Studies have shown that bedding plays a vital role in keeping your newborn safe at night, as there is a link between baby's sleeping position, temperature and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly known as cot death. Spend some time looking at what's available for getting around with your baby. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they have found useful. For more information on safe sleeping, see Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Travel cot mattresses are often thinner and feel harder than those in a permanent cot, but don’t be tempted to place folded blankets or a quilt under the baby to make them ‘more comfortable’. They will be fine (and safer) without. Parents say it has a medium-firm feel and offer good support for a baby’s posture. The cover is made from a micropore material, which increases air circulation and breathability, but is wipe-clean only - the only downside. However, for just over a tenner, we think this mattress offers a lot and stands up well next to Moses basket mattresses at more than twice the price.

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. The Mother Nurture mattress was made in the UK and comes in three different sizes, including the standard 74 x 28 x 4 cm. The mattress weighs 3.53 ounces, has a firm feel and is suitable for infants between 0 and 4 months. The mattress consists of three layers which help add comfort and durability. The first layer is the Cosyquilt sleep surface, which provides a water-resistant and hypoallergenic surface for your child. This is followed by nursery grade foam, which is designed to add firmness and support. Finally, the Kidtech sleep surface adds durability and further water resistance. Whatsmore, the cover is removable and machine washable at 40C. The whole mattress has been hand sewn with quality materials to ensure durability and safety. On the other hand, if you choose a Moses basket that is too large for your baby, then it may not provide enough support or comfort for them - leading to restless nights and poor sleep for both you and your baby. A Moses basket is one of the most popular options for newborns, as they tend to be lightweight, portable and allow you to keep your baby close to you at night.

6. Gugro Moses Basket Mattress

The same ‘safer sleep’ rules apply to a travel cot. It should have a rigid frame and base, and a firm, flat mattress that is covered in a waterproof material. If you cannot do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it's firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, dry, waterproof and not ripped or torn. Safety: A properly sized Moses basket mattress is essential for your baby's safety. A mattress that is too small may shift around inside the basket, creating gaps that could pose a suffocation risk. A mattress that is too large could cause the sides of the basket to bow outwards, increasing the risk of your baby falling out. A properly sized mattress will fit snugly inside the basket and reduce the risk of any dangerous gaps.

Most should come with a removable, machine-washable cover anyway, so there should be no need to wash the mattress itself. What is the best Moses basket mattress to buy? Do not use a sheepskin in a cot or Moses basket or other sleep space. It is important that baby’s sleep space is firm, flat and has a waterproof cover. Adding a sheepskin can reduce firmness and risk overheating. Avoid using soft or bulky bedding A Moses basket mattress from The Little Green Sheep measures 74cm x 28cm so that it can fit perfectly into our Moses baskets. This size is suitable for babies up to 6 months and with a weight limit of 9kg, and it will provide enough support and comfort for your little one during their sleep. The bars must be smooth, securely fixed, and the distance between each bar should not be more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches), so your baby's head cannot get trapped.

Are Moses baskets standard size in terms of mattress dimensions and weight limit?

We took all the mattresses that came most highly recommended by consumers and parents to draw up a shortlist of 20 products and then narrowed it down to the eight you see here, which we think offer enough choice for every family. Why you should trust us If you were thinking of using a pillow with your baby due to concerns around plagiocephaly (‘flat head syndrome’), there are techniques you can use instead which will not increase the risk of SIDS. Look for the United Nations ECE Regulation number R44.03 or R44.04, or the new i-size regulation R129, when you buy a car seat. Look for the E mark label on the car seat. If you have an unusually sized Moses basket, there are lots of companies that make bespoke mattresses for Moses baskets, like The Little Green Sheep. Can you use a secondhand Moses basket mattress?

Make sure your baby’s mattress is in good condition and that it fits the Moses basket or cot properly.Babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night . It’s recommended that you buy a new Moses basket mattress for each baby, even if you'd only be handing down from your own children. The NCT says, “It might not seem like a big deal to reuse mattresses from your eldest child’s Moses basket or co t, or accept a hand-me-down from a friend. But bear in mind that doing this could mean a small increase in your baby’s risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). That applies if you’re using one that’s come from outside your house and if you lent it to somebody else in between babies.” 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. John Lewis & Partners is a well-known retailer in the UK and promises to provide good quality in all their products. The 100% polypropylene mattress has a medium firmness and measures 74 x 28 cm, and has a depth of 4cm.