Are moses baskets safe for newborns?

There is something very appealing about the beautiful woven material and general shape of a moses basket. They are lightweight and usually include a handle for carrying, making them excellent for carrying from one room to another whilst your baby sleeps. But the question 'are moses baskets safe?' is a very important one for new parents. The answer is that your little one can safely sleep in a moses basket as long as you take certain precautions and follow the manufacturer advice included with them.
How do I use a moses basket safely?
The first thing to consider is that the safest way for your baby to sleep is on his/her back on a firm surface. It can be tempting to think soft bedding is more comfortable, but it can actually pose a suffocation risk for newborns.
Place a firm mattress on the bottom of your moses basket. It must fit tightly to the sides, bearing in mind that the woven material of a moses basket has more give than a harder material. If you are able to insert two fingers easily between the mattress and the wall of the basket, there is too much space and there could be a risk of suffocation. Moses baskets are usually sold with a mattress and fitted sheet.
With regards to bedding, your little one does not need a pillow and should not be given one. A warm sleeping bag is safer than a blanket in the basket.
How strict are the weight limits?
With the material they are made from (strong wicker or maize), moses baskets are not designed to hold the weight of an older baby. There will be a specific weight limit included by the manufacturer of your moses basket and you should stick to it.
When your baby gets a little bigger, his or her weight could weaken the material and even cause it to break. If this happens whilst you are carrying the basket, or while it is on a stand, there could be a nasty fall onto the ground. Stop using the moses basket when one of the following happens:
- Baby reaches the weight limit
- Baby learns to roll over
- Baby reaches 4 months old
- They are light and convenient for storage
- The handles make them easy to manoeuvre
- They can sit on the floor or be placed in a stand
- They keep a young baby cosy and snug
- The breathable fabric and hood keep baby cool and shaded
- They are cheap
- They can only be used until baby is 3-4 months old
- Moses baskets with short handles are difficult to carry
- They are non-essential and you will need a crib/cot bed sooner or later
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Moses Basket