The 4 Chicest Moses Baskets for Baby’s Nursery
You may not have heard of a Moses basket before, but if you’re a fan of everything boho-chic, it’s bound to have a designated spot on your nursery checklist. Many Moses baskets can serve as beds for newborns, offering parents a sweet, stylish alternative to typical bassinets or cribs. What’s more, their narrow footprint doesn’t take up as much space, making them perfect for room-sharing with your infant—which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS. That said, not all Moses baskets are created equal. And while some are safe for sleep, others are meant for decorative purposes only. Ready to learn more? Below, find out everything you need to know about Moses basket bassinets, then check out the chicest designs for sleep, diaper changing and gorgeous Instagram moments.
In short, a Moses basket is a basket that can hold your newborn. They’re typically made out of organic, natural materials woven into aesthetically pleasing patterns and feature handles at the top for easy portability between play, naps and other activities. Inside, you can place a small firm mattress (covered by super-soft, fitted crib sheets, of course!) to create a comfy sanctuary for your little one.
Similar to bassinets, Moses baskets can be used by newborns from the first days at home up until around the four-month mark. Baby should stop using a Moses basket when the shows signs of or begin to sit, roll over or pull themselves up, or they physically outgrow the bed, says Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada. To prevent the bed from tipping once they reach these milestones, your infant should transition into a crib appropriate for their size and age.
While Moses baskets are aesthetically pleasing, not all of them are safe sleep spots for baby. First and foremost, if you intend to use the basket as a bed for your newborn, check that the product you’ve chosen meets the safety requirements set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), advises Thistel. When shopping for a Moses basket bassinet, you can also look for a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) for added peace of mind. Last but not least, double-check that the Moses basket you have your eye on hasn’t been recalled for any reason, reminds Thistel.
When shopping for a Moses basket, Thistel advises parents to pick a product that is:
- Sturdy, stable structure
- Smooth, breathable sides that are high enough to prevent falls
- Enclosed openings to prevent entrapment
- Free of any small parts
Just like a bassinet or a crib, a Moses basket should be used with attention and care to create a safe sleep environment for baby. Thistel suggests that parents consider the following guidelines when using a Moses basket bassinet:
- Don’t pick up or move the basket while baby is inside it.
- Avoid placing the bed on tables (or any other elevated surface) other than the stand that came with your basket.
- As with any sleep space for infants, do not add blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or soft bedding to the basket.
- Make sure the bed is placed in a safe spot; it shouldn’t be near any heaters, windows, blinds, stoves or fireplaces.
- Avoid hanging any types of strings or cords from the basket.
- At bedtime, the Moses basket should be placed beside your bed (just like a bassinet) so that baby remains close throughout the night.
Now that you have all the facts, you’re ready to pick out a chic Moses basket for baby. Below, find options to help you create a dreamy space for your newborn.
Simple, chic sleeper
- CPSC-compliant
- Handwoven from dried elephant grass
- Has leather handles
- Comes with a fitted foam mattress
- Due to its handmade nature, colors and patterns may vary slightly from photos
- Spot clean only
If you’re a fan of chic designs inspired by natural tones and textures, you’ll love the Moses basket bassinets Design Dua has to offer. This CPSC-compliant design has been thoughtfully handmade from dried elephant grass and features high-quality leather handles. Best of all? It comes with a fitted foam mattress so you’ll be able to set up baby’s spot in no time.
Vintage-inspired newborn bed
- CPSC-compliant
- Vintage-inspired print
- Comes with coconut-coir mattress
- High price point
- Suitable for newborns up to 20 pounds
Can’t get enough of vintage-inspired baby gear? Then this baby Moses basket is sure to spark joy. It’s decorated in a colorful bird print and topped with leather handles—plus, it’s compliant with the CPSC’s safety regulations. Inside, you’ll find a moisture-resistant mattress made out of natural coconut-coir fiber to keep your newborn comfy as they snooze. This travel Moses basket also easily folds, making it the perfect accessory for outings or overnight stays. For nights at home, consider turning it into a standing Moses basket with the help of a stationary or rocking base.
Handmade basket bassinet
- CPSC-compliant
- Simple geometric pattern
- Handwoven from dried elephant grass
- Due to its handmade nature, colors and patterns may vary slightly from photos
- Spot clean only
Next up on our list of the best Moses basket bassinets is another option from Design Dua that’s CPSC-compliant. Simply chic, the baby bed features a geometric pattern made from hand-dyed elephant grass. And, thanks to its leather handles, you’ll be able to transport it with ease.
Versatile bedside sleeper
- CPSC- and JPMA-certified
- Versatile 2-in-1 design that comes with a stand
- Has wheels for easy portability
- Features a convenient storage element
- Not made from all-natural materials like other options
Searching for a Moses basket bassinet that doubles as a bedside sleeper? While this option isn’t a traditional design (read: it’s not an Instagram post waiting to happen!), it offers plenty of convenient features. The two-in-one Moses basket with stand allows parents to have baby by their side during the day; at night, they can securely attach it to the base to create a bedside sleeper. What’s more, it has wheels and a mesh storage element for toys or anything else you need to have handy. Last but not least, you can rest assured knowing that this sleeper is JPMA-certified.
About the experts:
Jillian Thistel is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting.
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