Miya Pearson
It is common for newborns to prefer sleeping on their parents' chests or in their arms. This is because they find comfort in the constant motion, snugness, and warmth they experienced in the womb. However, it is important to note that holding your baby for the entire duration of their sleep can be exhausting for the parents and may increase the risk of sleep-related infant death if the parent also falls asleep. If your newborn won't sleep in a bassinet, there are several things you can try, such as swaddling, creating a womb-like environment, observing your baby's sleep cues, and being consistent and patient.
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What You'll Learn
- Swaddling can help newborns settle by mimicking the womb and reducing the startle reflex
- Make sure your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before putting them down
- Put your baby down when they are drowsy but not yet asleep
- Replicate the comforting sensations of the womb with gentle rocking and white noise
- Be patient and observe your baby's behaviour to understand their sleep cues
Swaddling can help newborns settle by mimicking the womb and reducing the startle reflex
Swaddling is the act of wrapping a baby in a lightweight cloth to their shoulders. It has been used in different forms around the world since 4000 BC, and it is believed that it helps recreate the restricted space of the uterus, helping a baby to settle into sleep.
Swaddling can be a useful way to help your baby settle and sleep on their back during the early months. It is thought to calm babies by mimicking the sensations of the womb, such as constant motion, snugness, and sound. Research has shown that swaddling, when used alongside sound and movement, is effective at soothing crying babies and encouraging deeper and longer sleep. It can also reduce the startle reflex, which can sometimes startle newborns awake when they are put down in the bassinet.
To effectively swaddle your newborn, it is important to ensure that the wrap is firm but not too tight. The baby's chest should be able to rise normally during breathing, and their legs should be able to bend at the hips with their knees apart. The wrap should not cover the baby's head or face, as this could obstruct breathing and cause overheating. Additionally, make sure that the baby is placed on their back in the bassinet, as this is the recommended sleep position by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
It is important to note that swaddling should only be introduced when your baby is a newborn, and you should stop swaddling as soon as they show signs of attempting to roll over. There are also potential risks associated with swaddling, such as an increased chance of developing hip dysplasia if the baby's hips are tightly swaddled. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safe sleeping and hip-friendly swaddling guidelines to ensure your baby's safety.
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Make sure your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before putting them down
If your newborn won't sleep in their bassinet, there could be several reasons. One of the most common reasons is that they are hungry or have a dirty diaper. Ensuring your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before putting them down is crucial for a comfortable sleep. Here are some tips to help with this:
Feeding:
- Newborns feed frequently, and it is normal for them to wake up every 1-2 hours for feeding during the first few months. Make sure to feed your baby whenever they show hunger cues, such as increased alertness, rooting for the breast or bottle, sucking on their hands, or crying.
- If your baby is cluster feeding, they may be taking in more milk to increase your milk supply or to comfort themselves. Feeding your baby whenever they show hunger cues is essential, but you can also offer the breast or bottle more frequently during cluster feeding periods to help them feel more satisfied.
- Burp your baby after feeding to prevent them from waking up due to gas.
- If you are breastfeeding, ensure you are drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet to maintain your milk supply.
Diapering:
- Check your baby's diaper frequently and change it as soon as it is wet or soiled. Newborns can urinate and have bowel movements multiple times a day, so regular diaper changes are essential to keep them clean and comfortable.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free diaper cream to protect your baby's delicate skin and prevent diaper rash.
In addition to ensuring your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper, you can also try the following tips to help them sleep in their bassinet:
- Swaddling: Swaddling your baby can help them feel secure and mimic the snugness of the womb. Make sure to use a lightweight, breathable blanket and wrap your baby snugly but not too tightly.
- White noise: Create a womb-like environment with soft, constant white noise, such as a sound machine or a fan. This can help block out external noises and provide a calming atmosphere for your baby to sleep.
- Dark room: Make sure the room is dim or dark, as bright lights can be stimulating and make it difficult for your baby to fall asleep.
- Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. Dress your baby appropriately for the climate, and avoid over bundling, as it can increase the risk of overheating.
Remember, it takes time and patience for your baby to get used to sleeping in a bassinet. You can also try techniques like the pick-up and put-down method, infant massage, or gradually increasing the time they spend in the bassinet to help them adjust to their new sleep space.
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Put your baby down when they are drowsy but not yet asleep
It is common for newborns to prefer sleeping on their parents' chests or in their arms. This is because they find comfort in the constant motion, snugness, and sounds that remind them of the womb. However, this can be exhausting for parents, and it is important to help newborns get used to sleeping independently in a bassinet.
