baskets are of a similar size - around 80cm to 90cm long and 40 to 50cm wide. This makes them big enough to be used for babies up until the age of three or four months. If you're looking for a small-sized Moses basket to fit in a cramped space, consider a
pod Moses basket. These have a narrow shape and small footprint so that they don't take up too much space. Plus, their confined, cosy interior can help baby to feel cradled and more secure, which might help them to sleep better.
Are Moses baskets standard size in terms of mattress dimensions and weight limit?
Due to the variable sizes of Moses baskets, you should not buy any baby bedding or mattresses under the assumption that they will fit your individual basket. Be sure to check the internal dimensions of the basket first. Look for bedding and mattresses that have been listed as compatible with that particular make and model of basket, or which clearly state the dimensions of the interior mattress so that you can buy a replacement or spare sheets which fit properly. Remember that it is particularly important to use a
well-fitting mattress that does not leave a gap between the mattress and the basket, as this could pose a suffocation risk. Bear in mind that since every Moses basket is different in terms of size, they also differ in terms of weight limit. Be sure to check the weight limit of each individual basket you plan on using to ensure it is durable enough to support your little one, particularly if they're an exceptionally big baby or they are reaching the three-month stage.
Is a Moses basket right for me and my baby?
Moses baskets are a popular choice for newborn babies because they're light, portable and easy to store. According to the
Lullaby Trust, the safest place to put baby down to sleep during the first six months is in their parent's bedroom. However, many people's bedrooms are simply not big enough for large, bulky cribs. Instead, the modest footprint of a Moses basket is a great solution. Plus, the lightweight basket can easily be carried around the house so that you can settle your baby down for a daytime nap in whatever room you happen to be in during the day. You can use a stand with your Moses basket to raise it up to a height that saves you from bending down too much. However, you can also simply place the basket on the floor or on any flat and sturdy surface so that you don't have to move the stand every time you move the basket into a different room.
What are the other benefits of a Moses basket?
Another major benefit of Moses baskets is that they can help very young babies to feel more secure than in a crib. Cribs are designed to last until babies turn into toddlers and are ready to move into a proper bed. This means they must be spacious enough for a child that is up to two or three years old, which might be a little too spacious for a tiny baby. Newborn babies tend to settle better when they feel cradled and when they can't see too many stimulating things going on around them. The small, cosy size of a Moses basket can make them feel safer and more secure, and when the hood is raised, baby is less likely to be kept awake by the goings-on around them. Finally, Moses baskets tend to be significantly cheaper than cribs. Although you will likely have to buy a crib eventually when your baby gets too big for the Moses basket, using a basket first gives you a little extra time to save up for the perfect crib that will last your baby several years until they're big enough for a proper bed.
What should I consider if buying a secondhand Moses basket?
If you're looking to buy a used Moses basket, be sure to check that it is in good condition and is not damaged structurally. Minor cosmetic damage is not a problem provided that the basket itself - and the accompanying stand if included - is strong and sturdy. Check that the handles are still firmly attached and make sure that when they are folded down flat, they rest on the outside of the basket and don't fall onto baby. It is vital that you buy a brand new mattress when using or borrowing a secondhand Moses basket or crib. This is because baby mattresses, like all mattresses, gradually cling onto dust, debris, moisture and bacteria which could pose a health risk to a newborn baby. Be sure to buy a replacement
Moses basket mattress that fits the basket really snugly. Check out our full range of
Moses baskets and accessories to find the right sleeping arrangements for your precious newborn.
