Should I buy a new moses basket mattress?

Unless the moses basket is new, you should always replace the mattress before letting your newborn sleep in it. Several studies into sudden infant death syndrome have identified a very small but conclusive link with using a second hand mattress. This link still exists if the moses basket has previously been used only by a sibling, but is increased if the mattress was previously slept on by a child who is not related.

Scientists cannot give an exact reason about why this link exists between second hand mattresses and SIDS, (although it is far from the only factor). But it is believed that it might be due to the fact that older mattresses can carry high levels of bacteria, even if they appear clean.

Prices for a new moses basket mattress are low, starting at about £6. Ensure you know you moses basket dimensions before choosing your new product, so that you can buy one which is a snug fit.