Moses Baskets

1. You'll want to take your baby with you everywhere in the first few months, but you won't want to carry her or set her on the floor. Often parents decide to use the baby's car seat as a portable, make-shift bed, but Moses baskets are much more comfortable for your baby and more attractive.

2. Easily portable Moses baskets are usually made of wicker, maize, or palm, and provide a cozy, secure spot for your newborn to nap. Wicker baskets last the longest, while palm baskets are the most affordable and popular.

3. Many Moses baskets include a protective fabric hood and a complete set of coordinated bedding. However, any quilts or blankets are for decorative use only. Do not use loose, soft blankets in the basket as this can pose a suffocation hazard for your baby.

4. Moses baskets make the first three months of your baby's life more comfortable for both of you. Newborns appreciate the small, safe space and you'll be glad you can move your baby easily without waking him.

5. You should not carry your baby in the Moses basket. If you are moving the basket, carry the baby securely in your arms and carry the empty Moses basket by the handles to your desired location and then place baby back into the basket.

6. Put your baby's Moses basket inside her crib so she can slowly get accustomed to the new, more exposed space before she needs to use it.

7. Frequently check to make sure your baby won't get poked by any loose reeds on your Moses basket. Tightly fitting bumpers or side liners are a good idea for protecting baby's sensitive skin.

8. Once your baby grows out of his Moses basket, repurpose it for a variety of stylish storage tasks. Use it as a baby hamper, toy bin, magazine rack, or fruit basket.