How to Get Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet

Learn how developing a consistent routine, keeping your newborn comfortable, and swaddling gets them to sleep in their bassinet

It’s that time of day again to put your snuggly newborn down to bed in their bassinet. However, as soon as you lay them down they start to fuss…and you’re back to cuddling them to sleep. Don’t worry, it’s normal for your newborn to have difficulty sleeping in their bassinet. The truth is, they’re probably used to slumbering in your cozy arms, so it might take some extra effort to get them used to their bassinet. In general, the best things you can do are helping them fall asleep easier and associate their bassinet with sleep. In this article, we’ll give you some simple tips on how to do just that. We’ll also tell you why your newborn might not like sleeping in their bassinet and cover the safety considerations to take when putting your sweet newborn down to sleep.

This article is based on an interview with our birth abd postpartum doula; childbirth, and lactation educator, Deanna Dawson-Jesus, owner of Birthing Babies - A Celebration of Life.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• To get your newborn to sleep in their bassinet, develop a consistent bedtime routine, put them down when they’re drowsy, and swaddle them.
• When putting your newborn in their bassinet, always lay them on their back and remove any blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys.
• Your baby might have trouble sleeping in their bassinet because they’re used to sleeping in your arms or their startle reflex is waking them up.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting Your Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet

1. Make sure your baby is fed, changed, and in comfy clothes. Before setting your newborn down in their bassinet, ensure that they’re properly fed and give them a fresh diaper change. Then put them in a cozy, breathable outfit that matches the temperature of your room.^[1]
   
   • Babies sleep best in a room that’s kept at around 68 to 72° F (20-22° C).
   • Be careful not to overheat your baby. In general, newborns only need 1 more layer than you do to feel comfortable. If your newborn appears to be sweating or look flushed, remove a layer of clothing.^[2]
2. Make sure the bassinet is comfortable. Like you, your newborn needs their bed and environment to be cozy and comfortable to sleep well. Newborns sleep best on a firm mattress covered in a soft, fitted sheet that fits snugly in their bassinet.^[3]
   
   • Be sure to remove any blankets, pillows, and toys from the bassinet so that your baby stays safe as they sleep, too.
3. Swaddle your newborn. Newborns have a startle reflex, called the Moro reflex, that can wake them up and make it hard to settle back down. Swaddling your baby soothes them, which can help prevent their startle reflex from kicking in. It is also super comforting for your baby, because being all snug reminds them of being in the womb.^[4]
   
   • When you swaddle your newborn, the top of the blanket should just meet their shoulders, with no portion of the blanket covering their face.^[5]
   • Don’t make your swaddle so tight that your baby can’t wiggle their hips or legs. You should be able to fit 2 to 3 fingers between their chest and the swaddle.^[6]
   • If you notice your baby trying to roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling them; it can be harmful for your baby to be on their stomach while swaddled. Babies typically start rolling over around 3 to 4 months old, but some start earlier.
4. Set a bedtime routine. Establishing a bedtime routine is one of the simplest ways to get your newborn to sleep. A consistent routine tells your baby that it's time to get ready for sleep and prepares them for being set down in their bassinet.^[7]
   
   • There’s no right bedtime routine, just whatever works for you and your baby! You might give them a bath, feed and cuddle them, then sing a lullaby.
   • Give your newborn a massage to help relax them for sleep and strengthen your bond. Simply lather your hands with olive or avocado oil and gently rub their tummy, back, arms, legs, and neck in circular motions.^[8]
5. Put your newborn down when they’re drowsy. It’s best to put your newborn in their bassinet when they’re still awake, but on the verge of going to sleep. This will help your newborn get used to sleeping on their own and make the association that their bassinet is their place to rest.^[9]
   
   • To help your baby get drowsy enough for sleep, gently rock them and sing them a soothing lullaby.
   • It’s completely normal for your baby to fuss or cry when you set them down. Wait a few minutes to see if they settle down. If they don’t, check if there is something making them uncomfortable.^[10]
6. Avoid overstimulating your newborn. Because babies are constantly taking in new information, they need a calm, quiet environment to sleep in. Limit playtime and lively music or TV shows before bedtime. Then dim or completely turn off the lights in your room when you put them in their bassinet.^[11]
   
   • When your baby wakes up for a feeding session or diaper change, keep your room as dark and quiet as possible. Newborns don’t have a great sense of night and day, so you want to teach them that darkness means sleep time.^[12]
   • A white noise machine can also help soothe and relax your baby to sleep. Your baby is used to constant noise from when they were in the womb, so they will likely find the white noise comforting.
7. Make sure your newborn is napping during the day. Newborns need a lot of sleep, about 16 hours each day! It’s understandable if you’re tempted to keep your baby up during the day so they sleep more at night, but that often has the opposite effect. When a baby gets overtired, they are likely to be fussy and have trouble falling asleep, even though they desperately need it.^[13]
   
