Medically Reviewed By:- Dr. Aarti R. Motiani, MD, DNB & Fact Checked By:- Payal Mamotra
Key Takeaways:
Yes, Moses baskets are safe for infant sleep when used correctly. Ensure a firm, flat surface, position the baby on their back, and avoid loose bedding or suffocation hazards inside the basket for optimal safety.
Every newborn should need a warm, safe sleep space not too far from the parents as per the American Association Of Pediatrics (APP) guidelines, but where should your newborn sleep?
Some paediatrics recommend co-sleeping with infants, whereas some do bedside sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS, but which baby sleeping product should you use?
Do you need a Moses Basket, Or a Bassinet, a Crib, Pack-N-Play, or something else?
If you want to use the Moses basket bassinet, it’s essential to know how long you can use it, where you should place it and when you should stop using it for infant safety.
Are Moses basket bassinet safe for overnight sleep, or may I just use it for a nap?
Well, everything you want to know, I will explain and show you some strong evidence to help you make a valuable decision for your newborn baby in this article. Before moving next, I strongly recommended reading the difference between a bassinet and a mose basket.
In This Article:
Are Moses Basket Safe For Sleeping?
Yes, Moses basket is safe if you follow the American Association Of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines. The only thing that makes Moses basket unface is its loose fabric inside the basket and uneven sleeping surface, which raises the risk of suffocation if the infant rolls in the basket.
Watch this lab experiment to understand how the baby can suffocate if the fabric is loose or if infants roll in the bassinet.
The base of the Moses basket is not 100% flat because it is crafted with plants and provides a little uneven surface.
As per the Rednose.org
Knowing this, it is very important that we don’t introduce further vulnerability to our babies by using items for sleep that are too soft or not flat, as this can increase the risk of sudden unexpected infant death.
So to overcome this problem, consumerproduct.org always uses a 1 or 1½-inch thick, flat, hard mattress to provide infants with a perfectly flat sleep surface.
Besides a thin mattress or pad (which should be no thicker than 1½ inches) and a fitted sheet, most bassinets also have a fabric lining.
If you follow the manufacturer & safety guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), then a Moses basket is safe, cosy, and the best place for your baby to sleep.
Are Moses Baskets Safe For Overnight Sleeping Or Just For Nap?
Yes, Moses baskets can be used for overnight sleeping until your baby can move or turn independently. However, once your baby reaches this stage, it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to discontinue the overnight use of Moses baskets and reserve them for daytime naps or as a convenient changing station.”
Where should you place Moses Basket?
Always ensure the Moses basket is positioned on a flat, stable surface, preferably using a Moses basket stand. Avoid placing it on elevated or uneven surfaces, as this can pose a risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).”
In 2015, Tadpoles Baby and Kids Moses Basket and Stand were recalled ( bassinet recalled list ) because they failed to match the standard guidelines. The reason to call this is I got a slip when you placed it on the stand.
The basket can slide off an inclined surface, and the stand can tip, posing a fall hazard for infants.
So avoid placing the basket in an inclined plane and always buy the safe and tested product.
Here is a list of the best Moses basket bassinet 2024.
So let me know what you think. Is Moses Basket Safe For Sleeping?
Now, the next thing to know is how long infants can sleep in it and when is the best time to stop using it.
When To Stop Using Moses Basket?
While there’s no specific guideline from the American Association of Pediatrics or the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a general rule of thumb is to discontinue the Moses basket bassinet if your baby begins rolling in it or seems uncomfortable.
Most manufacturers also provide age limits, typically around 4-5 months. However, there’s no weight limit specified because its surface touches the floor.
But, on the other hand, if you are using it with Moses basket’s stand, then make sure you stop using it as your baby’s weight reaches 15-20 lbs (or as per the manufacturing limit).
Age Limit & Weight Limit Of Moses Basket?
Moses Basket Age limit | 4-5 months |
Moses Basket Weight Limit | No Weight Limit because the base touches the floor |
Moses Basket Bassinet With Stand | 15-20 lbs |
Note: Babies grow at a different scale; some grow faster & outgrow the bassinet faster than others. To make a valuable decision, read this handy guide: how long can a baby sleep in a bassinet?
Moses Basket Bassinet Safety
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP), the Moses basket is safe for newborns if it fulfils all the safety standards and general performance requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It also protects the baby against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Here are a few things that you need to make sure;
- Must be sturdy enough to hold the baby
- Must have an enclosed opening to prevent any entrapment
- Should be stable
- Sides should be high to prevent fall
- It should not contain small parts
Along with these safety requirements set by the CPSC, here are a few other safety requirements you can follow to ensure your baby is safe in the Moses basket.
