Getting a newborn to sleep in bassinet can be a huge challenge.

June 9, 2022

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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FAQ

Is it normal for a newborn to not sleep in a bassinet?

It's totally normal. If you don't want to cosleep take shifts. whoever has the shifts just hold baby while sleeping and keep trying to place baby down. It's exhausting but if you're consistent they will eventually tolerate bassinet for an hour or two at a time then a little longer.

What to do if a newborn rolls on the side while sleeping?

Since the safest position for babies under 12 months old is on their backs, you can gently reposition them if you see it happen. The good news? If your little one is able to roll both ways (tummy to back and back to tummy), it's generally okay to leave them on their side if they roll that way while sleeping

Is transitioning from bassinet to crib hard?

The transition process can be difficult even when necessary. The baby might take a little while to get familiar with the new sleeping environment. Observe objectively and try not to go into the room every time you hear the baby make a sound.