When selecting a baby sleep gear such as Moses Basket, it is important to understand the safety implications of each type of product. Here we will explore the safety of Moses Baskets and help you make an informed decision about what is best for your baby.
What is a Moses Basket?
A Moses Basket is a type of baby sleep gear that is typically used for newborns. It is named after the biblical figure Moses, who was placed in a basket among bulrushes to protect him from harm.
Moses Basket’s origins date back to Ancient Egypt where they were used to transport infants. The baskets were made out of reeds which made them lightweight and easy to carry.
The modern Moses Basket is usually made out of wicker or another type of woven material. They often come with a stand so that they can be placed at the side of a bed or crib.
Moses Baskets are typically used for babies up to around 3-4 months old, or until they are able to sit up unaided.
Are Moses Baskets Safe?
Moses Baskets are generally considered to be safe for babies to sleep in. However, there are a few safety considerations that you should be aware of before using one.
Moses baskets are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a safe sleep item that protects against SIDS.
The main safety concern with Moses Baskets is the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under the age of one.
There is no definitive cause of SIDS, but experts believe that it is linked to babies sleeping in an unsafe environment. This includes sleeping on their stomach or side, sleeping on soft bedding, or in an overheated room.
There are a few ways to reduce the risk of SIDS when using a Moses Basket. First, make sure that the basket is placed on a firm, level surface. Do not put it on a soft surface such as a bed or couch.
Second, do not put any pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding inside the basket. This can increase the risk of SIDS.
Third, make sure that the room where the baby is sleeping is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, do not use a Moses Basket if your baby is younger than four months old or is not able to sit up unaided.
Are Moses Baskets Regulated for Safety?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers a Moses basket to be a bassinet. Some sources claim that they are not presently regulated by the CPSC, and as a result, many pediatricians and baby sleep consultants do not recommend them for sleep.
The CPSC regulates bassinets to ensure baby’s safety. The requirements are as follows:
- There should be no enclosed openings to prevent entrapment.
- It must be structurally sufficient to hold the baby.
- The bassinet should be stable.
- Sides must be high enough to prevent falls and small parts shouldn’t be present.
Are Moses Baskets Riskier than Bassinets and Cribs?
The main difference between bassinets, cribs and Moses baskets is that Moses baskets are not currently regulated by the CPSC. This means that there is no guarantee that they meet the safety standards set for other baby sleep products.
That being said, Moses Baskets are still widely used and generally considered to be safe.
Bassinets are not necessarily riskier than cribs, but they do have different safety concerns. Cribs are designed for babies who can sit up, roll over, and pull themselves up to a standing position.
This means that cribs must be sturdier than bassinets and have higher sides to prevent falls. They also have stricter safety regulations.
Bassinets, on the other hand, are designed for newborns who cannot yet sit up or rollover. This makes them more susceptible to SIDS and other dangers. Read more about the difference between bassinets and Moses Baskets here.
How Can I Make My Moses Basket Safer?
There are a few things that you can do to make your Moses Basket safer for your baby.
First, make sure that the basket is placed on a firm, level surface. Do not put it on a soft surface such as a bed or couch.
Second, do not put any pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding inside the basket. This can increase the risk of SIDS.
Third, make sure that the room where the baby is sleeping is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, do not use a Moses Basket if your baby is younger than four months old or is not able to sit up unaided.
If you follow these safety guidelines, your baby should be safe and comfortable in their Moses Basket.
What could go wrong with Moses Baskets:
Risk of suffocation:
If the baby isn’t put to sleep on their back, they’re at a higher risk of suffocation. In a Moses Basket, the baby could easily roll onto their stomach or side, and the soft bedding would make it difficult for them to move back into a safe position.
Risk of SIDS:
Moses Baskets are not currently regulated by the CPSC, which means that there is no guarantee that they meet the safety standards set for other baby sleep products. This makes them more susceptible to SIDS and other dangers.
Risk of entrapment:
Moses Baskets can have enclosed openings that trap the baby’s head, neck, or limbs. This can lead to serious injury or even death.
Risk of falls:
If the basket is placed on a raised surface, the baby could fall and be seriously injured.
Risk of overheating:
If the room is too hot or the basket is placed in direct sunlight, the baby could overheat and become dehydrated.
Are Moses Baskets Worth the Risk?
They are worth the risk if you plan on strictly using the basket for supervised awake time only. If you want to use the basket for baby’s nap or nighttime sleep, it is best to invest in a safer sleep product such as a bassinet or crib.
Get a Moses Basket if:
- You plan on using it for a short period of time (4 months or less)
- You will be using it in a well-supervised setting
- You are confident in your ability to follow the safety guidelines
Don’t get a Moses Basket if:
- You plan on using it for an extended period of time
- You are not confident in your ability to follow the safety guidelines
- You are not able to keep a close eye on the baby while they are sleeping
How to pick a safe Moses Basket:
When choosing a Moses Basket, look for one that is made of sturdy materials and has a firm, level bottom. Avoid baskets with enclosed openings that could trap the baby’s head, neck, or limbs.
Make sure the basket comes with a fitted sheet that is specifically designed for use with Moses Baskets. Do not use pillows, blankets, or other soft bedding inside the basket.
Finally, check the basket regularly for loose threads, tears, or other signs of wear and tear. Discard the basket if it is damaged in any way. In a seperate post, we have reviewed the best Moses Basket brands in the market here.
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com