Choosing your baby’s first bed is exciting. There are lots of different designs to pick from, so deciding on the best moses basket bassinet for your little one needs a little research. Moses baskets have been used for years, and with good reason. They are cozy and secure, the ideal bed to ease the transition from womb to crib. As they are small and lightweight, carrying them from place to place is easy so baby can sleep wherever you are.
When picking a Moses basket, there are a few things to consider such as the space you have, whether you want a canopy, how easy is it to carry and whether you want a stand. The perfect Moses basket bassinet is there for you, just take some time selecting the right one.
What is a Moses Basket Bassinet?
A Moses basket is baby’s first bed. Designed to be ideal for newborn babies, they provide a sung and reassuring place for them to sleep when they first come home. They are small and portable cribs often woven from natural wicker or palm. A Moses basket bassinet will often have carrying handles, a canopy and a fitted mattress.
Moses Baskets Vs. Bassinets
Named after the biblical story of baby Moses who was placed in a basket and floated on the Nile, a Moses basket tends to be made from natural wicker or grasses. It can be rested on the floor or on a secure surface. Bassinets, on the other hand, are usually made from polyester and steel and they come with a stand or frame. Moses baskets are often a little lower in price.
Reviews of the Best Moses Basket Bassinets in 2021
Best Overall:
Handwoven from palm, the Clair de Lune Moses Basket is very sturdy. The handles are attached all the way down the side for safety. The open weave allows a free air flow. Made in the UK, the coverlet, liner and dressing are 100% cotton, removable and machine washable. The pretty hood is adjustable and matches the coverlet.
What I love about it:
- Cotton coverlet with appliqued moon and stars
- Choice of colors
- Lightweight at 4.8 pounds
- A choice of rocking or static stand available
Something to keep in mind:
- Recommended for babies up to 20 lbs.
- Stand is not included – purchased separately
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Best for Travel:
A break from the traditional baby Moses basket, this Lulyboo Bassinet To-Go is a modern equivalent that has been thoughtfully designed. It’s soft and foldable making it the easiest bassinet to take out and about. It even has straps so it can be carried hands-free like a backpack. The removable canopy can be used for hanging toys on to keeping your little one amused.
What I love about it:
- Light – weighs just 3lbs
- Use as a diaper changing mat too
- Perfect for plane travel
- Babies feel very secure inside
- Easy to take to the park or on play dates
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Best Portable:
The dinosaur-shaped hood gives this Moses basket bassinet a cute and fun look. Made from a breathable fabric, it can be folded down for easy transportation and storage. A firm base offers sturdy support and the handles are comfortable to carry. The Suveno Baby Bed Lounger is a little larger than others and is recommended for babies from newborn up to 12 months old.
What I love about it:
- Modern Moses basket
- Simple and quick to fold away
- 3D sponge mattress
- Zip-on protective cover
- Choice of colors
- Hypoallergenic materials and non toxic
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Best Natural:
The Tadpoles Moses Basket bassinet is traditional and simple in its looks. Woven from Moroccan palm it has a natural charm. The cream knitted bumper and blanket is cozy and it’s all removable for washing.
A foam mattress lines the bottom of the basket – this is a little on the thin side but overall it’s a sturdy portable crib. When baby grows out of it, remove the covers and use it as a storage basket. Recommended for babies up to 15 lbs.
What I love about it:
- Made from natural palm leaves
- Simple oval shape
- Open weave for increased air flow
- Can be purchased without bedding set
- Certified to have low chemical emissions
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Best Cotton Basket:
For a budget baby Moses basket, this is hard to beat and it is cute to look at too. The Iceblue HD Moses basket is made from natural cotton rope with 2 handles worked in to the body so they are very secure. It can fold down flat and is easily transportable weighing less than 3 lbs. This basket is wider than others so loses some of the snug feeling but offers plenty of room for a baby to play when awake.
What I love about it:
- Natural cotton material
- Very light and easy to carry
- Makes a pretty baby shower gift
- Use as storage when baby has grown out of it
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The stand with the Pali Designs Isabella Moses basket has been perfectly designed. With wheels on the bottom and a narrow size, it can be pushed from room to room so you can keep an eye on your little one whatever you are doing in the home. The basket comes off the frame easily if you want to carry it around on its own. The basket has a traditional, open weave and looks adorable on the traditional wooden stand.
What I love about it:
- Slim shape fits through doorways
- Made from natural materials
- Choice of natural or white stand
- Cotton lining is removable for washing
Tommee Tippee is a well-known name and can be trusted for baby products. The Sleepee Basket and Stand has a rocking setting, so baby can be soothed to sleep. The basket is a synthetic material with holes to help with air circulation, but in the heat, it’s easy for the interior to warm up. If you want a modern-looking basket, this is ideal but it does have a stark appearance. The frame is a little tricky to assemble when it arrives.
What I love about it:
- Modern design
- Easy to wipe clean
- Stand has a rocking and static setting
- Cotton lining
- Easy to carry in one hand
Best Affordable:
The Baby Doll Moses Basket has an affordable price tag but it still comes with a pretty cotton bumper and mattress cover. A nice open weave and natural materials, it’s a traditional Moses basket ideal for new born babies. There is a large bow on each side of the bumper – this is removable. It’s a narrow shape if you want a compact basket.
What I love about it:
- Waffle cotton bumper and sheet
- Pretty design
- Sturdy natural material
- Made in the USA
Something to keep in mind:
- A little heavier than some at 4.5 lbs.
