Why Are Moses Basket and Crib Mattresses So Poor Quality?

I've looked at lots of top-quality Moses baskets and top-of-the-range next-to-me cribs, and even the most expensive ones have poor-quality mattresses. Why is this?

Thank you for your question - you're absolutely spot on to notice this!

So many new parents want the best for their baby and will go without themselves to search for it. It's illogical that the quality of the mattress doesn't match the product.

The reason to buy a quality Moses basket or next-to-me crib is because you want your baby to be comfortable and safe. After all, they're going to spend their first 2,500 hours on the mattress. And what do you get? A mattress that looks like part of the packaging!

OK, here's why:

Price Point Pressure

Manufacturers aim to keep the overall product price attractive. A quality mattress would significantly raise the cost, but visually, it wouldn't make the product look any different.

Moses baskets and next-to-me cribs sell on name, fashion, and design. A baby mattress isn't something you notice online - unfortunately, it's not a fashion item.

I've just looked at 16 online websites selling the most expensive cribs and Moses baskets, and even I was shocked to find only one that gave the mattress any mention. Most said "mattress included" or just listed: "Mattress - yes".

This won't go down well, but I can share this with you: a cheap fibre pad costs the manufacturer about £2.

A lovely coir and wool mattress with a CoolMax and MaxiSpace cover and waterproof protection will cost the manufacturer about £26 - and would add £50 to the retail price if sold with their Moses basket or crib.

So now you go out and buy the best mattress for your baby separately, and with shipping, costs, and 15% commission to Amazon, you pay £69.99.

The £64,000 Question

If you saw a next-to-me crib or Moses basket - both looking the same, but one was £50 dearer and said it had a super-quality mattress that was washable, firm, supportive, breathable, hygienic, durable, and guaranteed to last 3 or 4 babies - would you buy it?

Everyone in the industry says "NO" - and that's why you get a cheap mattress with your Moses basket or crib.

By the way, they all pass British Standards, but to be honest, the regulations aren't very stringent.