Wondering how to get a newborn to sleep in a bassinet? Transitioning your baby from the bed to a bassinet can take a bit of patience, but with a few gentle steps, it’s absolutely possible. While babies are too young for strict schedules, incorporating consistent sleep cues can help your little one ease into a routine. Try putting your baby down for naps and bedtime at the same time each day, typically after feeding and changing, to signal that it’s time to rest. To encourage independence, you can gradually move the bassinet farther from your bed over time. Once they’re used to sleeping in the bassinet at a slight distance, the transition to their own room will feel less daunting. Remember, a little crying is normal—just stay consistent, and your baby will adapt."
When should I start using a swaddle?
Swaddling is great for newborns and works especially well at helping them sleep longer and better. Use the best baby receiving blanket. As your baby gets older, though, he will eventually grow out of swaddling. When that happens, you’ll need to transition him to a new sleeping solution. Ideally, your little one would be able to transition from his bassinet into his crib before he starts breaking free from swaddling—but that isn’t always possible. If your baby has already moved past his swaddle-weaning phase, then simply follow these steps below
- Lay your baby down on his back in his bassinet or crib with a pacifier or bottle (depending on how old they are). Lay a blanket over them so it covers most of their body but doesn’t obstruct their face. This step helps make sure your baby feels secure and comfortable as he transitions to a new sleeping space. It also keeps them warm during what could be an otherwise uncomfortable process.
- Rock your baby gently until they fall asleep.
- Once they're asleep, remove all blankets and other coverings except for a thin receiving blanket or light cotton sheet if needed.
- Place your hand on top of their head and very slowly move it toward their feet while making sure not to wake them up in any way.
- Keep moving until you feel resistance; then stop moving but keep holding onto your child's head
- Slowly slide your hand off their head, being careful not to jostle them awake
- Repeat steps 4 through 6 until your baby moves closer to where you started
- Eventually, they'll find themselves in a position where they can lay flat without waking up
- You can now lay them down flat on their back and let go
- Make sure they stay asleep by turning off any lights around them and leaving only night lights turned on
- Leave quietly
- Return after 20 minutes to check on them
- If they're still asleep, leave again
- If they're awake, repeat steps 12 through 14 until they finally fall asleep
- Check on them every hour to ensure that nothing went wrong
- Once your baby wakes up, pick them up and rock them again
- Continue repeating steps 4 through 16 until bedtime
- Once bedtime rolls around, place your baby in their crib
- Follow these same procedures when you put your child down for naps throughout the day
- After a few days of following these procedures consistently, your baby should have no problem falling asleep in his bassinet or crib .
- If they do have trouble falling asleep, try rocking them or feeding them until they doze off
- Don't give up! Babies often take time to adjust to new things
- Be patient
- Good luck!
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