Miya Pearson
It can be challenging to get a newborn to sleep in a bassinet, as some babies just want to be close to you. However, it is important to remember that the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a bassinet or crib that meets the relevant safety standards, featuring a flat, firm mattress and a fitted sheet with no loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys. To encourage your newborn to sleep in a bassinet, you can try gradually decreasing the amount of time you hold them before placing them in the bassinet, or using the Wake-and-Sleep method to build independence and encourage self-soothing.
How to Encourage Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep surface | Firm, flat, and level surface with a well-fitted waterproof mattress protector and a fitted sheet |
| Safe sleep space | Clear of anything that might stop the baby from breathing easily, including strangulation or <co: 1,6,11,19>suffocation risks |
| Safe sleep position | On their back, with their face and head uncovered |
| Room temperature | Neither too hot nor too cold |
| Bedtime routine | A consistent routine to cue the baby's brain that sleep is coming |
| Wake-and-Sleep method | Encourages self-soothing, a key skill for longer stretches of independent sleep |
| Swaddling | Provides a sense of security and prevents startling |
| SNOO | Recreates the calming rhythms of the womb with gentle rocking and soothing white noise |
| Age | Newborns are more likely to sleep in a bassinet after 3-4 months |
| Weight | Some bassinets have a weight limit of 15 pounds, while most can accommodate up to 20 pounds |
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What You'll Learn
- Safe sleep guidelines recommend a separate sleeping area for babies, with no pillows, blankets, or toys
- Swaddling can help prevent the startle reflex from waking the baby
- A bedtime routine can cue the baby's brain that sleep is coming
- Babies should be put down to sleep on their backs
- Discomfort could be a factor if the bassinet does not offer enough support
Safe sleep guidelines recommend a separate sleeping area for babies, with no pillows, blankets, or toys
Safe sleep guidelines recommend that babies sleep on their back in their own sleep space, such as a bassinet or crib, with a flat, firm mattress and a fitted sheet. There should be no loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, or other soft items in the crib as they pose a risk of suffocation and strangulation. This guideline also applies to co-sleeping; if you choose to co-sleep, the bed should be clear of pillows, blankets, and unfitted sheets on the baby's side.
Babies should be dressed in clothing that is warm but not hot, and they should not wear a beanie or hat, as this can cause them to overheat quickly. The room should be kept at a moderate temperature, and heating or cooling should be directed away from the baby. Additionally, there should be clear space around the baby, with no items within reach that could pose a danger, such as plastic, blind cords, mosquito nets, or electrical cords.
It is important to choose a bassinet with a wide, well-supported base to prevent collapsing or tipping over. Most bassinets can accommodate babies up to 20 pounds, and babies typically reach this weight by the time they are 3 to 4 months old. It is recommended to move your baby to a crib once they reach this weight.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a well-maintained and clean crib or bassinet that meets the latest safety standards, such as the Australian Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024 or the CPSC guidelines. Sleeping anywhere other than a crib, bassinet, playard, or portable crib can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
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Swaddling can help prevent the startle reflex from waking the baby
Swaddling is an effective technique to calm your baby and prepare them for sleep. It can help prevent the Moro (startle) reflex, which is an involuntary response experienced by newborn babies from birth until about four months. The reflex is a baby's natural reaction to their new environment and can be triggered when they feel like they are falling.
Swaddling mimics the feeling of being in the womb, creating a womb-like environment that helps prevent the startle reflex. By keeping the baby's arms tucked in tight against their body, they won't be able to flail their arms out, which can scare them and wake them up. The weight of the swaddle and the feeling of being hugged can also help to relax your baby and prevent the startle reflex.
When placing your baby in their bassinet, it is important to hold them close to your body and lower them down gently. Keep your hands on their body for a few moments before slowly removing them one at a time. This will help your baby settle in and avoid feeling a free-falling sensation, which can trigger the startle reflex.
It is recommended to swaddle babies from birth until the startle reflex disappears. This will help them stay asleep for longer. However, once your baby starts to roll over, usually around 3-4 months, it is important to stop swaddling and allow their arms to be free so they can push up and lift their head.
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A bedtime routine can cue the baby's brain that sleep is coming
Establishing a bedtime routine is a great way to cue your baby's brain that sleep is coming. Even before your baby recognises the routine, the calming effects can be helpful in keeping your baby from becoming overstimulated.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that your baby is truly awake before intervening. Newborns are active sleepers, meaning they move and make noises when they are sleeping. Sometimes, we jump in thinking they're awake when they're actually sleeping.