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Best Customizable:
Hand-made using natural materials, the Seay Newborn Baby Moses Basket is crocheted so the sides are soft. The mattress and the pillow are customizable – choose to have a polyester filling or a luxurious organic wool filling, you pick your preferred version.
This Moses basket with stand has rockers in natural wood. The basket can be removed from the stand but the short handles mean that you cannot carry the basket with one hand.
What I love about it:
- All natural and organic materials used
- Beautifully detailed
- Canopy for protection from sun and draughts
- Bedding included matching the basket
Something to keep in mind:
- Stand moves in rocking motion
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Moses Basket Accessories
If you’re looking for a base for your baby Moses basket, this one fits many different types. In a natural wood tone, this rocking stand goes with everything but it can be painted if you prefer a color that matches the nursery. It’s a lightweight frame that’s easy to move around. Carefully check the measurements of your Moses basket as not all models will fit this frame.
What I love about it:
- Can be used with different Moses basket
- Sturdy design
- Gently rocks baby to sleep
Something to keep in mind:
- Assembly can be tricky
The Big Oshi Moses basket bassinet mattress gets rave reviews thanks to its thickness. The foam is soft and covered with a waterproof lining so it’s easy to keep clean. It’s also been designed to be silent – no crinkling sounds to disturb sleep. Folded tightly to reduce the packaging, this mattress has to be left to re-plump after delivery. Carefully measure your Moses basket to ensure a snug fit.
What I love about it:
- Two inches thick for comfort
- The size is standard to fit most Moses baskets
- Machine washable
It’s a good idea to have a couple of changes of Moses basket sheets. The Silentnight Safe Night sheets come in packs of two. They are made in a soft cotton jersey that’s kind to sensitive skin. This fabric is warmer to the touch than ordinary cotton. There’s a choice of colors and cute designs available.
What I love about it:
- 100% cotton that is soft
- Elasticated edge for a snug fit
- Trusted brand
What Should I Look For in a Moses Basket Bassinet?
You want your baby to feel safe and secure inside the Moses basket so look for one that is well made and sturdy. It needs to be comfy and cozy, so one with a good mattress and lining is essential too. So your baby doesn’t get too warm, a free air flow is important so look for a basket with an open weave or ventilation holes.
Natural materials look adorable and homely, they are usually free from toxic chemicals although sometimes preservatives are used so look for a safety certificate. Man-made polyesters are easier to keep hygienic and will be more waterproof.
Set your budget and stick to it. There are lots of things to buy when you have a baby so you have to be realistic. There are lots of options so you will find the ideal Moses basket to suit your wallet.
Are Moses Basket Bassinets Safe for Newborns?
When you first bring your baby home, it’s advised to have them in the same room as you for the first 3 months. Placing them in a Moses basket near to your bed is safe. Ensure the basket is on a draught-free area of the floor or on a steady surface. Purpose-built stands are ideal for resting the basket on.
Mattress and Sheets for Moses Baskets
Mattresses and sheets must be correctly fitted. Don’t have any gaps around the mattress, the baby could roll into a gap and become stuck. Sheets with an elasticated edge help the Moses basket sheets stay in place. Don’t use sheets that are too big and loose as your baby could become tangled in the night.
How Long Does a Newborn Baby Sleep in a Moses Basket?
Usually a baby sleeps in a Moses basket until they are around 3 months old but it depends on the weight and size of the child. It’s recommended to move your baby into a crib at around 15 lbs. If your little one can pull themselves up, they shouldn’t use a basket any more.
How Should a Newborn Baby Sleep in a Moses Basket?
Studies show that a baby should sleep on their back. Place your child with their feet nearly at the bottom of the basket. A pillow is not needed and covers should be loose. Make sure the Moses basket isn’t in a cold or hot area of the room such as next to the heating or directly under air conditioning.
My Experience With Moses Baskets
My baby was very content sleeping in her Moses basket and she looked so cute. I took mine off the stand in the daytime and took it to the living room so I could be close to my daughter all the time. When I visited family, I popped the basket in the trunk of my car so my little one had somewhere to nap when we got there.
FAQs About Moses Basket Bassinets
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What makes Moses Baskets a good choice for a baby?
They are small, cozy and easy to carry around the home. Baby feels secure inside and is content when sleeping near their parents. Moses baskets are also a safe place for them to kick and play when awake.
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Can a baby sleep in a Moses Basket at night?
As long as the baby is in the basket in the same room as you, then a Moses basket is an ideal first bed.
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How long can I use a Moses Basket for?
Until your baby weighs around 15 lbs. or they can pull themselves up on their own.
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Where should a baby go in a Moses Basket?
Thanks to its small size, a Moses basket can go in any room indoors and outside too. Don’t drive with your baby in the basket – they must be in a proper car seat.
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Why do babies sleep in Moses Baskets?
A crib is too big for a newborn baby, they feel insecure in one. A Moses basket is smaller and gives the baby a feeling of security.
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Do you need to have a stand for your Moses Basket?
You don’t need a stand, a Moses basket can go on the floor or other secure surface. A stand is useful for making the basket the same height as your bed and raising it from the floor if the room is draughty.
The Bottom Line
When you first bring your baby home, a Moses basket bassinet is a safe and reassuring place to lay your newborn. The smaller size means you can put the basket in any room so you will always be close to your precious little one. When your baby is content, you will both rest better and a good night’s sleep makes every day a joy.
There’s a reason Moses baskets have been popular for years, they are just what you need when your baby is small. There is a wide choice of baskets available, each with its own benefits, and if stored carefully, they can be used for your next child too. As they grow, you could look into investing in a rocking bassinet, a crib with changing table or else a convertible crib or a small baby crib, if space is short.
