Sleeping Options and Purchases
It is essential your baby sleeps in a safe environment, either a Moses basket, cot or crib/cradle. When choosing where you want your baby to sleep, check that any purchase you make conforms to European safety standards.
Before purchasing any of the below, please read the section on settling your baby and safety tips.
Moses baskets
Moses baskets are designed for newborns generally aged up to 3-4 months, or until your baby is able to roll or pull himself up. They are also usually cheaper than a crib. Moses baskets take up less space than cots, they are lightweight and most come with handles making it easy to move them from room to room, although it is advised you do not carry a Moses basket when your baby is in it.
Most Moses baskets come with a mattress; if you are considering using a second-hand basket, buy a new mattress for your baby because the old mattress may contain mould, bacteria and dust mites. Using a Moses basket helps your baby feel cosy and snug, while sleeping close to you. There is a large variety of Moses baskets available; you could consider the following when purchasing a Moses basket.
- Look for one that is light and easy to carry.
- A Moses basket with handles will be easy to move from room to room and take with you when staying away from home.
- Some come with stands or a stand can be purchased separately. Rocking stands are also available with some Moses baskets.
- A Moses baskets with a fabric hood can keep your baby shaded and cool in sunlight.
- When choosing a mattress for your Moses basket, look for a good quality foam one.
- Look for a Moses basket with adequate ventilation (which can help avoid overheating).
- Choose one with quilting and lining that can be washed at 40 degrees.
The following are popular brands with positive online reviews. Click on any of the products below to review or purchase the product.:
Mothercare Moses Baskets
Moba Moses Basket
Natural Palm Moses Basket
Kinder Valley Broderie Anglaise
Cribs and Cradle
Cribs and cradles are usually larger than a Moses basket but smaller than a cot and can be used for the first six months or so. Compared to Moses baskets they are not portable and they tend to be more expensive. Cribs and cradles are smaller than cots making them cosier for smaller babies. Cribs and cradles are often handed down from family to family, but remember always buy a new mattress.
Most have a rocking motion which can help settle your baby. Always properly secure a rocking crib when leaving it unattended.
There are many different cribs and cradles available. You could consider the following when purchasing a crib or cradle:
- If choosing a bedside crib, look for one that is height-adjustable with an open side, this will help if you are breastfeeding in bed.
- Make sure the crib is deep enough.
- Check that it has bars that are the correct distance apart.
- If choosing a crib or cradle with a rocking motion, check that you are able to lock this when the baby is unattended.
- Choose a design that you are capable of assembling – you can check this by reading the online reviews. Ensure that the cot is rigid when assembled and regularly tighten the fittings.
The following are popular brands with positive online reviews. Click on any of the products below to review or purchase the product:
Chicco Next to Me Crib
Waldan Wicker Cradle
Mothercare Swinging Crib
John Lewis Anna Glider Crib
Cots
Cots come in all shapes and sizes. They are bigger than cribs and cradles. You can buy a cot bed which is bigger than a standard cot and can be converted into a toddler bed. You also have the option to buy cots with storage compartments underneath or on the side.
You could consider the following when purchasing a cot:
- Choose a size that comfortably fits the baby's room.
- Choose a strong, sturdy cot, as it could be used for two to three years.
- Look for one with drop-sides or adjustable base height which you can change as the baby grows.
- Check that it has bars that are the correct distance apart, the difference should be between 2.5cm and 5cm.
- Make sure the cot is deep enough.
- Consider the material your cot is made of – choose clear, non-toxic plastic-covered rails, as your baby may chew on them when teething.
- The gap between mattress and cot should be no larger than 3cm.
- Choose a design that you are capable of assembling, you can check this by reading the online reviews. Ensure that the cot is rigid when assembled and regularly tighten the fittings.
The following are popular brands with positive online reviews. Click on any of the products below to review or purchase the product:
Mothercare Darlington Cot
East Coast Angelina Cot Bed
John Lewis Anna Dropside Cot
Saplings Kirsty Cot Bed
Mattress
Wherever you put you baby to sleep, it is important to purchase a mattress that adheres to all safety standards and is comfortable for your baby.
You can buy mattresses which are made of foam, springs, natural fibres, special anti-allergy fillings or any combination of the above.
A mattress should fit snugly against the sides of baby's Moses basket, crib/cradle or cot. This will prevent your baby getting stuck between the edges of the mattress.
Remember, a secondhand mattress may contain bacteria and dust mites; it may have also lost its shape and firmness, making it less comfortable for your baby.
What to consider when purchasing a mattress for your baby.
- Is the mattress firm and supportive? Make sure the mattress does not sag.
- Does the mattress fit snugly without any gaps.
- Is it easy to keep clean? Consider also buying a washable waterproof mattress cover.
- If your child is prone to allergies or asthma you could purchase a hypoallergenic mattress.
- Is it long-lasting and will it hold its shape (read online reviews)?
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags or baby sleep bags are a ‘wearable blanket’, designed to be used instead of using traditional sheets and blankets. They have a neck opening and holes for the baby’s arms and are usually fastened at the front using a zip fastener. 2.5 tog sleep bags are suitable for all year round except peak summer temperatures. 2.5 tog sleep bags can be used in room temperatures between 15 C and 20 C. Low tog sleep bags used as instructed are potentially the safest form of bedding for a baby. The baby has complete freedom of movement and cannot get overheated as long as the correct tog is used to match the weather conditions.
The following are popular brands with positive online reviews. Click on any of the products below to review or purchase the product:
John Lewis Sleeping Bag
Amazon
Jo Jo Mama Bebe
Mothercare
