Moses Basket

A Moses Basket is a type of Bassinet, a quite traditional one as the name suggests rightly. The name refers obviously to baby Moses floating down in a basket the river Nile into safety. This type of basket became a synonym for security and safety for a newborn baby. The basic form has been maintained over the centuries, only the material and colors changed, but the basic shape stayed the same. The idea is to give newborn babies the feeling of closeness and security they had in the maternal womb. Plus to make it easy for the parents and other caretakers to carry the little ones around and help them to keep them close. The Moses basket takes on the function of a comforting cocoon and is meant to be used for babies until around four months and / or until a baby can turn over on its own accord. If the baby has learned to do this, such a Moses basket should no longer be used, as it tips too easily over and could pose a risk to baby’s health. It is also important to put a firm mattress in this soft cocoon as a firm sleeping surface is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
To get the best of both worlds, portability and ease of tending to the baby, it is practical to use a dedicated Moses basket stand with it. This allows to put the basket on eye level instead of on the floor. Safer and more comfortable for the back of the person bended over the basket. In all cases it is important to rest a Moses basket only on a firm, flat surface and, in case of a Moses Basket Stand, to attach it firmly and securely to it.

Moses Basket Shopping Tips
When choosing a model, make sure the bottom is firm enough to allow you to carry the basket with the baby in it.
Also the sites have to be firm and sturdy in order to keep the basket stable and to give your baby the desired cocoon effect.
See to it that all fabric and linen is removable and machine washable for easy washing and cleaning and increased hygiene and reduced germs and possible allergens.
Thick and comfortable handles are an additional plus, it makes the bassinet so much easier and more comfortable to carry around, especially if your baby is getting heavier.

Hood or no hood
A hood can give your baby extra protection from light and can increase the cozy ‘just like in the womb’ feeling, on the other hand it can make it more difficult to see and watch the baby at all times. A matter of personal preference, if you ask me.

Great as a travel bed
One often overlooked aspect of a Moses Basket is that it doubles easily as a travel bed for babies up to four months. An additional reason why I personally think that each family should have one! But remember, a Moses Basket is NOT a baby car seat and should never be used to transport your baby by car. For this you really need a dedicated infant car seat!

Moses Basket Bedding
Make sure to have at least one spare set of bedding / sheets so that you can replace them conveniently and fast. Little tricks like this: Always to have a set of fresh, clean bedding and sheets at hand, will really make your life as a parent this little bit easier.

Moses Basket Security Tips
I have already mentioned the most important ones, but here the full list again:

• Always place the basket on firm, flat ground and when using it on a raised stand or similar, always attach firmly.

• Only carry baby in the basket when the manufacturer states explicitly that you can do so. Some cheaper models are simply too flimsy to do so safely.

• Only use basket until your baby can turn over on its own accord, and never after. The basket will fall over when your babies turns against the wall. As a rule of thumb, that will start to happen around the age of four months.

• Never place the basket near fire, open fire, close to the stove etc, always make sure that the place is safe for your baby, no matter what happens.

• Never use a Moses Basket as an infant car seat, they are not meant and made for this!

Recycling a Moses Basket
Chances are that your basket still looks good when your baby has outgrown and ‘out-moved’ it. So, how to recycle one? How can you make more out of this purchase? Here a few ideas and suggestions, but I am sure you will be able to come up with even more!

• Store away for the next one
  If you are planning to have more children, this is a no-brainer. Thoroughly clean it, check if it is still safe to use and store away to protect against dust. And if the new one is on the way, you know that there is at least one baby related item less you have to buy

• Give it away
  Alternatively, but only if the basket is still in good working order, you can give it to family or friends that are expecting a little one. Or you can sell it on or give it to a charity that looks after families in difficulties. No reason it should collect dust in your attic, if it still can be put to use elsewhere.

• Home Decoration
  Another way of recycling a Moses Basket would be to use it as a base for decorative items and / or as a storage solution for toys and dolls. Looks cute and has the added benefit that you can easily transport these around. A great solution if the basket still looks good, but is not really safe anymore to carry a baby in it.

• Gift or Baby Shower Basket
  Last, but not least, a retired Moses Basket makes a great container and presentation for baby shower gifts! Just make sure the soon-to-be parents know that the basket is meant as a decorative element and NOT anymore meant to carry a baby around.