Miya Pearson
There are several options for where a newborn can sleep, including a cot, Moses basket, crib, co-sleeper, or baby box. The Lullaby Trust, a UK charity focused on preventing unexpected infant deaths and promoting infant health, recommends that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on their own sleep surface, in the same room as their parent or caregiver, for at least the first six months. This arrangement is also recommended by UNICEF and the NHS to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While a cot or Moses basket is ideal, other options can be made safe for newborns as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping position | On their back |
| Mattress type | Firm, flat, and waterproof |
| Bedding | No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, soft toys, comforters, or weighted/bulky bedding |
| Baby boxes | Not as robust as cots, not suitable long-term, and babies quickly outgrow them |
| Moses basket | Lightweight, portable, smaller than a cot, and usually made from woven natural fibres |
| Crib | More spacious and expensive than a Moses basket, lasts about 6 months, usually made of wood |
| Cots | Can be co-sleeping cots, may be made of toxic paint if made before 1973 |
| Other options | Pram, carrycot, buggy, baby boxes |
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What You'll Learn
- Moses baskets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for daytime naps
- Cots are larger and more expensive but can be used for longer
- Baby boxes are a good short-term option but are not as robust as cots
- Co-sleeping cots are becoming increasingly popular, allowing parents to keep their baby close
- Safe sleep guidelines recommend sleeping babies on their back, on a firm, flat surface, in the same room as their parents
Moses baskets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for daytime naps
Moses baskets are a great option for newborns to sleep in during the first few months of their lives. They are lightweight, portable, and provide a cosy and reassuring confined space for newborns.
The portability of Moses baskets makes them ideal for daytime naps. They are usually made from woven natural fibres and are smaller than a cot, making them easy to carry from one room to another. This means that you can keep your baby close by while they nap during the day. For instance, you can carry the basket into the kitchen while you cook or into the living room while you relax. This can be especially helpful if you want to keep an eye on your baby while they nap or if you want to move them to a quieter space when they are asleep.
The lightweight nature of Moses baskets also means that they are easy to transport outside the home. This can be particularly useful if you are travelling or visiting friends and family. You can easily pack the basket into the car and take it with you, providing your baby with a familiar and comfortable space to sleep in when you are away from home.
However, it is important to note that Moses baskets are not recommended for overnight sleep. This is because there is a risk that you will fall asleep too, and you won't be able to keep a constant watchful eye on your baby. It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months, and Moses baskets can be a great way to facilitate this. By placing the basket in your bedroom, you can keep your baby close by and easily tend to them during the night.
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Cots are larger and more expensive but can be used for longer
Cots are larger than Moses baskets and can be more expensive, but they have the advantage of being usable for longer. Cots are designed to accommodate growing babies and can be used from birth, whereas Moses baskets are typically only suitable for newborns and can be used until around three to four months.
One of the main benefits of a cot is its larger size, which means your baby won't look or feel too small in it, as they might in a Moses basket. Cots also provide more space for your baby to move around, which can be important as they become more active. Additionally, the larger size of a cot means it can be used for a longer period of time before your child needs to transition to a bigger bed.
Another advantage of cots is that they often come with safety features that Moses baskets may not have. For example, cots typically have higher sides, which can prevent your baby from falling or climbing out. This can be especially important once your baby becomes more active and starts pulling themselves up or trying to stand.
Cots may also offer better value for money in the long run, despite their higher initial cost. If you plan to have more children or sell the cot after your baby outgrows it, the additional expenditure may be worth it. Additionally, you won't need to purchase a new sleeping arrangement after a few months, as you would with a Moses basket.
While cots offer advantages in terms of size, safety, and longevity, Moses baskets have their own benefits. Moses baskets are lightweight, portable, and easy to carry from one room to another, making them convenient for daytime naps. They also provide a cosy and reassuring confined space for newborns, which some parents may prefer. Ultimately, the decision between a cot or a Moses basket depends on your personal preferences, budget, and how long you intend to use the sleeping arrangement.
