Expecting a baby is one of, if not the most exciting time of someone's life. You’ve spent months, if not years, dreaming your little one into existence and the time has finally come for them to be here. However, with so much preparation to do, it's understandable if you feel a little overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step on how to dress a Moses basket - while it's no doubt just one job on a long list of things to do, hopefully, a little bit of friendly advice will ease some of the stress and allow you to enjoy the adventure you’re about to go on.
How to dress a Moses basket
There are 5 steps to dressing a Moses basket, which are:
1. The stand
First, you want to start with your Moses stand, which is the base that will hold your basket (and your baby). You want to ensure you choose a stand that is sturdy and will comfortably support the weight of the basket. There are multiple options to choose from, so as long as your stand is supportive, the design is really up to you. There are adjustable stands available too, so you can play around with the height of your stand to accommodate your personal needs. There are also some foldable stand options, so if you’re a little short on available space, a foldable stand makes your Moses basket more mobile and allows you to tuck it away when it’s not in use. You can also choose stands that are designed to rock backwards and forwards to settle your baby back to sleep if they’re comforted by motion. And of course, the colour is completely up to you as well - simply choose a stand that is compatible with your nursery design for a cohesive look.
2. The basket
Choosing a Moses basket is one of the most exciting preparations for any new parent. Choose a style that will complement your nursery and best ties in with the whole room. A classic, of course, is the wicker basket. The wicker look is timeless and adds a nice texture to any nursery. It's also completely safe as long as you purchase it from a qualified manufacturer and adhere to all instructions and advice. The shape of the basket can also vary, with many opting for a more contemporary look in the style of a pod. Pod Moses baskets are more modern but still offer that traditional look of wicker. They can appear smaller as they do not come with the additional hood -it's essentially already included in the curvature of the basket. Another option is the palm Moses basket. This is a different texture to wicker and is arguably more subtle and muted. It's also more flexible due to its more compressible texture. The design you choose ultimately comes down to preference, so think carefully about which option you feel looks best with your style or theme.
3. The mattress
Next up is the mattress. This is a crucial decision as it's where your baby will sleep every night. Plus, better sleep for your baby ultimately means a night of better sleep for you, so you want to choose wisely with this. The first option to consider is a quilted mattress. These create a cosy space for your baby and add additional cushioning to help them to dose off into a peaceful sleep. It’s important to look for a mattress suitable for a newborn, however. Some quilted mattresses offer nursery-grade fibre which is recommended for a newborn as it offers postural support. The second option is a foam mattress. This is super-soft whilst also remaining stiff enough to provide the right amount of support for your baby. Finally, you can also opt for an allergy-friendly mattress should you wish to take extra precautions. These do not impact the quality of the mattress itself, they just help to avoid allergy issues for your newborn.
4. The sheet
Now it’s time to choose the sheet for your Moses basket. It’s important to choose a fitted sheet as loose materials can be dangerous for your baby when they are moving around at night. A fitted sheet will eliminate these risks as there will be no excess material and the sheet will cover the surface perfectly. The design on your sheet is entirely up to you, however. You could choose a colour that matches your basket or nursery theme, or go with something completely natural. Of course, the classic choice is white or cream, but some people also opt for colours like pink, blue and yellow. Alternatively, why not try a pattern such as polka dots if that works with your design and you fancy something different?
5. Any personal additions
Now you’ve assembled your Moses basket with some essential items, it’s time to make it more personal. While you can keep the basket minimal, some people opt to attach mobiles to help their babies stay stimulated. This could be swapped out for a more soothing one at night to help relax into a deep sleep. Regardless, it is important to ensure this has been attached properly for your baby’s safety. The basket can be dressed with comfortable blankets as well to create a comfortable space, or plush toys for your baby to be comforted. But note that these should be removed while your baby is in the Moses basket. For more advice on how to dress a Moses basket, contact us at For Your Little One. We're a family-run business specialising in pregnancy and baby care products and are more than happy to guide you in setting up your dream nursery.
