Moses Basket or Crib: What’s Best for Your Baby?

Putting a baby to sleep for the first time is a momentous occasion that no parent forgets – mostly because they’re wondering if they’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again! While we can’t guarantee you will, we can tell you that having the right sleep environment for your baby is the best way to help them sleep safely and soundly. But where do you start? If you’re struggling to choose between a Moses basket or crib, we can help.

Moses basket or crib?

During your baby’s first few months, they’ll spend a lot of time sleeping (lucky them!), so settling them down in the right sleep environment is key to their development. You have several choices for their first few months, but most parents choose between a crib or Moses basket for a newborn.

So, which is right for your baby? And how long can a baby sleep in a Moses basket for? There’s actually no set rules when it comes to choosing between a crib vs. Moses baskets. Your choice is centred around you, your personal preference and how you want to manage your day and night-time routines. But here are a few of the pros and cons to help you choose between a Moses basket or crib for your little one:

Why choose a Moses basket?

Moses baskets are fairly portable, which makes them ideal if you want to keep your baby with you throughout the day. The best Moses baskets are made with a soft construction and compact size, which make them a cosily reassuring space for newborns, helping to soothe them to sleep. For parents, the relatively small size means that you can easily move it from room to room, or even on a mini staycation!

How long can a baby sleep in a Moses basket?

One key thing to consider if you do choose a Moses basket is that they do offer limited space – meaning that your baby will grow out of it relatively quickly. They’re also unsuitable for use once your little one becomes more mobile. For most babies, that means they’ll be ready for the transition to a crib by the time they’re four months old.

What bedding do I need for a Moses basket?

We’d recommend using a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof mattress protector over the top. It’ll help keep it nice and dry and it can be wiped down! Just make sure that the mattress fits the Moses basket or crib properly.

Why choose a crib?

Much like a Moses basket, cribs can be used for babies from newborn upwards. As well as providing a relatively compact sleeping space, the best cribs for babies come with a rocking base that is ideal for lulling baby to sleep – perfect if you find that they prefer to be in motion most of the time.

Cribs are slightly bigger and a little more sturdy, so they tend to last a little longer – meaning that you can expect it to be around six months before your baby is ready to transition to a cot or cotbed.

However, if you’re looking for a more portable option, then a crib isn’t likely the best option. The sturdy frame makes them heavier and harder to move from room to room.

The SnuzPod solution

Still struggling to choose between a crib or Moses basket? Looking for the best bed for babies? We don’t blame you for wanting to find the best sleep solution for your little one. It may be worth considering The SnuzPod. This hybrid solution provides a mesh bassinet on a rocking crib base. The bassinet can be detached and moved around in the day, much like a Moses basket, while the sturdy base is ideal for keeping your baby comfy at night. As an added feature, the mesh panels in the side allow you to keep your baby close throughout the night. It’s the best of both worlds!

Cot or cotbed?

Once your baby has outgrown their Moses basket or crib, the next stage is a cot or cotbed. Both offer a larger, sturdier sleeping space that is much suitable for older babies – so what is the best bed for babies?

Why choose a cot?

A cot is a sturdier, full piece of furniture that provides a safe sleeping environment for your baby once they are more active, or have outgrown their Moses basket or crib. While larger than a crib, cots are smaller than cotbeds, making them a great space-saving solution for fitting into the nursery.

With plenty of room for growing, most babies can stay in their cot until they are two years old – and ready to move to a regular single bed.

Why choose a cotbed?

If you’re looking for a baby bed that will last a little longer, a cotbed can be a smart choice. Although they tend to be larger than a traditional cot, cotbeds are designed to be converted into a first bed for your toddler. All you need to do is remove the tall side panels – it’s as easy as that! This can help to make the transition from cot to grown-up bed a little easier during the terrible twos – although it’s worth bearing in mind that cotbeds are still smaller than a full-size single bed, so eventually you’ll need to replace them too.

Creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby

While moving baby from Moses basket to cot can feel like a big transition, for you as well as your little one, it’s important for their wellbeing that they have the safest and most comfortable sleeping environment at each stage of their development.

As well as choosing the best bed for babies, it’s also important to choose the right bedding. To ensure your baby’s comfort, look for mattresses and sleeping bags made from natural fibres such as wool, as these help to regulate your little one’s temperature and keep them from overheating.

Here at Woolroom, we’ve created a Kids and Baby range, designed specifically to help your baby benefit from the sleep-enhancing qualities of wool. Shop the collection online today and pick out the bits you need for your cot or cotbed.