When to move your baby from a Moses basket to a cot bed

The difference between a Moses basket and a cot bed

A Silver Cross Moses basket or bedside crib is suitable from birth until approximately 6 months old. Moses baskets can also be used on a stand, which is ideal for the newborn sleep stage, to use at a parent’s bedside. For daytime naps, a Moses basket can be easily moved around your home so you can monitor your little one throughout the day.

Cot beds are also suitable to use from birth, as the base height can be altered easily to suit each stage of your child’s growth and development. However, many parents choose to use a cot bed at a later stage, and instead use a Moses basket or bedside crib to allow for easier night feeds, nappy changes and closer comfort in the early few months.

Signs it’s time to move your baby into a cot bed

It is recommended that babies are moved from their Silver Cross Moses basket or bedside crib to a cot bed when they reach the age of 6 months old, or when they start to roll over or sit up unaided. The maximum weight limit of our Moses basket and Lunar bedside crib is 9kg, making it the perfect time to start the transition. Here’s what to consider before you make the move.

• Size and weight: As our Moses basket and Lunar bedside crib are suitable until 6 months old or 9kg, we recommend transitioning to a cot bed by this age or weight.

• Baby’s mobility: At around this age, your baby may start to roll, push up or sit up unaided. We would recommend transitioning them to a cot bed as soon as this occurs.

Preparing for the move

Moving your baby to their own cot bed and bedroom is a significant transition, but there are steps you can take to make the change as seamless as possible. 

• Introduce their new bedroom: Before the transition, spend time with your baby playing, relaxing or reading in their new bedroom to get them used to their new surroundings. 

• Introduce the cot bed gradually: Allow your baby to take naps in their cot bed during the day to get accustomed to their new sleep environment.

• Maintain familiarity: Continue to use the same bedding, sleeping bag or sleep aids to ease the transition.
• Establish a bedtime routine: Babies like consistency and routine, so establishing a familiar nighttime routine will help your little one recognise it’s bedtime.

• Make the room feel safe and comfortable: Keep their bedroom at a safe, comfortable temperature, ensure it’s dark, and consider white noise to help your baby relax.