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Baby boxes are a good short-term option but are not as robust as cots
Baby boxes are a good short-term option for newborns but are not as robust as cots or Moses baskets. While they are a good stopgap, they are not suitable for the long term as babies quickly outgrow them. The British Standards Institution has developed a standard for baby boxes to help make them safer.
Baby boxes are not as sturdy as cots, and they are not designed for older babies. They are also not recommended for overnight sleep because you will likely fall asleep too, and you won't be able to keep a constant eye on your baby. It is important to always keep a watchful eye on your baby to prevent the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
If you use a baby box, there are some safety guidelines to follow. Do not lift or carry the box with your baby inside, and do not put the lid on when your baby is in it. Keep the box clear of any items like toys or pillows, and do not place extra bedding on top of or underneath the mattress. Ensure the box is on a solid, clean, dry surface and cannot fall over. Keep pets away from the box.
Cots and Moses baskets are ideal sleeping spaces for newborns. They provide a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and well-fitted bedding. The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies sleep on their back, on their own sleep surface, in the same room as their caregiver for at least the first six months. This arrangement helps to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Moses baskets are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for daytime naps and moving from room to room. They are designed for newborns and are usually recommended for the first three to four months, depending on the baby's weight, length, and mobility. However, they should not be used once the baby becomes more active and starts to pull themselves upright.
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Co-sleeping cots are becoming increasingly popular, allowing parents to keep their baby close
Co-sleeper cots attach to the side of the parents' bed, allowing easy access to the baby while maintaining separate sleeping surfaces. They are a good option for parents who want to breastfeed and quickly comfort their baby during the night. The Maxi-Cosi Lora won the Gold award at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category. The Iora gives parents peace of mind, allowing their baby to sleep just an arm's reach away. It is also height-adjustable, which is ideal for parents who have had a C-section. The Joie Roomie Go is another option that offers mesh windows on both sides, providing ventilation and easy monitoring of the baby.
Moses baskets, cribs, and co-sleepers are designed for newborn babies to sleep in for the first few months. They provide a cosy and reassuring confined space for the child. However, it is not essential that a newborn sleeps in one, and they can use a cot or cotbed from the start. A Moses basket is recommended for a baby up to 3-4 months, depending on the weight, length, and mobility of the baby. Once the baby starts to pull themselves upright, a Moses basket is no longer safe.
If you are away from home in an emergency, it is recommended to sleep your baby on their back in a clear, safe space. If you don't have a cot or Moses basket available, you can use a pram, co-sleeping, or baby boxes as safe options.
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Safe sleep guidelines recommend sleeping babies on their back, on a firm, flat surface, in the same room as their parents
When using a Moses basket, it is important to ensure the baby is in the "feet to foot" position, with their feet at the end of the basket. The mattress should be firm, entirely flat, and waterproof, with no soft or cushioned areas, as soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS. The surface should be firm enough that the baby's head does not sink in more than a few millimetres. It is also important to keep the basket clear of any extra items like toys, pillows, or extra bedding.
If parents do not have access to a Moses basket or crib, there are other options to create a safe sleep environment. A cot or a travel cot can be used, or a pram or carrycot, as long as the base is flat and the hood is kept down when indoors. It is important to keep checking the baby's temperature when using a pram or carrycot as the padded sides may trap heat. If bed-sharing, it is important to keep adult bedding away from the baby so it does not cover their face, and to sleep the baby on their back.
The Lullaby Trust, a charity preventing unexpected deaths in infancy, also recommends that babies sleep on their back, on their own sleep surface, in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months. This advice has been developed through decades of research. Creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, so it is important for parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
Moses baskets are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for carrying your baby from room to room while they sleep. They are also designed to provide a cosy and reassuring confined space for newborns in their first few months.
Moses baskets are not recommended for overnight sleep because you won't be able to keep a watchful eye on your baby. They are also not suitable for the long term, as babies quickly outgrow them.
Cots are more spacious than Moses baskets and can be used from birth. They are also more cost-effective if you plan to have more children or sell them on.
Cots are less portable than Moses baskets and may not fit as easily in your bedroom. Newborns may also look small and "lost" in a cot.
