Evie Summers
It is common for newborns to resist sleeping in their bassinets, and there are many reasons why this may be the case. Newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sounds they experienced in the womb, and these sensations help them feel safe and settled outside the womb. They may also be experiencing the Moro or 'startle' reflex, which can startle them awake when put down in the bassinet. Additionally, newborns have a low threshold for how long they can stay awake, and if they are overtired, it can be challenging for them to fall asleep. To facilitate sleep, it is important to learn your baby's sleep cues and put them to bed when they are drowsy but still awake, to help them get used to falling asleep independently.
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What You'll Learn
The newborn might be experiencing the startle reflex or jolt awake
The Moro reflex is a hard-wired response in newborns to something unexpected. It is a survival mechanism that helps them thrive in their new environment. However, it can be frustrating for parents when it prevents their newborn from sleeping in their bassinet.
There are a few things you can try to help your baby sleep in their bassinet if you think their startle reflex is the issue. Swaddling your baby nice and tight (but not too tight) can help to prevent them from flailing their arms and legs and make them feel safe and secure, as it mimics the close, cozy quarters of the womb. You can also try to keep your baby close to your body when laying them down, and gently release them only after their back is touching the mattress. This should prevent them from experiencing the falling sensation that can trigger the startle reflex.
Additionally, creating a womb-like environment with white noise and a completely dark room can help your baby feel safe and comfortable in their bassinet. A sound machine that mimics a heartbeat can be especially soothing. Just be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines and avoid loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, or other soft items in the bassinet.
Remember, the startle reflex will begin to disappear as your baby grows and their nervous system matures. By 3 to 6 months old, most babies no longer demonstrate the Moro reflex. In the meantime, with consistency, patience, and a little trial and error, your baby can learn to love their bassinet and get the sleep they need.
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The bassinet might not be in a dimly-lit, quiet room
Babies can experience something called the startle reflex, which is similar to the feeling adults get when they are about to fall asleep and suddenly feel like their body is falling, jolting them awake. This can happen when you transfer your baby from your arms to the bassinet. If your newborn wakes up when put in the bassinet, they may be experiencing this reflex.
To prevent this, you can try swaddling your baby before placing them in the bassinet. Swaddling, along with white noise and a dark room, can help create a womb-like environment that will make your baby feel safe and secure. You can also try using a heating pad or hot water bottle in the bassinet before placing your baby inside. Remember to remove it before laying your baby down. Additionally, make sure to keep the room quiet, as loud noises can also startle your baby and make it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.
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The newborn might be hungry or have a dirty diaper
It is common for newborns to prefer sleeping on their parents' chests instead of in a bassinet. This is because newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sounds they experienced in the womb. These sensations help them feel safe and settled outside the womb.
If your newborn baby won't sleep in their bassinet, one reason could be that they are hungry or have a dirty diaper. Newborns have a very low threshold for how long they can stay awake before quickly becoming overtired. If your baby is hungry or has a wet or dirty diaper, settling down might be difficult. Typically, newborns need to eat every 2-3 hours, and it is recommended that they are kept upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding.
If your baby is well-fed, clean, and in a dim room, then it's time to explore other reasons for their resistance to the bassinet. For example, newborns have a startle reflex called the Moro reflex, which can sometimes startle them awake when you put your sleeping baby down in the bassinet. To avoid this, try swaddling your baby before putting them in the bassinet to create a womb-like environment that will help them feel safe.
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The bassinet might not be comfortable or snug enough
One of the reasons your newborn might not want to sleep in their bassinet is that the bassinet might not be comfortable or snug enough. Newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sound they experienced in the womb, and those sensations help them feel safe and settled outside the womb.
To make the bassinet more comfortable, you can try swaddling your baby. Swaddling your baby nice and tight (but not too tight) can help create a womb-like environment, making your baby feel safe and secure. You can also try using a wearable blanket to keep your newborn warm and cozy.
Another way to make the bassinet more comfortable is by ensuring that the room is not too bright or too loud. A dimly lit, quiet room can help your baby sleep better. Additionally, make sure that your baby is well-fed, has a clean diaper, and is comfortable in their bassinet.
If your baby wakes up when you put them in the bassinet, they may be experiencing the startle reflex, which is common in newborns. To prevent this, try lowering them into the bassinet gently, aiming to place the lower half of their body on the mattress first, and then gently cradling their head.
It's important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. With consistency, patience, and a little trial and error, you can help your newborn feel comfortable and snug in their bassinet.
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The newborn might be overtired
Newborns and babies aged 0 to 6 months have not yet learned to settle by themselves, so it's common for them to be unsettled. They usually need your help to settle and go back to sleep. This is a crucial period for bonding, or attachment, with your baby. It will help your baby develop and help you to understand your baby and their cues. Babies feel safe and loved when you respond to their needs.
It's important to learn your baby's particular sleep cues, such as jerky movements or waving their arms and legs, yawning, crying easily, losing interest, or fussing. Help your baby get used to falling asleep by themselves by putting them in bed when they are drowsy but still haven't quite dozed off. This gives them the chance to fall asleep in their bed rather than in your arms.
If your baby is overtired, their little body releases two hormones: cortisol and adrenaline. This makes it very hard for them to fall asleep, leading to bedtime meltdowns or overly hyperactive behaviour. This can result in a vicious cycle of fighting sleep, taking short naps, and then struggling to sleep overnight.
To break this cycle, it's important to work on gently stretching their wake times (in an age-appropriate way), ensuring they take nice long naps, and getting them caught up on their sleep. You can do this by paying attention to their sleep cues and responding to them promptly. For example, if your baby is from 0 to 3 months old, they might start showing signs of tiredness after 30 minutes of being awake. From 3 to 6 months, they might be tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of being awake.
You can also help your baby sleep by creating a peaceful environment with gentle sounds, soft lighting, calm voices, and maintaining consistency every day.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns are comforted by the constant motion, snugness, and sounds they experienced in the womb, and these sensations help them feel safe and settled. They may also be experiencing the startle reflex, which wakes them up when you put them in the bassinet.
You can recreate a womb-like environment by swaddling your baby, using white noise, and keeping the room dark. You can also try to make sure they are well-fed, have a clean diaper, and are not overtired.
You can try putting them in the bassinet for one nap per day so they get used to sleeping in this environment. You can also try to make sure the room is not too bright or loud, and that your newborn is warm and cozy.
Avoid letting your baby get overtired, as this can cause a hormonal response that makes it harder for them to fall asleep. You should also avoid picking them up as soon as they cry, as they will get used to this and may have difficulty going back to sleep on their own.
