Getting your baby to sleep in a bassinet at night can be challenging. If your newborn won't settle or continues to cry while in their bassinet, you might be feeling frustrated and exhausted. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons why littles resist sleeping in bassinets and provide practical tips to help them get comfortable sleeping in their own space.
Reasons Your Baby Might Not Sleep in a Bassinet
It’s the middle of the night, and instead of sleeping, you find yourself wondering why your baby just won't settle in their bassinet. This is a common challenge parents face, and it often boils down to a few understandable reasons. Let’s dive into why your little one might be resisting their bassinet and explore ways you can help make it a more inviting place for them to sleep.
Why Newborns Might Refuse to Sleep in a Bassinet
Discomfort due to an unfamiliar environment
It's completely normal for newborns to feel a bit unsettled when they first start sleeping in a bassinet. They're used to the coziness and constant warmth of your arms, so this new space can seem daunting. Remember, they were snug inside you for nine months! But don’t worry—with patience and a few tricks, your baby can start to see their bassinet as a safe and comfy space for sleep.
Need for closeness and warmth
Babies love to feel close to you, feeling your warmth and hearing your heartbeat. Initially, a bassinet might not seem as cozy to them. A good tip is to use a bedside bassinet to keep your baby within arm’s reach of your bed. You might also consider tucking in a shirt you've worn close to them so your scent can help soothe them. It's like giving them a little piece of you even when you're not holding them.
Startle reflex disrupting sleep
That sudden flail your baby does sometimes? That’s the startle or Moro reflex, and it's very common. In the open space of a bassinet, your little one might feel uncontained and startle more often. Swaddling can work wonders here, offering them a snug embrace that mimics the tightness they felt in the womb. Try the HALO 3-way swaddle to help find a sleep preference that works for them (both arms in, 1 arm in, or both arms out).
Tips to Help Your Newborn Sleep in the Bassinet
If you're asking yourself what to do if your baby won't sleep in the bassinet, you're likely looking for practical and effective solutions. In the following sections, we offer you tips on how to get your baby to sleep in the bassinet at night, addressing common challenges and ensuring a smoother sleep transition for everyone involved.
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Creating a Safe & Soothing Sleep Environment
Small things can make a big difference when it comes to newborn sleep. Here’s how you can help them feel more comfortable:
- Use a swaddle or sleep sack. Babies often sleep better when they feel secure. Swaddling mimics the coziness of the womb, while a snug sleep sack provides a similar comfort without the wrap. We love these HALO swaddles or aden + anais easy wrap swaddles.
- Maintain a consistent room temperature. To create a sleep-conducive environment, keep the nursery at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 68° and 72°F. Ensure you’ve layered their PJs and swaddle properly to not overheat—for more on layering, read all about SleepSack TOG levels here to find the right weight for your home's temperature.
- Use white noise. A little white noise can go a long way in mimicking the soothing sounds of the womb.
Establishing a Pre-Sleep Routine
Routine is your friend when it comes to bedtime.
- Develop a soothing bedtime routine. Whether it’s a warm bath, some gentle rocking, a soft lullaby, or a quiet story time, find what relaxes your baby and make it a consistent part of bedtime.
- Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime. Keep the hour before bedtime low-key. Avoid active play or loud sounds that might get your baby too excited.
- Ensure a calm and dark environment for sleep. A calm, dark environment with dim lights and minimal noise sets the perfect stage for sleep.
Need some help with a newborn sleep routine? Learn more here.
Tips to Help Your Newborn Sleep in the Bassinet Continued
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Gradual Transition Techniques
If your baby doesn’t like the bassinet and cries whenever you put them there, there are ways to make the transition smoother.
- Start with naps in the bassinet. Let your baby get used to the bassinet during short naps throughout the day.
- Use gradual separation methods. Place the bassinet next to your bed, where your baby can still see and smell you. A bedside bassinet is perfect for this. Then, gradually move it farther away as your baby becomes more accustomed to it.
- Implement the pick-up, put-down technique. When your baby fusses, pick them up to soothe them, then put them down again once they're calm. This reassures your baby that the bassinet is a safe place.
Addressing Crying and Discomfort
Responding appropriately to your baby's needs can help them feel more secure in the bassinet. Here’s how to get your newborn to sleep in the bassinet instead of your arms.
- Respond to your baby's cries promptly. This builds trust and security. Your baby needs to know you're there for them, even if they're not in your arms.
- Check for hunger, discomfort, or other needs. Sometimes, a diaper change, feeding, or simple reassurance is all they need to settle down.
- Provide gentle reassurance and comfort. A gentle pat or soft shushing can sometimes help soothe a baby back to sleep without needing to pick them up.
Swaddle Alternatives and Sleep Aids
If swaddling isn’t an option or your baby doesn’t like it, consider other aids.
- Introduce sleep sacks or wearable blankets. These items offer the warmth and snugness of a swaddle without being wrapped.
- Use pacifiers or comforting objects. Pacifiers can help soothe your baby. Ensure any item in the bassinet meets safe sleep guidelines.
Conclusion
Establishing new sleep habits takes patience and persistence. It’s important to stay consistent with your methods and understand that your baby will need time to adjust to their bassinet. With ongoing support, your baby will learn to associate the bassinet with rest and comfort, paving the way for better sleep for the whole family.
For more detailed guidance on choosing the right bassinet and understanding its safety features, visit HALO Bedside Bassinets. Read about bassinet safety in "Are Bassinets Safe for Newborns?" or explore the differences between bassinets and cribs in "Bassinet vs. Crib: Which is Better for Your Newborn?"