How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in a Bassinet

If your baby won’t sleep in a bassinet, you’re not alone. Many newborns prefer the warmth and closeness of a caregiver, but establishing healthy sleep habits early is key.

With patience and consistency, your newborn can learn to sleep safely and soundly in a bassinet or crib. Read on for more tips.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep in a Bassinet

If your infant won’t sleep in a bassinet, you’re not alone. Many parents face the challenge of their newborn refusing to settle in their designated sleep space. However, it’s important to remember that the bassinet itself may not be the reason for your baby’s fussiness at night. Understanding the factors contributing to your baby’s sleep issues can help you develop a plan to improve their sleep habits.

Some common reasons why your newborn baby won’t sleep in their bassinet might include:

• Need for closeness. Newborns have spent months in the womb and are comforted by the warmth and closeness of their parents. So, if your newborn won’t sleep in a bassinet at night, it might be because they prefer sleeping in your arms or a swing due to movement, warmth, and closeness. However, safe sleep guidelines recommend that babies sleep on a flat, firm surface in a bassinet or crib.

• Startle reflex. The Moro reflex can cause sudden jerks that wake newborns up. This makes the bassinet feel less secure compared to your arms.

• Discomfort. A baby who is too hot, too cold, or has a wet diaper may struggle to sleep in their bassinet.

• Reflux or gas. Babies with reflux or digestive discomfort may find it uncomfortable to lie flat.

• Colic. Babies with colic often cry for long periods, usually in the evening, and may struggle to settle in a bassinet due to discomfort or an inability to self-soothe.

• Overstimulation. If a baby is overtired or overstimulated, they may find it harder to settle into a new sleep environment.

• They’ve outgrown their bassinet. Bassinets are typically designed for newborns, with babies often outgrowing them in the first couple of months. By the time your baby is 6 months old, they generally need to transition to a larger crib. So, if your baby won’t sleep in their bassinet, check that they have enough space to stretch out and that they have not exceeded the bassinet’s weight limits (check the product instruction manual).

Keep in mind that newborns typically only sleep in 1 to 3-hour bursts, so it’s normal for them to wake up frequently. Typically, they’ll wake up needing to be fed or have their diaper changed. Check these needs before gently placing them back to sleep in their bassinet. In our section below, we’ll provide tips on how to help get your baby to sleep in a bassinet.

Would you like a personalized sleep plan for your little one? If so, take our free Smart Sleep Coach quiz and discover how quickly you can improve your sleep.

Why Should a Newborn Sleep in a Bassinet?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest place for newborns to sleep is in a bassinet or crib that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Here’s why:

• Safe sleep guidelines. According to the AAP, the safest sleep environment for a newborn is:

  • On a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet

• Without pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals

• In the same room as parents for at least six months, but not in the same bed.

• Reducing the risk of SIDS. The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is lower when newborns sleep in a bassinet or crib rather than on couches, adult beds, or swings.

• Encouraging healthy sleep habits. Using a bassinet or crib from the beginning, along with our sleep tips, helps your baby develop healthy sleep habits and encourages independent sleeping skills.

How Should a Newborn Sleep in a Bassinet?

For the safest sleep, the AAP advises:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

• Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.

• Keep the bassinet free from pillows, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals.

• Ensure the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents but on a separate sleep surface for at least six months.

• Maintain a comfortable room temperature to prevent overheating.

Read our dedicated article for more safe sleep tips for babies.

How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet

Getting your newborn baby to sleep, whether in their bassinet or crib, isn’t always the easiest task. If your baby is resisting sleep, here are some tips on how to help your newborn sleep in their bassinet:

1. Establish a consistent routine. A bedtime routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep. Try:

   • A warm bath

   • Gentle rocking

   • A lullaby or white noise

   • Swaddling (if appropriate for their age).

2. Try a swaddle or sleep sack. Swaddling helps control the startle reflex and can make the bassinet feel cozier. Make sure to stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over, which typically occurs around 4 to 7 months.

3. Create a soothing environment. Create an environment conducive to sleep by dimming the lights, using a soft soothing voice and gentle movements, and ensuring the room is a comfortable temperature. Maintain this environment even when changing their diaper or feeding them during the night.

4. Use a white noise machine. White noise mimics the sounds of the womb and can help soothe a fussy baby.

5. Practice putting your baby down drowsy but awake. Encourage your baby to self-soothe by placing them in the bassinet while they’re drowsy but still awake.

6. Use gentle patting or shushing. If your baby wakes up after being placed in the bassinet, gently pat their tummy or make soothing “shush” sounds to reassure and soothe them.

7. Give them a pacifier. Many babies find the sucking motion soothing. Offering your little one a pacifier can help calm them when it's not time for feeding. However, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier. Remember not to force the pacifier on your baby if they don't want it. If you have questions about when to start a pacifier, ask your baby’s healthcare provider. 

8. Adjust feeding and burping before bedtime. A baby with gas or reflux discomfort may struggle to sleep. Make sure to:

   • Burp your baby well after feedings.

   • Keep them upright for 10-15 minutes before placing them in the bassinet.

9. Be patient and consistent. It takes time for babies to adjust to new sleep habits. Stay consistent, and your baby will eventually get used to sleeping in their bassinet.

10. Use a good-quality diaper. Using a highly absorbent and comfortable diaper, such as Pampers Swaddlers, is essential for keeping your baby dry and minimizing discomfort at night. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Pamper Swaddlers: 

    • Made for newborns, babies, and toddlers

    • Extra soft for sensitive skin

    • 3x Drier* for all night comfort (*vs size 4 leading value brand)

    • Prevents up to 100% of leaks, even blowouts

    • Worry-free for up to 12 hours

    • #1 Brand* for sleep (*based on Nielsen volume sales L52 weeks)

    • Provides superior skin protection against the four main causes of diaper rash

    • The Wetness Indicator shows when your baby is wet and might need a change.

The Bottom Line

Helping your newborn adjust to sleeping in a bassinet takes time, patience, and consistency. By following safe sleep guidelines, creating a soothing bedtime routine, and addressing potential discomforts like reflux or the startle reflex, you can improve your baby’s sleep habits. 

Remember, every baby is different—stay flexible and responsive to their needs while maintaining a safe sleep environment. With time, your baby will adapt and develop healthy, independent sleep patterns.

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