Gina Johnson
Getting a newborn to sleep in a bassinet can be challenging. Newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sound they experienced in the womb, and these sensations help them feel safe and settled. It's common for newborns to prefer sleeping in your arms, as they feel the warmth, rhythmic movement, and constant closeness they are used to. However, it is important to establish healthy sleep habits and routines for your newborn, and there are several strategies you can use to help them sleep in a bassinet.
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What You'll Learn
- Safe sleep guidelines recommend room-sharing, not bed-sharing
- Swaddling and sleep sacks can help newborns feel secure
- Keep the bassinet next to your bed, then gradually move it away
- A bassinet should have a wide, well-supported base and meet safety standards
- Discomfort, overstimulation, and reflux can cause newborns to resist bassinets
Safe sleep guidelines recommend room-sharing, not bed-sharing
Safe sleep guidelines recommend room-sharing without bed-sharing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), bed-sharing is not supported "under any circumstances". The AAP states that the risks of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increase with bed-sharing, especially in babies under four months old. These risks are also present when a baby sleeps on other soft surfaces, such as a couch, armchair, or bean bag chair.
To follow safe sleep practices, it is recommended that babies sleep on their back in their own sleep space, such as a bassinet or crib, with a flat mattress and a fitted sheet. This sleep space should be kept in the parents' room, as room-sharing without bed-sharing lowers a baby's risk of SIDS. The bassinet or crib should have a wide, well-supported base to prevent collapsing or tipping over and should meet the latest CPSC guidelines.
If your baby resists sleeping in a bassinet, you can try using a swaddle or sleep sack to provide comfort and security. Maintaining a consistent room temperature between 68° and 72°F can also help create a sleep-conducive environment. You can also place the bassinet next to your bed, allowing your baby to still see and smell you, and gradually move it farther away as they become accustomed to it.
Remember, establishing new sleep habits takes patience and consistency. With ongoing support, your baby will learn to associate the bassinet with rest and comfort, leading to better sleep for everyone in the family.
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Swaddling and sleep sacks can help newborns feel secure
Swaddling is a traditional practice that involves wrapping a newborn or young infant snugly in a lightweight blanket, usually made of soft materials like muslin, cotton, or merino wool. This practice mimics the comforting feeling of being in the womb, providing warmth, security, and comfort to the baby. It is believed to help prevent the startle reflex, promote better sleep, and reduce stress for newborns.
Swaddling can be done using swaddle blankets or commercial swaddles secured with Velcro. The baby's arms are typically positioned at their sides to help with the Moro reflex, a natural response that causes their arms and legs to jerk and flail. This reflex can make it difficult for the baby to fall asleep and stay asleep, but swaddling can prevent this by keeping their arms and torso snugly wrapped.
Sleep sacks, on the other hand, are wearable blankets or sleeping bags designed for infants and young children. They provide a similar sense of security and comfort as swaddling but without the wrap. Sleep sacks are ideal for babies who dislike being swaddled or tend to move around a lot. They are also a suitable alternative once a child has outgrown swaddling, usually around 8 weeks of age or when they start showing signs of rolling over. It is important to transition from swaddling to a sleep sack before the baby can roll over to prevent the risk of suffocation.
Both swaddling and sleep sacks can help newborns feel secure and comfortable, mimicking the familiar environment of the womb. Swaddling is generally recommended for the early months of a baby's life, up to around 2 to 4 months, while sleep sacks can be used for extended periods as long as they are the right size and provide proper airflow to prevent overheating.
When deciding between swaddling and sleep sacks, it is essential to consider the baby's age, developmental stage, sleep preferences, and the season. For newborns, swaddling is often preferred as it helps them feel snug and secure, reducing the startle reflex and promoting better sleep. As the baby gets older and gains better control of their movements, a transition to a sleep sack can be made, providing continued comfort and security without restricting arm movement.
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Keep the bassinet next to your bed, then gradually move it away
It is completely normal for newborns to feel unsettled when sleeping in a bassinet, as they are used to the warmth and coziness of your arms. However, there are ways to make the transition smoother.
Firstly, it is recommended to start with naps in the bassinet. This allows your baby to get used to the bassinet during short periods throughout the day. Place the bassinet next to your bed, where your baby can still see and smell you. This is known as room-sharing and is very different from bed-sharing, which is not recommended by the AAP. Room-sharing allows your baby to feel close to you and know that you are near, which is important for their development.
