Key Difference – Bassinet vs Moses Basket
There are many things that new parents who are expecting the arrival of a child needs to prepare for. One of the main things they consider is where the baby will sleep. Bassinets and Moses baskets are two such sleeping places that are specially designed for infants. Babies can be put to sleep in bassinets and Moses baskets until they are a few months old. The key difference between bassinet and Moses basket is their portability; Moses baskets are lighter and more portable than bassinets. However, once the child can roll on his own, he or she should be transferred to a cot.
What is a Bassinet?
A bassinet is a small bed that is specially designed for infants. It is also known as bassinette or cradle. Bassinets are basket-like structures that stand on free-standing legs; some bassinets have small wheels, which make them portable. When compared to Moses baskets, bassinets are set up more like cribs since they stand on legs and are a bit difficult to move.
Bassinets are typically used to keep infants from the time they are born until they are about four months. After three or four months, when babies start to roll by themselves, they are usually transferred to cots.
There are different types of bassinets; some are portable and light whereas others are less portable but sturdy.
What is a Moses Basket?
Moses baskets are designed for newborn babies to sleep in for the first few months. They are cozy and safe confined space for babies. The name Moses basket comes from the story of the baby Moses who was found floating along the Nile in a basket from the Old Testament of the Bible. Moses baskets are usually used until the baby is about three or four months, depending on the weight, and mobility of the child. Once the child starts to move by himself, he should be transferred to a cot or cot bed. So a Moses basket has a very short lifetime.
Some parents directly buy a cot instead of a Moses basket even during the first few months. But some parents prefer Moses baskets for their newborn babies since the baby looks very small and lost in a cot.
The main advantage of Moses baskets is its handle; this feature enables the parents to move the basket around. But one should always make sure that the handle is strong and can carry weight before buying a Moses basket. They are usually sold with mattresses and beddings. Some parents buy separate stands so that the basket can be easily placed next to the bed. Rocking stands are also available for Moses baskets.
What is the difference between Bassinet and Moses Basket?
Portability:
Bassinet: Bassinets are less portable than Moses baskets.
Moses Basket: Moses baskets are portable since they can be carried everywhere.
Stands:
Bassinet: Bassinets have fixed stands or legs.
Moses Basket: Moses baskets don’t have stands.
Features that enable portability:
Bassinet: Bassinets with casters can be moved, but others are more difficult to move.
Moses Basket: Moses baskets have handles which enable people to carry the baby.
Price:
Bassinet: Bassinets are usually more expensive than Moses baskets.
Moses Basket: Moses baskets are less expensive than Bassinets.
Image Courtesy:
“Bassinet” by Ert (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“Moses Basket” by Wicker Paradise (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr