Moses Basket Ultimate Buyers Guide
As an expectant or new parent, it's highly likely that a Moses Basket is near the top of your list of things to buy before the big day. It's where your new arrival will spend the first six months of their life!
There are so many things for first-time parents to consider, and with newborns spending an average of 16-18 hours out of 24 sleeping (NCT) - where they take their naps often ends up high on the priority list.
With so many Moses baskets on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you and your baby. That's why we've combined our years of baby-sleep knowledge to create a Little Green Sheep Moses Basket Guide that helps you choose the best Moses basket for you and your newborn.
In This Guide:
- History Of The Moses Basket
- Why Choose A Moses Basket?
- The Benefits of Using a Moses Basket
- Moses Basket Size Guide
- Best Moses Basket Materials
- Choosing A Moses Basket Mattress
- Moses Basket Stands
- Moses Basket Bedding
- Moses Basket Liners
- Moses Basket vs Baby Cots
- Caring For Your Moses Basket
- How To Get A Newborn To Settle In A Moses Basket
- Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying a Moses Basket?
A Brief History Of The Moses Basket
Did you know that the Moses Basket has been used for centuries to transport newborn babies? The baskets were named after the biblical figure, Moses, who was found in a similar basket as an infant.
Moses baskets were traditionally made from willow or reeds and were used by many cultures around the world, including the Ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, and Native Americans.
The design of the Moses basket has evolved over the years, and today they are made from a variety of materials, including wicker, rattan, and bamboo. However, the function is still the same, and Moses baskets provide a safe and comfortable space for your newborn to sleep.
Why Choose A Moses Basket?
There are many reasons why you might choose a Moses basket for your newborn. Perhaps you're looking for a more natural option than a crib, or maybe you want something that’s easier to carry around the house.
Not only do Moses baskets look stylish, but they're also a fantastic addition to any nursery aesthetic and have several practical benefits too which is always helpful when you have a newborn!
Moses baskets are also a great option if you're co-sleeping with your baby. You can put the basket next to your bed so that you can easily feed and comfort your baby during the night which is so important in the first few months. Their versatility means that Moses baskets can be used in a variety of ways to suit your family's needs.
The Benefits of Using a Moses Basket
Moses Baskets provide a safe and comfortable space for your newborn to sleep. They are often the first 'bed' that your baby will sleep in and can be used until they are around six months old. The main benefits for parents of using a Moses basket for their baby are:
Our award-winning range of babies Moses Baskets are made from the highest quality palm leaf and organic cotton and are available in a variety of colours and styles to suit your nursery. They're the perfect sleep partner for your little one, and we're sure you'll love them as much as we do!
Moses Basket Size Guide
There are a couple of reasons you need to think about the size when purchasing a Moses basket. Firstly, you need to ensure that the basket will fit in the space you have available in your nursery.
Secondly, Moses basket mattresses can vary in size, so if you're buying separately or need a replacement, it's important to check that you choose the right size.
The standard size for a Moses basket mattress is approximately 28 x 74cm, with a depth of around 2-3 inches. That's what fits our Moses Baskets as well as Clair de Lune Palm. Other brands like Mothercare will have different sizes.
So, while we would love to say it's simple, it's actually not that easy! You need to make sure you're getting the measurements right before purchase. Opting for a Moses basket that includes a mattress is always the safest option.
Best Moses Basket Materials
Here at The Little Green Sheep, our Moses Baskets are made using palm leaves. Palm leaf is a natural, sustainable and sturdy material, perfect for making long-lasting baby products with no harmful chemicals.
We only use the highest quality palm leaf in our products, and our team of skilled artisans hand-weave each Moses basket to create a unique and beautiful piece that you and your baby will love.
Moses Baskets can be made from other materials, including wicker, rattan, and bamboo. Each has its own benefits, but in our opinion, palm leaf is the best choice, and that's why our baskets are made from this wonderfully versatile material!