Secondly, find their sweet spot for sleep. Double-check that those daytime wake windows are age-appropriate, and be mindful of sleepy cues. A baby who isn’t quite ready for sleep or is overtired often struggles to fall asleep and stay asleep. Finding their sweet spot can help make sleeping in the bassinet or crib easier.
Thirdly, be patient and persistent. It is normal for newborns to prefer sleeping in your arms, as this is where they feel the warm, rhythmic movement and constant closeness they were used to in the womb. However, it is not safe to let little ones sleep on you if you are dozing off or not fully awake. You can start by holding them until they're sleepy and calm and then placing them in their crib or bassinet while they're still awake.
Finally, make sure the bassinet is comfortable for your baby. Check the mattress and be sure to double-check your baby’s weight and height against the recommended sizes for the bassinet. If you have a larger baby, it may be time to size up their sleeping area.
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Babies should be put down to sleep on their backs
When encouraging a newborn to sleep in a bassinet, it is important to remember that the safest sleep position for babies is on their backs. This is true for several reasons. Firstly, the reflexes that keep a baby's airways open work better when the baby is on their back. These reflexes include swallowing, stirring, and waking up if their airways become blocked. Secondly, babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to re-breathe air they have just exhaled, which contains less oxygen. Thirdly, sleeping on their back ensures that there is plenty of space around a baby's mouth and nose, so their airways are more likely to stay open.
The "Back to Sleep" campaign, which began in 1994 to encourage parents to place sleeping infants on their backs, has helped significantly reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the United States. SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies between one month and one year old and has been linked to infants sleeping on their stomachs. Research suggests that sleeping on their backs might also make it less likely for babies to choke, as the body's natural reflexes can keep the airway clear.
It is important to note that babies should sleep on a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a well-fitted mattress with a fitted sheet. This can be in a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper, as long as it meets the relevant safety standards and is well-maintained, clean, and free of loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft items.
Additionally, it is recommended to use the Wake-and-Sleep method to build a newborn's independence and encourage self-soothing, a key skill for longer stretches of independent sleep. With consistency and patience, newborns can learn to sleep comfortably in a bassinet.
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Discomfort could be a factor if the bassinet does not offer enough support
To make a baby's bassinet more comfortable, you can use different mattress pads and sheets, and put your baby in a swaddle. Swaddling helps babies feel safe and secure, mimicking the tightness and coziness of the womb. It can also reduce the startle reflex, which is very common in newborns. You can also use a sleep sack, which provides a similar comfort to swaddling without the wrap.
Temperature is another important factor in making sure your baby is comfortable. The ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68° and 72°F. It is important to make sure the baby is dressed appropriately for the temperature, and is not wearing a beanie or hat, as this can cause them to overheat.
If your baby is still struggling to sleep in their bassinet, it could be because they prefer the constant motion, snugness, and sound they experienced in the womb. You can recreate these sensations with a product like SNOO, which rocks the baby gently and plays white noise.
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Frequently asked questions
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, you should ensure that the bassinet has a wide and well-supported base to prevent collapsing or tipping over. Additionally, check the weight and height recommendations for the bassinet and ensure it has a firm, flat, and level surface with a well-fitting mattress and safe bedding. The baby's face and head should remain uncovered, and there should be no pillows, stuffed toys, or loose blankets surrounding them. The room temperature should also be moderate, and the baby should be dressed warmly but not too warmly.
Newborns often prefer sleeping in their caregiver's arms or in a swing due to the constant motion, snugness, and sounds that resemble the womb. Discomfort may also be a factor if the bassinet lacks sufficient support and comfort.
You can gradually decrease the amount of time you hold your newborn before placing them in the bassinet. Start by holding them until they are calm and sleepy, then place them in the bassinet while they are still awake. Additionally, you can swaddle your newborn to provide a sense of security and prevent startling. Establishing a bedtime routine can also help cue your baby's brain that sleep is approaching.
The recommended sleep position for newborns is on their back. This position enhances the reflexes that keep their airways open and reduces the risk of rebreathing exhaled air with lower oxygen levels.
It is important to be patient and persistent as every baby is unique. You can try using the Wake-and-Sleep method to promote self-soothing and independence. Additionally, ensure the bassinet mattress is flat and firm, and there are no loose items in the bed that could increase the risk of SIDS or suffocation.
