Moses Baskets - All you need to know

Moses baskets are a comfortable and cosy choice for newborns, as they are light in weight and easy to carry the baby in. They are fitted with handles and some baskets are also provided with stands, so that you can keep them beside the bed at a comfortable height.  Not all parents choose to use a Moses basket and some like to go straight to a cot bed but if you like the idea of a Moses basket as your baby's first bed, here's some more information on Moses baskets: 

Types of Moses Baskets

Moses baskets are available in many varieties because of the material originally used to make them. They are:

1. Palm baskets
2. Wicker baskets
3. Maize baskets

Common Features in Moses Baskets

Moses baskets usually have:

• Bedding materials; they regularly come with sheets, blankets and coverlets, but if the temperature is warmer you need not use all of them.
• A hood that is covered by fabric
• A foam mattress
• A stand which can be folded when not in use. The stand can also be used to rock the baby and soothe it. 

Advantages of Moses Baskets

Because of its limited lifespan, many people hesitate to buy Moses baskets, but they have many advantages such as

• they are light weight and easy to carry
• There are handles provided to make it easy to move about with the baby
• The baby is nestled comfortably in a smaller space and feels cosseted.
• The fabric hood gives adequate shade and keeps the baby cool
• It is less expensive than a crib initially
• You can rest it on the floor or use the stand to raise it to the level you require, so it is flexible in height

Safety Precautions when using a Moses Basket

While using a Moses basket, you should strictly adhere to the following rules:

1. Always pick up the basket by supporting the base with one hand and holding the handle straps in the other.
2. Ensure that the straps are lengthy enough to be joined at the centre.
3. Make sure the surface you rest the basket on is flat, or use the stand provided.
4. Check for signs of damage, wear and tear frequently.
5. If the baby’s size and weight are more than what the basket can hold, you should stop using it immediately.
6. Take care to keep the bedding only up to the shoulder level of the baby.

Sleeping Guide

Sleeping Area: For the first six months, having the baby in your room while he or she sleeps is common for a lot of parents.  A Moses basket can be placed by your bed on a stand in the same way as a crib or cot.  This will make the night feeds easier.

Temperature: Make sure the baby is not too near a heater, radiator or direct sunlight. The room temperature should be ideally at 16 to 20⁰C. Do not use too many bedclothes. Make sure you use cotton sheets or a Tog rated sleeping bag that comes without hood. Duvets should not be used. Lightweight bags should be used to prevent the baby from being overheated.

Mattress: The mattress should be a fresh one. It should fit snugly without any gaps. It should be clean, dry and not ventilated, as it is difficult to clean it. Waterproof cover can be used.