12 Clever Ways to Reuse or Upcycle Your Moses Basket

Those first months with your newborn often feel like a dream, every soft sigh, every tiny stretch in their Moses basket bassinet etched deep into memory. 

A Moses basket, for those new to parenting, is a lightweight woven bed designed for newborns. Its portability and snug size make it one of the most cherished first cradles. 

But babies grow quickly, and before long, that little nest of woven comfort is left waiting in a corner, no longer cradling sleepy smiles.

Instead of packing it away, imagine giving your Moses basket a new story. Upcycling turns it from a keepsake into something useful once again, whether as a playful toy bin, a cozy nook for a pet, or a beautiful piece of home storage. 

Here are 12 thoughtful ways to let your basket continue serving your family, while carrying forward the love it once held.

 

1. Turn It Into a Ball Pit for Playtime

Picture your toddler’s laughter echoing as they tumble into a basket filled with colorful balls. The walls hold the chaos in, keeping every shiny sphere from escaping across the room. As parenting blogger shares, “This is by far my favorite repurposing hack!”.

1. Keeps balls from rolling across the house
   

2. Safe, shallow walls for toddlers to climb in and out
   

3. Transforms playtime into a joyful (and tidy!) experience
   
   

It’s proof that this beloved bassinet can continue bringing joy long after bedtime routines fade.

2. Repurpose It as a Laundry Hamper

Imagine your baby’s first bed now holding soft piles of towels or clothes. According to Plum & Sparrow, a repurposed basket makes “an elegant yet practical laundry collector that fits seamlessly into your daily routine”.

1. Lightweight and easy to carry
   

2. More stylish than plastic hampers
   

3. Keeps baby’s first bed in use for years
   
   

This way, your basket continues to serve the family, just in a new role.

3. Create a Charming Toy Storage Chest

As toys multiply overnight, a Moses basket can step in as a chic chest. Imagine plush bears lined up neatly, or wooden blocks waiting to be built into towers. Tara Kelly notes she plans to reuse hers for toy storage once her baby grows older.

1. Perfect for plushies, blocks, or cars
   

2. Low sides make it easy for toddlers to help clean up
   

3. A stylish alternative to plastic bins
   
   

It’s eco-friendly, functional, and attractive enough to leave in any room.

For more inspiration, see our guide to creative ways to use kids’ storage baskets.

4. Set Up a Cozy Toddler Reading Nook

Picture pillows piled inside, a blanket draped over the side, and your toddler curled up with their favorite book. That same Moses basket that once held naps can now hold imagination. It’s recycling infused with love.

 

5. Turn It Into an Adorable Pet Bed

If you share your home with a cat or small dog, you know they adore snug corners. The basket becomes a throne of woven history. As Tara suggests, “A wonderful and sustainable idea to use this for years to come for a small pet that can nestle inside for naps”.

 

6. Build a Safe Baby Play Space

When babies are learning to sit, parents often look for safe, contained spots. Line the Moses basket with a blanket, and the raised sides give gentle support if they wobble.

Tara highlights this as a helpful way for her baby to practice balance. It’s one more milestone the basket can be part of.

If you love the look and versatility of these woven pieces, explore our handmade rattan Moses basket collection. Each one is designed with durability, beauty, and eco-conscious craftsmanship in mind – perfect for new arrivals or second-time parents.

7. Store Blankets, Towels, or Linens

Imagine movie night: you reach for a blanket, and instead of rummaging in a closet, it’s beautifully rolled in the Moses basket by the couch. According to Plum & Sparrow, baskets are perfect for holding “extra blankets and pillows”.

1. Ideal for living rooms or bathrooms
   

2. Adds spa-like charm to everyday storage
   

3. Keeps essentials accessible yet stylish
   

 

8. Create a Changing Station or Diaper Caddy

Diapers, wipes, and creams tucked neatly into a Moses basket transform it into a discreet changing station. Practicality wrapped in woven charm keeps baby care feeling calm and organized.

 

9. Turn It Into a Green Thumb Planter

The basket that once nurtured your child can now nurture greenery. Line it to protect the weave, and add ferns or succulents. According to Sadie Seasongoods, wicker baskets make “fantastic dish gardens”.

Related: See our 15 boho nursery ideas for inspiration.

 

10. Use as a Photo Prop or Keepsake Box

A Moses basket doesn’t have to disappear from family photos. It can be a backdrop for milestone shoots, or later a keepsake box for the baby's first outfit and favorite toy. It’s a memory capsule as much as a storage piece.

 

11. Transform It Into Seasonal Home Décor

With pinecones in autumn, ornaments in winter, or flowers in spring, the Moses basket can become your rotating seasonal centerpiece. According to Plum & Sparrow, baskets are versatile “decorative elements”.

 

12. Pass It On: Responsible Resale or Donation

If your home is full, passing the basket on is the most meaningful act. According to Happiest Baby, the secondhand gear market is “booming” as parents embrace eco-friendly choices.

Before parting with it:

1. Clean and sanitize thoroughly
   

2. Check for wear and safety
   

3. Share honest details in resale listings
   

4. Consider donating to charities or family groups
   
   

By rehoming, you’re sharing both practicality and love.

Why Upcycling Beats Buying New

It’s tempting to buy new baskets, but upcycling preserves memories and saves resources. According to the World Wildlife Fund, rattan, often used in Moses baskets, is a renewable material harvested without cutting trees. Reusing reduces waste and models sustainability for your children.

Explore Momiji’s Timeless Rattan Collection

Explore our exquisite collection of handmade rattan Moses baskets and nursery treasures, crafted for style, durability, and every occasion. From the timeless charm of a kids rattan suitcase to stylish adult travel pieces and adorable children’s luggys, each design is made with care and attention to detail.

Conclusion

There you have it, twelve heartfelt ways to give your Moses basket a second life. Instead of gathering dust, it can become a ball pit of giggles, a cozy nook, a planter, or a keepsake box. 

Just as it once cradled your baby like an angel on clouds, it can now cradle new memories and new purposes. 

Upcycling isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about honoring the love woven into every strand. By reimagining your Moses basket bassinet, you preserve its story while writing new chapters of your own.

Ready to start your next chapter? Shop at Momiji now!

FAQ

Q: What are Moses baskets?
A: A Moses basket is a small, lightweight woven bassinet designed for newborns. Traditionally made from natural materials such as rattan or palm, it provides a snug, breathable, and portable space for babies in their earliest months.

Q: Are Moses baskets safe for newborns?
A: Yes, when used correctly. Modern Moses baskets are typically made from natural, non-toxic, and chemical-free materials like rattan, making them safe and eco-friendly for babies.

For safe sleep, the NHS recommends always placing your baby on their back, using a firm mattress, and avoiding loose bedding. Always place the basket on a firm, flat surface, and never carry your baby inside it. Moses baskets are generally suitable for newborns up to around 2–3 months, or until your baby can push up or roll over.

Q: How do I care for a Moses basket?
A: Dust it regularly and keep it away from direct sunlight and damp areas to preserve its natural fibers. For deeper care, check out our guide on how to maintain rattan furniture.