An improved shopping cart with a floating basket is disclosed. The basket is moveable in response to downward and/or lateral forces applied against the basket. The ability of the basket to move in response to such forces reduces the tendency for the shopping cart to tip over. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the shopping cart basket moves downward as the basket is loaded. In another embodiment, the shopping cart basket pivots upon application of a lateral force to the basket. A further embodiment combines both the vertical movement and pivoting movement of the basket.