While the actual basket will be made from woven material, the mattress and bedding will be much softer. Ours are made from organic cotton and natural filling, which is breathable and hypo-allergenic, two very important qualities for newborns.
Choosing A Moses Basket Mattress
There are several things to think about when choosing a Moses basket mattress. When it comes to materials, you’ll find that most mattresses are made up of a combination of several materials. Usually, these are:
Wool is naturally anti-allergenic, fire-retardant and regulates its own temperature, which is important for young babies and makes it a great material for Moses basket mattresses.
Latex works like glue to keep the fibres of the mattress together as well as adding to the comfort. The latex in our mattresses is made of coconut, which helps to make the core sturdier while providing support and reducing potential pressure points.
The final piece of the puzzle is the cover of the mattress, which is usually made from cotton; perfectly breathable and super soft on your baby's skin.
There are other Moses basket mattresses made of other materials, such as synthetic materials, although these are not recommended.
In addition to the materials of your Moses basket mattress, you need to think about the size of the mattress too. Luckily, The Little Green Sheep makes custom mattress sizes to fit all Moses baskets regardless of their make.
Moses Basket Stands
If you’re wondering whether your new Moses basket needs a stand the short answer is no!
You don't necessarily need a stand for your Moses basket - as long as you are placing the basket in a safe location that won't fall over, or be disturbed by other children or pets.
That being said, having a Moses basket stand will make your life easier. The stand that you buy will depend on the Moses basket that you have because you’ll need to make sure it’s the right size; otherwise, your basket won't fit.
Most retailers should offer you the opportunity to purchase a Moses basket stand alongside your basket to ensure that it fits correctly.
Our Moses baskets come with stands, plus we also sell Moses basket stands on their own which you can find in our Moses basket stands category.
Moses Basket Bedding
There are a few different options when it comes to choosing Moses basket bedding.
If your child is less than a year old, it is advisable that you use a baby sleeping bag or swaddle them in a blanket. Our content team has written a great blog post all about that topic!
For your baby’s Moses basket, you will likely need a mattress protector too.
They’re so useful because waterproof mattress protectors will protect against leakages or any accidents your baby might have.
Baby blankets and bedsheets are next on the list and we advise choosing organic cotton sheets and blankets.
All our blankets and bedsheets are made using the best certified organic cotton that moulds beautifully around your baby’s body to create a secure, comfy and breathable environment.
Check out our recommended Moses Basket bedding products in our online shop:
Moses Basket Liners
Moses basket liners are another important part of the basket and are designed to provide extra soft padding, so your baby's Moses basket is comfortable and safe. In addition, the padding of the liner protects your baby from any loose fibres working their way out of the Moses basket.
Liners usually go around the edge of the basket on the inside and have flaps that fit between the handles so you can easily remove the liner when it’s time to wash it.
We’ve gone the extra mile to make our Moses basket liners stylish and luxurious by adding organic cotton, quilted Moses basket liners to our range. These premium liners are suitable for use with The Little Green Sheep Moses Basket range and come in a range of colours.
Moses Basket vs Baby Cots
Both Moses baskets and cots can be used for your baby from birth, but you might be wondering about the difference between them and the benefits of each. Luckily, we’re about to give you the low-down in 5 key points!
Of course, it's up to you to choose what you think is the best option for your baby and there are several things you'll need to consider. But we hope this quick guide has helped answer some of your questions!
Caring For Your Moses Basket
most from your baby’s basket by taking care of it properly. This is especially important if you want your Moses basket to last long enough for you to reuse it for any subsequent children you might have.
Thankfully Moses baskets are pretty low-maintenance which is why they’re such an essential for new parents. The easiest things you can do to look after your Moses basket are:
How To Get A Newborn To Settle In A Moses Basket
To finish off our Moses Basket buying guide we thought we would talk a little bit about the best way to get a newborn to settle in a Moses basket.
When it’s time to transition your little one to their new crib or cot bed, place your baby gently inside the Moses basket for short periods during the first few days to help them get used to the new space.