You can then gradually move the bassinet farther away as your baby becomes more accustomed to it. This is a gradual separation method that helps your baby feel secure in the bassinet. It is important to be consistent with this method and understand that your baby will need time to adjust. With ongoing support, they will learn to associate the bassinet with rest and comfort, which will lead to better sleep for the whole family.
Additionally, you can implement the pick-up, put-down technique. When your baby fusses, pick them up to soothe them and then put them down again once they are calm. This reassures your baby that the bassinet is a safe place.
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A bassinet should have a wide, well-supported base and meet safety standards
When choosing a bassinet, it's important to consider its safety features. Bassinets have evolved over the years, and safety standards have been put in place to ensure that products entering the market are safe for newborns.
A bassinet should have a wide, well-supported base to prevent it from collapsing or tipping over. Bassinets with wheels or casters are convenient for mobility but may affect stability. Therefore, they should have locking mechanisms to prevent movement when the baby is inside. It is recommended to get the baby out of the bassinet before moving it around. Some bassinets also have anti-tip mechanisms such as anchors to prevent them from tipping over.
Before buying a bassinet, ensure it meets the latest safety standards and has been certified. Certifications to look out for include the ASTM standards, which set the test requirements for the structural integrity and stability of bassinets, and other governmental requirements on product safety and use. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets standards for the testing and material change testing of infant or toddler products, ensuring that they are made from non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials.
Additionally, there are guidelines for bassinet mattresses' firmness, size, and breathability. The mattress should be firm, flat, and fit snugly against the sides to prevent gaps, reducing the risk of suffocation. The mattress thickness should typically range between 1-1.5 inches, and a breathable mattress is recommended, although studies have shown that they do not reduce the risk of suffocation.
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Discomfort, overstimulation, and reflux can cause newborns to resist bassinets
It is common for newborns to resist sleeping in a bassinet, and discomfort is one of the main reasons for this. Newborns are used to the warmth and security of being held in their parents' arms, so the new space of a bassinet can be daunting. To make the transition easier, you can swaddle your baby or use a sleep sack, which provides a sense of security and comfort similar to that of a swaddle but without the wrap. Maintaining a consistent room temperature between 68° and 72°F can also help create a comfortable and sleep-conducive environment for your newborn.
Overstimulation is another factor that can cause newborns to resist sleeping in a bassinet. Babies can easily become overstimulated by their environment, especially in noisy, crowded, or brightly lit places. Too much screen time can also be overwhelming for a newborn's developing brain. If you notice signs of overstimulation, such as irritability, crying, or clinginess, try removing your baby from the stimulating environment and laying them down in a safe and quiet place, like their bassinet. Sit nearby until they calm down, and provide gentle reassurance if needed.
Additionally, reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), can contribute to a newborn's resistance to sleeping in a bassinet. Reflux is a common condition in infants, and it can cause discomfort and disrupt their sleep. If your baby has reflux, it is important to follow safe sleep practices recommended by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Always keep your baby sleeping in their own bassinet, crib, playard, or portable crib, as sleeping in an inclined position or in your bed can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
To help your newborn sleep in a bassinet despite discomfort, overstimulation, or reflux, it is crucial to respond promptly to their cries. This builds trust and security, letting your baby know that you are there for them even when they are not in your arms. Check for hunger, discomfort, or other needs, and provide gentle comfort and reassurance. You can also introduce sleep aids like pacifiers or wearable blankets to help your baby feel more secure and comfortable in their bassinet.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns are used to the warmth and constant motion of being in the womb, so the new space of a bassinet can seem daunting. Discomfort, overstimulation, and the startle reflex can also be reasons why newborns struggle to sleep in bassinets.
Try putting your baby in the bassinet when they are tired but still awake, so they can learn to fall asleep without being rocked or cradled. You can also try swaddling your baby, as this mimics the comfort of the womb.
Start with naps in the bassinet, so your baby can get used to the new sleeping environment. You can also place the bassinet next to your bed, so your baby can still see and smell you, then gradually move it further away.
A bassinet allows you to keep your newborn close by, so you can monitor them throughout the night and easily feed or comfort them. They are also compact, lightweight, and mobile, so you can move them from room to room.
The bassinet should have a wide, well-supported base to prevent collapsing or tipping over. Check your baby's weight and height against the recommended size limits for the bassinet. Always follow safe sleep guidelines, such as placing your baby on their back on a flat mattress without any loose blankets, pillows, or toys.
