When your baby is just a new-born, it’s important that they sleep in your room with you so that they can be closely monitored at all times. At this stage, there’s no need for a full-size cot – this is where a Moses basket is handy.
A Moses basket is a scaled down cot, usually made of wicker material. They offer the same comfort and support as a cot would do. A lot of parents choose to use a Moses basket when their baby is a new-born as it’s much easier to fit into a bedroom. They can be easily placed on the floor or onto a Moses basket stand without taking up lots of room.
Your baby usually stays in their Moses basket till their about 3-6 months old – depending on how fast your little one grows and develops! During this time, they will continue to stay in your room with you. When they move into a cot – this is when they should also start sleeping in their own room.
Why Should I Use a Moses Basket?
A Moses basket isn’t for everyone and you don’t have to use one if it’s not right for you or your baby. Some parents choose to go straight to a cot. However, fitting a full-sized cot into your bedroom along with your own bed and furniture can be a tight squeeze!
For this reason, Moses baskets are usually chosen as a way to save space but still keep your little one comfortable. Not only are they great for monitoring your baby throughout the night, they can also be easily moved around your home. If you are downstairs with your baby and want to put them down for a nap, you can bring the Moses basket down with you to keep an eye on your baby wherever you are.
What if My Baby Doesn’t Like the Moses Basket?
It’s normal for your baby to make a small fuss during the first few days of using your Moses basket. Any new experiences can confuse your little one and it can take time for them to get used to it. However, if you notice that they are still becoming distressed after weeks of using the Moses basket, they may not feel comfortable in it.
In this case, you can make the decision to move your baby to a cot. There’s nothing wrong with putting your baby into a cot without using a Moses basket – some parents just feel that a cot looks too big for them!
Your baby may settle much easier here as it’s a bigger space and they have more room to stretch out. All babies are different and will have dissimilar preferences. It’s important to try things for at least a couple of weeks to see if your baby adjusts before moving them onto something else. It’s very normal for your little one to cry during new experiences – this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in distress. Try different things with your Moses basket like moving it to different positions around the room – this may help your baby relax.
