Moses baskets offer a snug, portable place for your baby to sleep. They have carry
handles, which makes them practical for newborn and young babies as you can carry your
sleeping baby around the house with you. It’s also possible to buy a stand (usually
sold separately) for the Moses basket so that you can raise your baby off the floor out of
harm’s way and away from draughts. Some stands are adjustable to fit the basket; if
not, check the stand fits your basket snugly before buying.
Most manufacturers recommend a Moses basket for babies up to 6 or 7kg; but once your
baby begins to roll or simply overfills the basket, it’s time to find a new sleeping
place.
Moses baskets are made from various materials, the most common being palm leaf. As this
is a natural product these Moses baskets are often fumigated against palm lice by
importers (they mostly come from North Africa and China) and stockists are given a
fumigation certificate which you can ask to see if you are concerned. The palm lice are
entirely harmless to humans but eat the baskets, and the fumigation process is non-toxic.
What makes one Moses basket different from another is the dressing – the accessories
that are often included in the total price of the basket. There is usually a valance piece
which makes a pretty frill around the bottom, a liner, a mattress and co-ordinated
bedding.
Check that the mattress is a close fit (especially if you buy it separately). A good
Moses basket should be very well padded, soft and cosy for your baby.
Updated May 2001