- Do not attach toys around the basket to avoid choking
- Never use a plastic bag inside the basket
- Don’t move the basket with your baby inside. It is a best practice first to remove the baby and then move the basket
- Don’t allow other babies or pets to climb with the basket when your baby is inside.
I hope you like our “Are Moses Basket Safe For Sleeping?” guide and found the information help full.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Can You Use A Moses Basket As A Bassinet?
Yes, you can use the Moses basket as a baby bassinet. Because it is just another form of the bassinet. According to the APP, bassinets are safe for babies as long as they fulfil all the requirements set by the CPSC. For more information on the differences, see our guide: Bassinet Vs Moses Basket.
2.) Are Moses Baskets Sids Safe?
Moses baskets can contribute to SIDS prevention when used correctly. To ensure a safe sleeping environment for newborns:
- Avoid placing pillows, blankets, or bumpers inside the basket.
- Use a firm, flat mattress.
- Always lay the baby on their back for sleep or naps.
- Discontinue use once the baby outgrows the basket or becomes uncomfortable.
3.) Are Moses Basket Liners Safe?
Yes, the Moses basket liner is safe because it covers the internal side walls like a cot bumper to protect the baby’s finger & hand from getting stuck in rattan or hurt by the sharp edges of the basket. However, you should always use high-quality liners in your Moses basket because loose liners and bedding can cause severe suffocation.
4.) Do You Need Bedding For Moses Basket?
Definitely, yes, by adding bedding into the Moses basket, you can make infants sleeping areas more comfortable. This will help newborns sleep longer. But make sure you don’t place a pillow or anything else that leads to SIDS.
5.) Do I Need A Waterproof Mattress Protector For Moses Basket?
Yes, a waterproof mattress protector is highly recommended. It helps prevent sweat from being absorbed by the mattress, reducing the risk of allergies and prolonging its lifespan. Maintaining a clean sleeping environment is essential for the healthy development of newborns, so ensure proper cleaning of the mattress and protector.
6.) How Many Moses Basket Sheets Do I Need?
It’s recommended that three sheets be used for a Moses basket. The first sheet is for immediate use, the second can be washed, and the third serves as a backup for emergencies such as vomit or leaky diapers, ensuring your infant remains clean and dry at all times. For more insights on why three sheets are advisable, refer to our guide: How Many Bassinet Sheets Do You Need?
7.) How To Get Newborn To Settle In Moses Basket?
The best way to settle your infant in the Moses basket is by making their sleeping area comfortable & letting them feel they are safe in it. These two things allowed the baby to sleep instantly in any sleeping environment. To do this, you can swaddle the baby, lay down with them for a while, have a reassuring hand on the baby’s chest, give them a warm bath, make a bedtime routine, etc.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on helping newborns sleep in a bassinet.
What next? Well, here are a few crucial guides for you are;
- Are Wicker Bassinets Safe?
- How To Choose a Bassinet?
- How To Keep Bassinet Or Crib Warm In Winter?
- How To Keep Cat Out of Bassinet & Crib?
Drop your valuable comment in the comment section, And remember to share the guide because sharing is carrying.
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Harvinder Singh
Senior Content Writer
Harvinder Singh is an engineer & certified project manager who founded Getforbaby to assist parents with their newborns. He inspired by his experiences with his nephews, Harvinder aims to simplify parenting by sharing his knowledge. Read More
We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing.
- Wiktionary: – Moses Basket
- Reddit: Are Moses Baskets Safe for Sleeping?
- Astm. Org: – Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles
- Consumer Product Safety Commission Gov: – Sleeping Partners Recalls Moses Basket and Stand
- Safetosleep:- About SIDS and Safe Infant Sleep FAQ
- healthy children org: AAP Policy Explained
- Aap.org:- Safe Sleep
- Rednose Org: sleeping babies on firm surfaces is very important
- Consumer reports Org: – Bassinet Buying Guide, Updated May 07, 2016
- Publications.aap.org: – SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths
- Health.qld.gov.au:- 7 unsafe nursery trends
- Ecfr.gov:- SAFETY STANDARD FOR BASSINETS AND CRADLES
- NHS inform scot: Sleeping safely, Last updated: May 04 2022
- American Association Of Pediatrics:- Safe Sleep
- lullaby trust:- How to choose baby sleeping products
- Forum:- Mumsnet, Reddit, Whattoexpect
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