   • Most newborns need to sleep after being awake for 1 to 2 hours. Make sure you aren’t keeping them up much longer than that to prevent overtiredness.
   • Watch for subtle cues that your newborn is sleepy. They might get really quiet, yawn, or rub their eyes to show you that they can use a nap.^[14]
   • It’s a great idea to get your newborn used to their bassinet by putting them down to nap in it throughout the day.^[15]

[Edit]Safety Considerations

1. Always lay your baby down on their back. This is the safest position for your baby to sleep in that is known to reduce the likelihood of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Whether they’re just going down for a short nap or sleeping for a longer period of time, put your baby on their back to rest.^[16]
   
   • Do not let your newborn sleep in sleep positioners, inclined sleep products, strollers, or car seats. These products keep them in a more upright position, which can limit their ability to breathe well.^[17]
   • When your baby is able to roll onto their stomach and back onto their back, you don’t need to put them back on their back.
2. Remove blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys from your bassinet. Your baby only needs the clothes on their back and a firm mattress to sleep well. Objects in their bassinet can not only distract them from sleep, but pose a suffocation hazard.^[18]
   
   • If you’re worried about keeping your baby warm as they sleep, simply add more clothing layers. Swaddles, sleep sacks, and blankets are all great options.
3. Keep the bassinet in your room. It’s important for your newborn’s bassinet to be close to your bed so that you can monitor them as they sleep. This also makes it easier for you to get some shut eye when they settle down and feed and rock them back to sleep when they wake up.^[19]
   
   • There’s nothing better than sleepy newborn snuggles, but they shouldn’t be sleeping with you in your bed. Bed-sharing can put your baby at a higher risk for SIDS and suffocation.

[Edit]Why won’t my newborn sleep in their bassinet?

1. They’re used to sleeping in your arms. Your baby has likely come to associate comfort, relaxation, and security with being rocked and soothed in your arms. So, when you put them down to sleep in their completely still bassinet, they’re not feeling the same comforts they’re used to.^[20]
   
   • It’s completely normal for your newborn to only want to sleep when they’re held. It’s also totally normal that you don’t want to put them down! Your baby isn’t a newborn forever and you’re allowed to soak in their cuddles and snuggles.
2. They’re startling awake. Your baby’s startle, or Moro, reflex is one of the most common reasons why they won’t sleep in their bassinet. Because newborns feel safe when being held, they might involuntarily startle awake when they realize that they’re in their bassinet, not your arms.^[21]
   
   • Most babies lose their startle reflex once they’re about 2 months old.^[22]
3. They’re hungry, gassy, or need a diaper change. If your newborn is in any way uncomfortable, they’ll have trouble sleeping just about anywhere. Before you set your baby down to sleep, make sure they’re well-fed and properly burped.^[23]
   
   • It’s also possible that their swaddle, diaper, or clothes are irritating their skin. Check for signs of irritation like red marks or rash.
4. They’re overstimulated or overtired. If there’s too much noise and light around, your baby will definitely have trouble falling asleep. Just talking to and tickling your baby can get them excited and prevent them from sleeping. Likewise, not getting enough sleep throughout the day can cause your baby to get overtired and refuse sleep.^[24]
   
5. They’re sick. Most of the time, your baby isn’t sleeping in their bassinet because of the other reasons mentioned. However, it is possible that an ear infection, fever, or rash is keeping your newborn up.^[25]
   
   • A runny or stuffy nose, being overly warm, and coughing are all common signs that your baby is sick and should be taken to your pediatrician.

[Edit]Why are bassinets important?

1. Bassinets are safer for your newborn and help them sleep on their own. Most experts recommend that your baby have their own space to sleep that is flat and firm.^[26] This helps reduce the risk of SIDS and teaches your baby that this is their place to sleep. Sleeping in a bassinet helps them develop the independence and self-soothing habits that they’ll take to toddlerhood and beyond.^[27]
   

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.sleeperteachers.com/blogs/baby-wont-sleep-in-bassinet
2. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
3. ↑ https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/tips-for-keeping-infants-safe-during-sleep-from-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics
4. ↑ [v161504_b01]. 31 July 2020.
5. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
6. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx
7. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/baby-bedtime-routine/
8. ↑ [v161504_b01]. 31 July 2020.
9. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/baby-wont-sleep-in-crib/
10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/baby-naps/art-20047421
11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/baby-naps/art-20047421
12. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleepnewborn.html
13. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleepnewborn.html
14. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/baby-bedtime-routine/
15. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/sleep/baby-wont-sleep-in-crib/ etc
16. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/index.html
17. ↑ https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/tips-for-keeping-infants-safe-during-sleep-from-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics
18. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/index.html
19. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/index.html
20. ↑ https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-will-only-sleep-in-my-arms
21. ↑ [v161504_b01]. 31 July 2020.
22. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Newborn-Reflexes.aspx
23. ↑ https://fullheartmommy.com/my-newborn-hates-the-bassinet-now-what/
24. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleepnewborn.html
25. ↑ https://parentingscience.com/baby-sleep-problems/
26. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep/index.html
27. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-sleep-problems.aspx