Welcoming a newborn into your family is an exciting and joyous time, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges for new parents is getting their newborn to sleep in a bassinet. Many parents struggle with this, as newborns often prefer to sleep in their parents' arms or in a co-sleeper. However, it is important for both the baby and the parents to establish a safe and comfortable sleep routine in a bassinet. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks for getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet.
What is a Bassinet and What is a Bassinet Used For?
A bassinet is a small, portable bed specifically designed for newborns and young infants. Unlike a full-size crib, a bassinet offers a cozy, womb-like sleeping environment that can help newborns feel more secure during their first months of life. Most bassinets feature a sturdy frame, a firm sleeping surface, and mesh or fabric sides for breathability and visibility.
Bassinets are designed to keep your baby close during those crucial early months while providing a safe, dedicated sleep space. Many parents choose a bedside bassinet that attaches directly to their bed, allowing for easy nighttime feedings and quick check-ins without the safety concerns associated with bed-sharing. The compact size and portability of most baby bassinets also make them ideal for moving from room to room, ensuring your baby can sleep safely nearby whether you're in the bedroom, living room, or home office.
Is a Bassinet Necessary? Do You Need a Bassinet?
One of the most common questions new parents ask is whether a bassinet is truly necessary or if they can skip straight to a crib. While a bassinet isn't strictly required, many pediatricians and sleep experts strongly recommend using one for several compelling reasons.
First, a bassinet's smaller, more confined space can help newborns feel more secure, mimicking the snug environment of the womb. This can lead to better sleep for both baby and parents. Second, having a bassinet in your bedroom makes it much easier to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation to room-share (but not bed-share) for at least the first six months. A portable bassinet or bassinet with wheels offers the flexibility to keep your baby nearby throughout the day and night.
That said, if budget is a concern, you could use a crib from day one, provided it's in your bedroom for those first crucial months. However, many parents find that the convenience and portability of a bassinet makes nighttime care significantly easier during those sleep-deprived early weeks.
Types of Bassinets: Finding the Best Bassinet for Your Family
Not all bassinets are created equal. Understanding the different types can help you choose the best bassinet for your needs and budget.
Bedside Bassinet and Co-Sleeper Bassinet
A bedside bassinet (also called a co-sleeper bassinet) is designed to attach securely to the side of your bed, with one side that lowers or opens to give you easy access to your baby. The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is one of the most popular examples, featuring a unique 360-degree rotation that brings your baby right to you without getting out of bed. This design is ideal for breastfeeding mothers and anyone recovering from a C-section. The best bedside bassinet options offer height adjustment to match various bed heights and sturdy attachment systems for safety.
Portable Bassinet
A portable bassinet is lightweight and often foldable, making it perfect for families who travel frequently or want to move the bassinet between rooms easily. These typically feature carrying handles and may come with a travel bag. If you plan to visit grandparents' houses or travel often, a portable bassinet is an excellent investment.
Smart Bassinet
The modern smart bassinet takes infant sleep technology to the next level. The SNOO bassinet, developed by Dr. Harvey Karp, is the most well-known smart bassinet on the market. It responds to your baby's cries with gentle rocking motions and white noise, gradually increasing soothing levels to help calm fussy babies. While the SNOO bassinet comes with a premium price tag, many parents swear by its ability to extend sleep stretches and soothe babies back to sleep automatically. Other smart bassinets may include features like built-in sound machines, vibration settings, or app connectivity to track sleep patterns.
Bassinet with Wheels
A bassinet with wheels (or casters) offers the convenience of easy mobility without the need to carry the bassinet. This is particularly helpful for parents who want to keep their baby nearby during the day but prefer different sleeping arrangements at night. Look for models with locking wheels for added safety when the bassinet is stationary.
How Long Can a Baby Sleep in a Bassinet? When to Stop Using Bassinet
Understanding how long babies sleep in bassinet setups is crucial for planning and safety. Most babies can use a bassinet from birth until they're around 3-6 months old, though this timeline varies significantly based on your baby's size, development, and the specific bassinet's weight and size limits.
How Long to Use a Bassinet: Key Factors
The question of how long can you use a bassinet depends on several factors:
Weight and Size Limits: Most standard bassinets have a weight limit between 15-20 pounds and a height restriction. Always check your specific bassinet's manufacturer guidelines. Once your baby approaches these limits, it's time to transition to a crib.
