Welcome to our Moses basket range of mattresses. When you buy your lovely new Moses basket, you may wonder why the mattress that comes with it looks like part of the packaging rather than something of exceptional quality for its new guest! The reason is simple: it's the price and design that sells the Moses basket-ironically, not the mattress, which is its main purpose.
Your baby will spend over 2,500 hours in their Moses basket. If you buy a quality mattress, it will give your baby ultimate safety and comfort, firm support, excellent breathability and hygiene. It will be waterproof with machine washable covers, and yes-it will last as long as the Moses basket itself.
Our Mattress Options
We will not touch fibre or basic foam. We offer two mattress base options:
- High-Density Foam - Constructed using high-quality 41/150 density foam, 5cm deep. This foam offers a level of reliable support, comfort and quality not offered by other UK brands. The high-density foam resists sagging and keeps its firmness over time.
- Coconut Coir with Wool - A natural option featuring high-density coir and latex core with luxury wool on both sides. Firm and supportive, naturally breathable, and will last as long as your Moses basket for many babies.
Choosing Your Cover
Your next choice is either a natural waterproof cover (Outlux) or our luxury temperature control cover (Coolmax & Maxispace). Both options provide full waterproof protection while maintaining breathability.
A Note on 'New Baby, New Mattress'
Please see our article on the 1980s recommendation 'New Baby, New Mattress'-products have changed a lot since then! Our quality mattresses are designed to safely last for multiple children.
When Do You Need a Moses Basket Mattress?
A Moses basket is your baby's first bed, used from birth until around 3-4 months old. They're ideal for the early weeks because they're portable-you can move them from room to room during the day, keeping your baby close while they nap. The cosy, contained space also helps newborns feel secure.
Your baby will outgrow their Moses basket when they start to look cramped, can roll over, or approach the weight limit (usually around 9kg). Most babies transition to a crib or cot at this point. Given that your baby will spend over 2,500 hours in their Moses basket during these crucial early months, the mattress quality matters enormously.
How to Measure for a Moses Basket Mattress
Moses baskets come in various shapes and sizes, so accurate measurement is essential:
- Remove any existing mattress or padding and measure the internal base of the basket.
- Note the shape. Most Moses baskets are oval or have rounded ends. Measure the longest point (length) and the widest point (width).
- Measure in centimetres for precision. Even small differences matter in a compact space.
- Check the depth. Moses basket sides are typically quite low, so the mattress depth is important. Our Moses basket mattresses are 5cm deep-appropriate for safe use.
- Fit check: The mattress should fit snugly with no gaps around the edges where a baby's face could become trapped.
If you're unsure about sizing or have an unusual Moses basket, please contact us and we'll do our best to help.
What to Look for When Buying a Moses Basket Mattress
The mattress that comes with your Moses basket is almost certainly a compromise. Here's what you should look for in a replacement:
- Firmness - A firm, flat surface is essential for safe newborn sleep. Soft mattresses increase the risk of suffocation. Our high-density foam and coconut coir mattresses both provide the firm support that newborns need.
- Quality foam or natural materials - Avoid fibre-filled mattresses, which can compress and lose firmness. Our 41/150 density foam is specifically chosen for its durability and consistent support. Our coconut coir with lambswool offers a completely natural alternative with excellent firmness.
- Breathability - Newborns are especially vulnerable to overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS. Our Coolmax & Maxispace covers wick moisture and allow air to circulate, while natural coir and wool are inherently breathable materials.
- Waterproof protection - Young babies have frequent accidents and posseting is common. Look for genuine waterproof protection that won't compromise breathability. Our Outlux natural cover and Coolmax systems both offer this balance.
- Washability - Covers should be machine washable at 60°C to kill dust mites and bacteria. Quick drying is also important when you need to get the mattress back in use.
- Correct depth - For Moses baskets, the mattress should be no deeper than 5cm to ensure safe use with the shallow sides.
- Durability for future babies - A quality Moses basket mattress can be safely reused for subsequent children, making it a worthwhile investment despite the short usage period for each baby.