Getting Your Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet

Getting your baby to sleep in their bassinet (or crib, pack n play, etc) can be a challenge!  They have just spent the past 40 weeks growing inside of you… and now BOOM!  You ask them to lay flat on their back, away from you.  Some babies make this transition well, others need a little (or big) nudge to do so.

But why is it so important for your baby to sleep in the bassinet?

1.      It is the safest place for your baby to sleep.  

To reduce the risk of SIDS, your baby should be placed on their back in their own sleep space.  See more ways to reduce the risk of SIDS here.

2.     It promotes healthy sleep habits.  

Getting your baby to form healthy sleep habits early in life, means that you don’t have to worry about breaking a habit that isn’t working later on!  Sure, rocking your baby to sleep and holding them for naps as a newborn is great.  Really, it is (until you need your arms back).  Rocking your 18 month old to sleep at 2am, then 3am, then 4am… not so great.

My newborn refuses to sleep in a bassinet.  WHY?!

1.      Your baby is overtired, or under-tired

Both of these will make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep.   Follow your baby’s wake times!  This is the amount of time your baby spends awake between naps.  Check out my wake time chart to get a good idea of how long your baby should be awake.  Your baby probably needs more sleep than you think!

2.      You aren’t letting your baby work out 

Are you picking up your baby with every fuss or cry?  Give them some time to work it out on their own.  I’m not asking for hours, just a few minutes (if cries are escalating, feel free to pick up sooner!)

3.      Your baby is seeking comfort from you

Sometimes, your baby just needs you.  If that’s the case, give them what they need!  

Other times, especially if your baby never seems to accept the bassinet and is always fussing, you may want to consider gas, reflux, or a hungry baby.  If you are concerned about gas, reflux, or a supply/feeding issue, consult your baby’s Pediatrician.

For gas, it can be helpful to bicycle your baby’s legs or rub their belly to help them with the process.

For reflux, hold your baby upright for at least 20 minutes after a feeding.

4.      It has become a habit

If you have not been practicing putting your baby in the bassinet for at least some sleeps, it can become a habit for them to fall asleep in your arms, a swing, etc.  This is not a habit that is impossible to break!  Start to practice during the first nap of the day, since this is usually the easiest for your baby to fall asleep

Okay, but what else can I do to help my baby to fall asleep in the bassinet?

1.     If you’re reading this while pregnant, start from day 1!  

Yes, while you’re in the hospital.  This should be fairly easy, since most fresh newborns are extra sleepy. 

2.     Start by attempting to lay your baby down awake in the bassinet for the first nap of the day and bedtime.  

These are usually the easiest times for your baby to fall asleep. 

3.     Have a sleep time routine

This doesn’t need to be complicated.  It can be something as simple as changing a diaper, singing a song, and putting on your baby’s swaddle.

4.      Put your baby in the bassinet while they’re calm

If your baby is uncomfortable prior to being put in the bassinet, they will be uncomfortable while in it, also!  

Swaddle your baby, and make sure they are nice and calm when put in the bassinet.  If your baby is difficult to calm, this may be a good time to employ the 5 S’s.  If they start to cry when you put them in, you can give your baby some pats on the back or small rocks with your hand until they are calm.

5.     Give your baby time

Results won’t happen overnight.  Some days, your baby will seem to be making progress, others they will want to be held all day long… that’s life with a newborn!

Need some help getting your baby to sleep in the bassinet?  Check out my services for newborns and my top 5 newborn tips.