Mobility Milestones: When to stop using a bassinet often coincides with your baby's physical development. Once your baby starts showing signs of rolling over, pushing up, or attempting to sit up, the bassinet becomes unsafe. The question "can baby sleep in bassinet if rolling over" has a clear answer: no. Once your baby can roll from back to stomach, they've outgrown the bassinet and need the higher sides and larger space of a crib.
Sleep Duration: How long do babies sleep in bassinets each night? Newborns may sleep 14-17 hours total per day, though this is broken into multiple sleep periods. By 3-4 months, many babies begin sleeping for longer stretches at night, which is often when parents transition to a crib anyway.
Why Does My Baby Hate the Bassinet? Common Reasons and Solutions
If you're asking yourself "why does my baby hate the bassinet," you're not alone. This is one of the most common challenges new parents face. Here are several reasons why your baby might resist the bassinet and what you can do about it:
The Bassinet Feels Too Big and Open
After spending nine months in the snug confines of the womb, the bassinet can feel vast and insecure to your newborn. This is actually one area where a bassinet has an advantage over a crib, as it's smaller and more contained, but some babies still struggle with the transition.
Solution: Ensure you're swaddling properly to recreate that womb-like feeling. Some parents also find success with bassinet inserts designed to make the sleep space feel smaller (though always ensure these meet current safety standards).
Temperature or Comfort Issues
Your baby might be too hot, too cold, or simply uncomfortable. The question of how to make bassinet more comfortable for baby is essential.
Solution: Dress your baby in appropriate layers for the room temperature (ideally 68-72°F). Ensure the mattress is firm as recommended but consider whether your fitted sheet is soft and breathable. Never add extra padding, pillows, or soft bedding to make the bassinet more comfortable, as these increase SIDS risk.
Missing Your Scent and Presence
Newborns have a strong sense of smell and are comforted by their parents' presence. The sudden separation can be distressing.
Solution: As mentioned in the original tips, place a piece of your worn clothing near (but not in) the bassinet. Some parents also find that warming the bassinet sheet with a heating pad before placing the baby down (removing the pad completely before putting baby in) helps prevent the jarring temperature change.
They've Developed a Sleep Association
If your baby has become accustomed to falling asleep while being held, rocked, or fed, they may resist the bassinet simply because it's different from their learned sleep pattern.
Solution: This requires patience and consistency. Practice putting your baby down drowsy but awake, starting with naps when you have more patience and energy. Gradually, your baby will learn to complete the transition to sleep in the bassinet.
How to Put Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet: A Step-by-Step Approach
Successfully learning how to put newborn to sleep in bassinet requires a consistent approach and realistic expectations. Here's a comprehensive method:
Step 1: Create the Right Environment Ensure the room is dark (use blackout curtains if needed), cool (68-72°F), and quiet or filled with consistent white noise. The bassinet should be positioned away from windows, cords, and any hazards.
Step 2: Establish a Pre-Sleep Routine Even from day one, a simple routine signals sleep time. This might include a diaper change, swaddle, brief cuddle, and a few minutes of white noise or gentle rocking.
Step 3: Watch for Sleep Cues Don't wait until your baby is overtired. Look for early sleep cues like yawning, eye rubbing, or decreased activity. The ideal time to start your sleep routine is when you notice these signs.
Step 4: The Transfer Technique If your baby has fallen asleep in your arms, wait until they're in a deeper sleep (usually 5-10 minutes after their eyes close, when their body relaxes and their arms go limp). Lower them slowly into the bassinet, keeping your hands on them for 30-60 seconds before slowly withdrawing your touch. This gradual separation helps prevent the startle reflex from waking them.
Step 5: Respond Consistently If your baby fusses or cries, wait a moment before responding—sometimes babies resettle on their own. If crying continues, use the least stimulating intervention possible: first try gentle pressure on their chest or rhythmic patting, then try picking them up to soothe and trying again.
Why Is It Important for Newborns to Sleep in a Bassinet?
Safety First
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep in a bassinet or crib in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months of their life. This is because it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and allows parents to monitor their baby's breathing and movements while they sleep.
