Moses Baskets - Simple First Beds

Moses baskets are lovely, time-honored beds for infants. They're very simple, well-constructed baskets lined with soft fabric.

Each comes with a tiny mattress pad just the size of the flat bottom of the basket, so that your infant has a snug, safe place to sleep. Baskets are breathable and very lightweight, so it's easy to keep baby close as you move from room to room.

The basket's small size makes it a logical place forthe littlest baby to sleep, cozy and secure. Some parents say that the snug feeling of a small bed helps newborns to sleep better. (After all, a newborn is used to very close quarters.)

Interestingly, many parents also find that newborns nap better when their beds are placed out in the living area of the house, rather than tucked away in a quiet bedroom. I was surprised when I first heard this ... but later, I read that the womb is actually a pretty noisy place. So, I guess it makes sense!

A moses basket can be used until your baby is about four months old. Because infants sleep so much during the early months (up to 20 hours a day!), this bed may see lots and lots of use.

Chcek out this artist's interpretation of the finding of Baby Moses in th original moses basket .

Tips on Selecting a Moses Basket ...

• Carrying handles are essential features for your basket. The best carrying handles are long enough to meet above the middle of the basket, so that you can carry it with one hand instead of two.

  Do not, however, carry the basket with the baby in it.

• Make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. (There should be less than two adult finger-widths of space between the mattress and the sides of the basket).

• Make sure there are no no rough patches or edges on the inside of the basket where baby will sleep.

• Some baskets may include a "hood" (cloth strung on a retractable frame, to shield baby's face from sunshine or indoor lights). If you consider a hooded basket, check to see if the hood is easy to fold up out of the way when you want to lay the baby down.

When baby starts to roll over on his own, move him out of the moses basket and into a crib.

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"Pharoah's daughter came down to the river to bathe, while her maids walked along the river bank. Noticing the basket among the reeds, she sent her handmaid to fetch it. On opening it, she looked, and lo, there was a baby boy ...!" -- Exodus 2:5-6 [Adoption of Moses]


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