Moses Basket History

History of Moses Baskets - (bassinet or bassinette)

Moses baskets sometime go via the name of bassinets or bassinettes.

This history of the Moses basket can of course be traced back to the Bible.
'Where she could hide him no longer, she got a wicker Basket for him and coated it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child into the basket and placed it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile". The child in question in this story from the Bible was, of course Moses.

The story of the Moses basket came from Exodus 2:1-10, where Moses is left in a basket (a Moses Basket) in the reeds and bulrushes along the Nile.

During Biblical times, Moses Baskets were used to hold babies. Moses baskets were made from local natural material such as reeds, sticks, and rushes that were growing nearby, such as bulrushes. The Moses baskets of today are not too far from the Biblical Moses basket in terms of design and shape, even down to the handles on Moses baskets. Although some Moses baskets had lids on them at the time, this is fairly uncommon in Moses baskets today, though some do have sun covers.

Traditionally, Moses baskets would have been carried by hand, sometimes on the shoulder and in some cases even on the head. There are reports of some Moses baskets being carried between poles and the basket being carried by two people.

Moses Baskets Today:

Moses baskets provide a safe, secure, lightweight and comfortable sleeping environment for your little one.

Broadly speaking, the majority of Moses baskets are made from either palm, maize or wicker material. The Wicker Moses baskets tend to be the better quality Moses Baskets as they last longer and a little more sturdy. Almost all Moses baskets come with a mattress, which today typically is made from foam.

Moses baskets can either be used on the floor, or you can buy a separate Moses basket stand to allow baby to be at a more convenient height for you and save your back from straining too much.

Moses Baskets - The Pros

1. Moses baskets are portable
2. Baby may feel more secure in a basket than in a cot
3. Moses baskets are lightweight

Moses Baskets - Cons

1. Typically Moses baskets are only used for a few months

It's worth buying a good quality Moses basket, so check the quality, and also the retailer that they have experience (ideally first hand baby experience!)


See our range of Moses Baskets here

4little1s.com sells a huge variety of Moses baskets from Izziwotnot. If you are looking for 'quality' and well-made Moses baskets pay them a visit at www.4little1s.com. As a mum myself, I am more than happy to offer advice having come through this the other side....




Click here to view our Moses Bedding