Doing this gradually will make the change feel less sudden, and hopefully, help them settle better as they can begin their new sleep chapter from a familiar setting to bring them comfort and reassurance.
Remember, if you plan on reusing your Moses basket for future children, be sure to replace the mattress if possible for safety and hygiene reasons.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying a Moses Basket
If you’re expecting then buying a Moses basket is a great way to ensure you’ve always got a cosy and portable space for your baby to sleep. Moses baskets are incredibly popular and for good reason; they’re affordable, portable and keep your baby safe for the first 6 months of their life.
Our Moses baskets are made using palm leaf and materials like organic cotton so they not only look great, they’re sustainable and great for the environment too.
If you have any questions about buying a Moses basket for your baby we’ve got a wide range of useful content in our journal and a wide range of products to choose from our website with all the information you need to choose the right Moses basket for your baby.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying A Moses Basket?
If you’re expecting then buying a Moses basket is a great way to ensure you’ve always got a cosy and portable space for your baby to sleep. Moses baskets are incredibly popular and for good reason; they’re affordable, portable and keep your baby safe for the first 6 months of their life.
Our Moses baskets are made using palm leaf and materials like organic cotton so they not only look great, they’re sustainable and great for the environment too.
If you have any questions about buying a Moses basket for your baby we’ve got a wide range of useful content in our journal and a wide range of products to choose from our website with all the information you need to choose the right Moses basket for your baby.
Faqs
Moses Baskets require very little, if any, assembly other than fitting the mattress and the liner. Moses basket stands do require assembly, but it is very minimal, especially when compared to building a cot or a crib.
A Moses basket can be placed anywhere as long as the surface is solid and flat. Keep the basket away from windows and places there could be a draft, and ensure it cant be knocked over by pets or other children.
Moses baskets have handles, which means they are incredibly easy to move; in fact, their portability is one of their key selling points. However, we advise consulting the directions of use for your specific basket to make sure your Moses basket can be moved with your baby inside.
Moses baskets can be placed anywhere as long as the surface is sturdy and flat. This means you can definitely put the basket in the middle of a double bed, as long as you are in the room and there is no chance of it being disturbed – for example, by a pet. Your baby should never be left unattended in the Moses basket.
Moses baskets are small, so logistically, twins may not fit, but as long as they don't exceed the weight limit and they can both fit comfortably in the Moses basket, you could co-bed them initially for the first few weeks. To be sure, though, we feel that it makes sense to offer twins a Moses basket each.
As long as the liner fits properly within the Moses basket, it is perfectly safe. Just make sure to keep an eye on your baby while they sleep. Adjust it accordingly if you notice the liner sliding out of place or your baby seems uncomfortable.
No, not necessarily, because you can place your Moses basket on any flat, sturdy surface. However, a stand can be useful. It puts the Moses basket more in your eye line, making you unlikely to trip over it. It also helps you to elevate the basket away from any inquisitive children or pets, although they should not be left unsupervised around a Moses basket.
Yes, a Moses basket does need a liner because it is used to protect your baby from the fibres of the basket itself. It also provides extra padding to make your baby comfier and feel secure. Liners can also add an extra bit of style to a basket that matches a nursery of bed sheets.
You should stop using your Moses basket when your child can hold their own head up or sit up unassisted, as this makes using the basket unsafe for the baby because it could tip over if they lean or fall to one side. This milestone usually occurs around three to four months.
It is important to know when your baby has outgrown their Moses basket. Moses baskets are designed for use from birth up to 3-4 months, or until your little one is able to sit or pull themselves up unaided. Therefore, it is advised that you only use your Moses basket while your baby is a newborn.
Most elements of the Moses basket, such as the liner, the mattress covers, and bedding are machine washable. The basket itself and the mattress are usually a wipe clean or sponge clean. Ensure that all elements are totally dry before allowing your child to sleep on them.