What is the best Moses basket mattress, and what features should you look out for? These are questions commonly asked by parents who are looking to buy a brand new Moses basket and mattress set or are looking for a replacement mattress for a basket they already own. There are several factors to consider to ensure the mattress is as safe and comfortable as possible for your baby and in this blog we'll talk you through them.
What is the best Moses basket mattress?
The best Moses basket mattress is the one that fits correctly. Matching the dimensions of your Moses basket or crib to the mattress inside it is incredibly important for keeping your baby safe. If there is too large of a gap between the mattress and the walls of the Moses basket, there's a risk that your baby's head could get trapped should they manage to roll over or wriggle themselves towards the side of the basket. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the basket on all sides.
There is no standard sizing for Moses baskets or Moses basket mattresses. Most Moses baskets are sold with a mattress included to ensure a correct fit. However, if you're looking for a spare mattress or a replacement, check the dimensions of your Moses basket carefully to ensure the new mattress fits well. Our Moses basket mattresses are 74cm long and 28cm wide, which makes them suitable for our traditional wicker Moses baskets.
Features to look for in a Moses basket mattress
Any baby mattress designed for newborns should feel firm. A mattress that is too soft will not provide your baby's head with adequate support could increase the risk of SIDS. Although to you it might feel as if a Moses basket mattress is uncomfortably firm, your baby's body is far more comfortable on a stiff mattress than a soft one. The mattress should also be completely flat and with no sagging areas. Do not be tempted to put folded sheets, blankets or towels under the mattress to pad it or make it feel softer as these could create an uneven surface or cause baby to overheat.
Baby mattresses are likely to become exposed to sweat, nappy leaks, spittle and vomit, and it's vital that it is kept as clean as possible. For this reason, we recommend using a Moses basket mattress that has a removable and washable cover to protect the inner mattress. The cover ought to be breathable to ensure that air can flow through the mattress to stop baby from getting too hot in warm temperatures. It might also be helpful if the cover is waterproof, or that it can at least be wiped clean so that moisture doesn't immediately soak into the mattress itself. Our Moses basket mattresses come with wipe-clean, washable, and breathable covers that are also hypoallergenic to avoid causing irritation to your baby's delicate skin.
Can a cot mattress be used in a Moses basket?
Cots tend to be rectangular in shape whereas Moses baskets have rounded ends. Plus, cot mattresses are often thicker than Moses basket mattresses and will raise the baby up far too high towards the top edge of the basket. For this reason, cot mattresses are not suitable for use with Moses baskets.
Do not be tempted to fold the corners of a cot mattress down to fit into a Moses basket. Doing so will inhibit the mattress from lying completely flat, and any bunched areas of the mattress could be a suffocation risk for the baby. It's really important that the shape of a baby mattress fits snugly into the shape of the cot, crib or basket that you're using.
Can I use a Moses basket mattress in a pushchair or pram?
You can use a Moses basket mattress in your pram or pushchair provided that it fits well. There shouldn't be too big of a gap around the edge of the mattress, and the mattress should lay completely flat. Provided that the mattress offers a snug fit, it is perfectly safe to use in a pram.
Can I use a second-hand Moses basket mattress?
Over time, no matter how well you take care of it and protect it, a mattress will begin to cling onto dust, allergens and bacteria, all of which can be harmful to your baby's health. Since you will only be using your Moses basket in the first few months of your baby's life, the accompanying mattress might remain in good enough condition that it could be used for another newborn later down the line. However, it is usually safer to replace the mattress even if you're reusing the Moses basket for another baby. This is because the mattress might begin to harbour dust, allergens and bacteria while in storage.
If you feel confident that a second-hand Moses basket mattress has been safely stored away and remains in very good condition, you could use it. If you're in any doubt about the cleanliness of the mattress, buy a new one instead. According to the Lullaby Trust, there is some evidence that using second-hand mattresses procured from outside of the family home increases the risk of SIDs. If you've been given the mattress by a friend or family member from a different household, be sure to ask plenty of questions about the condition of the mattress and the way in which it has been stored. Ideally, only use second-hand mattresses that have fully waterproof covers and make sure there are no rips or tears.
It is generally not advisable to use a second-hand mattress procured from strangers. It should be perfectly safe to use a second-hand Moses basket provided that it is not damaged, but it's advisable to buy a brand new mattress to go in it. Check out our Moses basket mattresses now to find one that is safe and comfortable.