Establishing a Sleep Routine
Newborns need a lot of sleep, typically between 14-17 hours a day. However, they do not have a set sleep schedule and may wake up frequently throughout the night. By getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet, you can establish a sleep routine that will help them learn to self-soothe and sleep for longer stretches at a time.
Promoting Independence
While it may be tempting to let your newborn sleep in your arms or in a co-sleeper, it is important to promote independence and teach them to sleep on their own. This will not only help them develop good sleep habits, but it will also give parents a chance to rest and recharge.
Tips for Getting Your Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet
Start Early
It is recommended to start getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet from day one. This will help them get used to the bassinet and establish a routine early on. If you wait too long, it may be more difficult to transition them to the bassinet.
Use a Firm Mattress and Proper Bedding
Make sure your bassinet has a firm mattress and is free of any loose or soft bedding. This will reduce the risk of suffocation and promote safe sleep. Use a fitted sheet specifically designed for the bassinet and avoid using any pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the bassinet.
Swaddle Your Baby
Newborns are used to being in a tight and cozy environment in the womb, so swaddling can help them feel secure and comfortable in the bassinet. Swaddling also prevents the startle reflex, which can cause newborns to wake up suddenly.
Use White Noise
Newborns are used to hearing the constant sounds of the womb, so using white noise can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in the bassinet. You can use a white noise machine or simply turn on a fan or humidifier in the room.
Try a Pacifier
Pacifiers can be a great tool for getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet. The sucking motion can be soothing for babies and can help them fall asleep. However, make sure to wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a pacifier.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine can help signal to your newborn that it is time to sleep. This can include a bath, a bedtime story, or a lullaby. Keep the routine consistent and try to do it at the same time every night.
Use Your Scent
Newborns are comforted by their parents' scent, so try placing a piece of clothing or a blanket with your scent in the bassinet. This can help your baby feel more secure and comfortable in the bassinet.
Be Patient and Persistent
Getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet may not happen overnight. It takes time and patience to establish a sleep routine and for your baby to get used to sleeping in the bassinet. Be persistent and consistent with your efforts, and eventually, your baby will learn to sleep in the bassinet.
Choosing the Best Bassinets: What to Look For
When shopping for the best bassinets, consider these essential features:
Safety Certifications: Ensure any bassinet meets current CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards and has a sturdy, stable base. Look for JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification.
Breathable Materials: Mesh sides or breathable fabric improve airflow and allow you to easily see your baby.
Adjustable Features: Height adjustment is particularly valuable for bedside bassinets, allowing you to match your bed height precisely.
Portability Needs: Consider whether you need a lightweight portable bassinet for travel or a more substantial bedside model.
Budget: While premium options like the SNOO bassinet offer impressive technology, there are excellent mid-range and budget-friendly bassinets that provide safe, comfortable sleep. Remember, your baby will only use the bassinet for a few months, so factor this into your budget decision.
Special Features: Decide which features matter most to you: rocking capabilities, storage baskets underneath, easy-fold mechanisms for storage, or smart features like automatic soothing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Putting Your Baby to Sleep on Their Stomach
It is important to always put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS. This is the safest sleep position for newborns.
Using Loose or Soft Bedding
As mentioned before, loose or soft bedding can increase the risk of suffocation. Stick to a firm mattress and a fitted sheet designed for the bassinet.
Keeping the Room Too Warm
Newborns are used to being in a warm and cozy environment in the womb, but it is important to keep the room at a comfortable temperature for safe sleep. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
Getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet may seem like a daunting task, but with patience and persistence, it can be achieved. Understanding what a bassinet is, whether you need a bassinet for your family, and how long babies sleep in bassinet setups will help you make informed decisions. Whether you choose a bedside bassinet, portable bassinet, smart bassinet like the SNOO, or a simple bassinet with wheels, the most important factor is safe sleep practices.
By following these tips for how to get newborn to sleep in bassinet and how to put newborn to sleep in bassinet successfully, while avoiding common mistakes, you can establish a safe and comfortable sleep routine for your newborn. If you're struggling with a baby who seems to hate the bassinet, remember that patience and consistency are key. Address comfort issues, create the right sleep environment, and know when to stop using the bassinet based on your baby's development.
Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with your paediatrician if you have any concerns. With time, your baby will learn to sleep in the bassinet and you can enjoy some much-needed rest as well. Every baby is different, so what works for one family might not work for another—don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for your little one.
