How Do You Get A Newborn To Sleep In A Bassinet?

Forbes

03-06-2025

Getting my babies to actually sleep in their bassinets was one of the most unexpectedly frustrating things I faced as a new parent. Babies sleep a lot, but they can take some convincing to sleep anywhere but on top of you. Though it can be difficult, it is possible to get a newborn to sleep in their bassinet, and we gathered some tips from a certified sleep consultant and a pediatrician to help all you bleary-eyed caregivers.
Getting a baby to sleep in their bassinet often requires plenty of patience and practice.
Many of the things that make sleep safe for babies can also make it difficult. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), parents are encouraged to place their baby flat on their back in a bassinet or crib with a firm crib mattress, including by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Extra items like blankets, pillows and stuffed animals can pose a suffocation and strangulation hazard, so babies should sleep in their bassinets alone using a swaddle, sleep sack or pacifier without any extra comfort items like stuffies and loose blankets. This also means lying in a bassinet probably won't feel as cozy as being nestled against their parent's chest.
'Think about it: in the womb, they are constantly being held and cradled, gently moving with their mother,' says Rachael Shepard-Ohta, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. 'It's one of the most primal and basic instincts for infants to want to stay close to their caregiver. It's literally hardwired for them to attach to us immediately for their own survival. When you think about it this way, sleeping on a separate surface seems pretty unnatural.'
Here are some reasons your baby might be struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep in their bassinet.
'I often validate my patient families' concerns that following these safe sleep recommendations seems to make it harder to sleep,' says Dr. Christopher Culler, associate chief of pediatrics at Nemours Children's Health. 'It is true that it is often easier for a baby to sleep on their stomach than on their back,' he says—but that doesn't make it safe.
Other factors can make your baby feel uncomfortable, too, including a dirty diaper, hunger and temperature. Babies lose heat more quickly than adults, so they might be cold even if you're comfortable. On the flip side, sometimes parents overcompensate and dress their baby too warmly for sleep. (Discover more tips on how to dress your baby for sleep.)
If you've had the distinct displeasure of having heartburn while you were pregnant with your baby (or if you've ever experienced heartburn at all), you know how uncomfortable and downright painful it can be. For a baby who is experiencing everything for the first time, feeling stomach acid creep up and burn their chest while they're lying down can not only be painful but scary, too. They don't know what is happening; all they know is they are in pain and away from you.
Babies are used to being warm, close to you and hearing your heartbeat at all times. When they're suddenly thrust into the world and expected to sleep alone, this can be difficult. 'A common myth I hear about a baby's seeming unwillingness to sleep in their bassinets is that they are trying to 'manipulate' their caregivers into holding them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Infants aren't capable of manipulation, they simply have needs,' says Shepard-Ohta.
Most babies want nothing more than to be snuggled up to you, so it's natural that they might protest sleeping in their bassinet.
That super cute reflex that causes your baby's arms to fly out to the sides can also make it more difficult for them to sleep in their bassinet. This can be triggered by loud sounds or by sudden motion changes, like when you lower them into their bassinet.
Though getting your baby to sleep in their bassinet can feel next to impossible, there are a lot of strategies that can help. As a mom of 3-year-old twins, there were times in the early days when I felt like I would never sleep again. However, many of these tips helped me as I learned how to support my babies so that they—and I—could get some quality rest.
Shepard-Ohta recommends trying low-pressure practice. 'This means offering the nap in the bassinet, but not forcing it or getting too attached to it. Think of each nap as an opportunity for practice. If they sleep for five minutes in the bassinet, great! Maybe they'll go for longer tomorrow,' she says.
Sleepy cues are signs that your baby gives you to tell you they're tired. These can include yawning, rubbing their eyes and staring into space. Some parents even notice their baby's eyebrows get red when they're sleepy. 'If you catch the timing just right, your baby will resist a little less. We want that zone where they're sleepy but not overly tired and fussy,' says Shepard-Ohta. 'When they get to this point, you can offer a feeding, rock to sleep and transfer them down or try placing them down in their bassinet before they are fully asleep. Don't be discouraged if they don't fall asleep on their own, though, that's normal.'
Your baby loves nothing more than you, and one way to make them feel more safe and comfortable in their bassinet is to make it smell like you. Shepard-Ohta recommends sleeping with their bassinet sheet or their swaddle for a few nights so these items smell like you.
Because a swaddle gently secures your baby's arms, it can help prevent the startle reflex from waking them up. It also feels cozy and secure. Just be sure to stop swaddling once they show signs that they're going to roll over.
As an adult, there are probably things you do before bed that signal to your brain that it's almost time to sleep, whether that's brushing your teeth or doing your skincare routine. Routines are key for babies, too, letting them know that it's time to wind down for sleep. For a baby, this might include reading a baby book or singing a lullaby while rocking them or stroking their head.
It can be hard for babies to sleep when their environment isn't conducive to sleep. Though many newborns can sleep through almost anything, setting up a calming environment from the start can be helpful. Consider playing white noise, dimming the lights and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. When possible, it can also be helpful to keep the room free from distractions like pets, other kids and noises from other areas of the house.
If your baby is already sleeping or close to being asleep when you set them in their bassinet, sudden movements can trigger their startle reflex. Before setting your baby down, try holding them upright for at least 15 minutes if they have recently eaten. This can help prevent them from spitting up once you set them down.
When it's time to put your baby down, Shepard-Ohta recommends lowering them down at an angle with their butt first before lowering their back and head. You can also try keeping your hand on their chest for a few minutes after you set them down.
If your baby wakes up when you try to set them down or after they've already been asleep for a bit, you might be able to soothe them back to sleep by picking them back up and rocking them or placing your hand on their chest.
Though it's very common for babies to struggle to sleep in their bassinet, sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that is making sleep more difficult. 'Ruling out potential red flags like feeding issues, reflux or fussiness can also be helpful to make sure your baby isn't actually uncomfortable or in pain when they are lying flat in their bassinet,' says Shepard-Ohta.
Sometimes, babies have trouble sleeping when they're sick or have an ear infection, too. For most babies, struggling to sleep alone in the bassinet is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are worried that your baby might have more going on, check in with their pediatrician.
The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is comprised of parents who have decades of experience writing and editing parenting content. In addition to testing and reviewing products like the best travel cribs, we also provide education to parents, like whether you should buy a bassinet or a crib.
Why Won't My Newborn Sleep In Their Bassinet?
Common reasons that newborns struggle to sleep in bassinets include discomfort, desire for closeness, their startle reflex and acid reflux. Safe sleep practices can make it difficult for some newborns to sleep, too. These include placing your baby to sleep on their back in a bare bassinet. When they're used to constant motion and closeness, this transition can be difficult.
What To Do If A Newborn Only Sleeps When Held?
To help a newborn who only sleeps when held, try practicing just one nap per day in their bassinet. Even a short nap is a win. You can also try sleeping with their sheets to make them smell like you, establishing a consistent sleep routine and swaddling your baby.
How Can I Get My Baby To Sleep In Their Bassinet Without A Swaddle?
To transition away from the swaddle, which is important to do once they're showing signs of rolling, you can try making the change gradually. Start swaddling them with one arm out for a few nights and then both arms out. You can also try using a sleep sack instead of a swaddle, which is still warm and cozy but doesn't restrict their arms.