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The Top 5 Benefits of Using a Moses Basket Stand

1. Getting Your Moses Basket Elevated Off The Ground

Having a baby bed located on the ground poses a few different concerns. One issue would be poor visibility. The last thing you want to do is trip over the Moses basket during a late night trip to the bathroom. Placing your Moses basket on a cold floor surface is also not a desired way to have your baby sleep through the night.

Using a Moses basket stand can eliminate these potential problems. Baby will now be elevated to a more comfortable position where it is easier to move them from the Moses basket during feeding or changing time. Baby is now positioned at a more suitable level thus reducing the risk of having a late night miss-step resulting in an accident. Also, air can flow freely through the basket base to help prevent overheating

2. Portability

Using a Moses basket stand offers greater portability than a stationary bassinet, cradle or crib. The stand is lightweight and easy to transport to any room of the house and can also be packed up and placed in the car to be used at work or grandma's house. If you find that baby and you sleep better in separate rooms its an easy move. If you find that you need baby right next to your bed you can conveniently position the stand next to you to make for easy transition from the Moses basket to your arms when its time for that late night feeding.

3. Rock Baby to Sleep

Some Moses basket stands are fixed for extra stability wile some allowing you to rock your baby to sleep. While rocking motions are very soothing for a baby, these stands are not as stable.

4. Save Space

Using a Moses basket and stand is not only convenient but its a great way to save space. It becomes a great alternative to a standard bassinet, cradle or crib that often demand more living space. If you don't have much room to spare this becomes a great option. Remember, it can easily be moved to another room or corner if you find that your space is limited in your current setup.

5. Affordability

Still not sold on the benefits of using a Moses basket with stand? Here is the best news and its the relatively low cost of the the two items combined compared to often pricier bassinets, cradles and cribs. A typical Moses basket will cost anywhere between £40-80. A Moses basket stand cost from £20-30. For both products you are looking at a total cost of £60 - £110.

Many cradles range from upwards of £150 with the majority costing around £2-300. You will usually find that you will need a cradle bedding set to accompany your cradle purchase and that can add another £100 to your bill. Since your eventual cot purchase will be the most costly expense, typically starting at £150+, a Moses basket and stand make for a great low cost option for the first few months.

What bed is best for your newborn?

Planning for your new baby can be a daunting task, especially for new parents. There is so much to do - nursery to decorate, buggy and carseat to chose. Baby clothes and blankets, and of course the most important thing - their bed!

Babies First Bed...

There are many choices for baby beds, from cots & cribs to Moses baskets. Regardless of which you chose there are a few simple rules you should follow, according to Paediatricians and Midwives:-

Always put your baby's feet against the end of their bed, so they can't wriggle under the covers.
Always lay your baby on their back to sleep to avoid SIDS
Never use duvets, cushions or pillows for your newborn, as they are not required.
Always lay your baby flat, and never propped up against towels etc
Paediatricians recommend your baby sleeps in your room for the first 6 months

In the UK, we love Moses baskets, as they are so portable, and cosy for our tiny bundles of joy. It helps them feel safe and secure and are easy to fit into your bedroom, no matter how small it is.

The problems with many 'traditional' Moses baskets are that they are made from maize or palm leaves. This material makes a perfect food source for dust mites and the gaps and crevices a handy place for them to hide. This also means that the basket in almost impossible to clean, after the inevitable 'accident'. And finally, because the basket is made up of woven fibres, they are often very creaky & scratchy which can keep parents and baby awake.

The safer Shnuggle Basket vs Traditional Woven Basket

Shnuggle - The Modern Moses basket is a new kind of Moses basket. It is still portable and lightweight, and extremely cosy for your baby, but it is made quite differently! Instead it is moulded from a special material called HDPE which is extremely strong and durable, is hypoallergenic, easy to clean & sterilise and doesn't creak at all! You can see the range of Shnuggle baskets here

If you chose a traditional Moses basket rather than a Shnuggle, try to buy new (used ones will be weakened and may have mites living in them) and ALWAYS buy a new mattress and new bedding.

Bedding for your Baby

Babies don't need a lot of bedding. You should never use a pillow or duvet in your babies bed. It is recommended to use thin, lightweight blankets made from natural breathable materials like cotton or bamboo. It is best to add layers if your baby is cold, rather than adding too many blankets and risk overheating.

How to swaddle your baby safely

Many parents recommend swaddling as a great way to calm your baby, bringing back the comfort of the womb by making them feel safe and secure. Follow our simple guide above to swaddle correctly and safely.

This is recommended up to around 3 months, after which your baby should be free to move their arms. This is when it is a good idea to start using Baby Sleeping Bags.

Baby Sleeping Bags

There are many sleeping bags available on the market, and the main thing to look out for is the TOG rating. You should select the correct TOG rating for the time of year and the temperature in the babies room. Again, your baby is safer slightly cool rather than too hot. For further details you can read about sleeping bags at the Gro Company

Using sound to help your baby sleep...

When your baby is comfortable in their new bed, they like to be calm and contented. Do not put them near high contrast colours as these can distract them, use soothing neutral colours, and consider a soothing sound to help. Many parents find the fantastic Ewan The Dream Sheep a great accessory to sooth their newborn baby to sleep.

Ewan the Dream Sheep

Go for it!

All we can do is give you a few tips and pointers that we have learned raising our two babies, and the experience we have had talking to our lovely customers about their experience with their Shnuggle Moses baskets, and their babies.

But at the end of the day, every baby is different and has different needs and a different personality. There is no steadfast rule to having a content baby, but remember to listen to what your baby is trying to tell you, and you'll work out a routine in no time. If something is not working - try something else!

Most of all, enjoy your baby as in no time at all, he will be getting out of bed and jumping into yours!

Good luck from Shnuggle xx