Putting your baby down when they are drowsy but not yet asleep is a good strategy to help them fall asleep independently. This gives them the chance to fall asleep in their bassinet rather than in your arms. It is important to learn your baby's sleep cues, such as jerky movements, yawning, or crying. When your baby fusses about being in their bassinet, you can comfort them by patting them, gently rubbing their tummy, and assuring them that you are there. Give your baby a minute or two to settle, and if they are still upset, pick them up, calm them, and then try again.
You can also try the pick-up and put-down method. This involves putting your baby down, offering comfort with touch and verbal shushing, and then giving them a few minutes to settle. If they become agitated, pick them up, calm them, and then try again. With consistency and patience, your baby can learn to love their bassinet.
It is important to remember that newborns should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Swaddling your baby can also help them feel secure and settled, mimicking the snugness of the womb and reducing the startle reflex that can wake them up. Make sure your baby is well-fed, has a clean diaper, and is dressed appropriately for the temperature of the room.
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Replicate the comforting sensations of the womb with gentle rocking and white noise
Newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sound they experienced in the womb. These sensations help them feel safe and settled outside the womb, too.
White noise refers to sounds that mask other sounds that might occur naturally in an environment. For example, if you live in a city, white noise could help block out noises associated with traffic. White noise machines could also benefit families with multiple children of different ages. White noise can help block out the noises of older siblings to help your baby sleep better.
White noise is meant to be in the background, so as long as it stays there, it is okay for babies from a health perspective. However, white noise machines may exceed recommended noise limits for babies. It is important to be aware of the potential long-term consequences of using white noise. For example, if you have a white noise machine humming 24/7, that could get in the way of your baby learning to self-soothe and fall asleep without help.
Rocking is shown to reduce crying, quicken sleep onset, and improve overall sleep quality in infants. The rocking sensation is thought to have a synchronizing effect on the brain, triggering natural sleep rhythms. Slow rocking can help your baby ease into sleep mode and increase slow oscillations and sleep spindles. Rocking a baby to sleep may seem completely intuitive, but there are a few different methods. Manual techniques include gently swaying your baby in your arms while standing, seated, or in a rocking chair. Using a carrier while lightly rocking or bouncing your baby can also be effective.
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Be patient and observe your baby's behaviour to understand their sleep cues
It is common for newborns to prefer being held for sleep, as they find comfort and warmth in their caregivers' arms. However, holding your baby for their entire sleep duration can be exhausting for the caregiver.
If your newborn won't sleep in their bassinet, it is important to be patient and observe their behaviour to understand their sleep cues. Here are some tips to help you through this process:
Firstly, ensure that your baby's basic needs are met. A hungry baby or one with a wet or dirty diaper may find it challenging to settle down. Observe your baby's sleep cues, such as jerky movements, waving their arms and legs, yawning, crying, losing interest, or fussing. By understanding these cues, you can identify the optimal time to put them down for sleep.
Secondly, create a soothing environment that mimics the womb. Newborns are comforted by constant motion, snugness, and the sound they experienced in the womb. You can recreate this environment by swaddling your baby securely (but not too tightly) and using white noise or a sound machine to mimic womb-like sounds. Ensure that the room is dimly lit and free from excessive noise or distractions.
Thirdly, establish a consistent sleep routine. Try to work on the first nap of the day in the bassinet, as this is usually the easiest nap to get your baby down for. Put them down when they are drowsy but still awake, as this helps them associate the bassinet with falling asleep independently. If they fuss, provide comfort by patting them, gently rubbing their tummy, and assuring them of your presence. Give them a few minutes to settle, and if they are still unsettled, pick them up, calm them down, and then try again.
Finally, be mindful of potential underlying conditions. If your baby is less than eight weeks old, observe for signs of reflux or gas, which may cause discomfort and make them seek extra comfort. Additionally, be cautious of habits that may inadvertently teach your baby to associate sleep with being held. For example, if you consistently hold your baby upright after feeding, they may learn to fall asleep in your arms.
Remember, with consistency and patience, your baby can learn to feel safe and comfortable sleeping in their bassinet.
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Frequently asked questions
It's normal for newborns to feel a bit unsettled when they first start sleeping in a bassinet. They're used to the coziness and constant warmth of your arms. Try to help your baby learn to fall asleep in their bassinet early on. You can feed or cuddle them until they are sleepy but still awake, and then place them in the bassinet to fall asleep.
Try placing them in their bassinet when they are slightly awake so they can get acquainted with the space. You can also try swaddling them to mimic the coziness of the womb, or using a sleep sack to provide a similar comfort without the wrap.
Make their bassinet resemble their prior environment to make it more familiar and comfortable. Consider factors such as temperature, daylight, and sound. For example, use blackout curtains or a nightlight, and find a sound machine that mimics the womb with water noises and muffled heartbeats.
