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Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
How Do You Get A Newborn To Sleep In A Bassinet?
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.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Bassinet Vs. Crib: Which Is Best For A Baby?
Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. They provide a firm, flat surface for the essential sleep your baby needs, which is about 16 or 17 hours per day for the average newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While bassinets are designed specifically for newborns and young infants, cribs can be used for newborns, older babies and even toddlers. As long as your baby is small enough to safely sleep in a bassinet, determining which is best is a matter of preference, budget and space. 'Bassinets are a smaller sleep space designed specifically for newborns,' says Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann. They're often designed to be in the parent's or caregivers' bedroom, and they can also be found on travel cribs, pack and plays and strollers. Most bassinets are only safe for babies until around 6 months. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, though you can purchase a smaller mini crib as well. Because they're bigger and the mattress can be lowered, cribs can be used for years, while most babies outgrow even the best bassinets within a few months. To help you determine which is best for you, here are some pros and cons of each. Pros Cons Pros Cons Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. However, bassinets can become an unsafe space more quickly than cribs. Many babies outgrow bassinets around four to six months, often when they reach 15 to 20 pounds or when they are able to roll over, at which point the surface becomes unsafe. When it comes to cribs, safety and use can be extended by simply lowering the mattress once your baby starts to roll or pull up. Many cribs have three mattress height settings. 'The thing to remember with both bassinets and cribs is always check the safety specifications that are on the product that you buy because there may be a little variability. Those specifications will give you the weight and length limits for mattresses,' says Taylor-Cox. It's important to make sure you use the right crib mattress size for your crib, too, since cribs and mattresses are usually sold separately. When choosing a bassinet, be sure to choose one that provides your baby with their own sleep space. 'The bassinet should be self-contained, not a co-sleeping item or bed extender,' says Culler. Although it can be tempting to sleep with your baby, it's not considered a safe practice. 'You can lay down with your baby, you can do all that wonderful stuff, but do not fall asleep with your baby in your bed or next to you. Unfortunantely, there's always the risk of a very tired parent rolling onto their baby,' says Taylor-Cox. Regardless of which you choose, use a tightly fitted sheet, and don't put anything else in their sleep space—no blankets, pillows, stuffies or bumpers. When you set your baby down, always put them on their back. These are all ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ultimately, if you have the means to use a bassinet first for your newborn and then a crib when your baby outgrows it, that's often the best option. 'My recommendation is to use both—bassinet for the first several months and a crib thereafter,' says Culler. If you need to squeeze a safe sleep area into a tight space, a bassinet is probably your best bet. However, if space is not a concern, you can start with a crib and skip the bassinet altogether if you want. For newborns and very small babies, a bassinet is a good investment. 'We typically use a bassinet for newborns until about six months of age, or the rule of thumb that we use [as pediatricians] is when the baby starts to roll over, then you need to move on to a crib and get them out of the bassinet,' says Taylor-Cox. If your baby is already nearing 15 pounds or is starting to show signs of rolling, then it might be best to skip the bassinet altogether since they'll likely outgrow it soon. In the long run, choosing a crib will save you money since it reduces the amount of baby gear you need to buy. While bassinets are often more affordable than cribs, your baby will still eventually need a crib even if they start off in a bassinet. 'The main thing I want to add for parents is it's not time to bargain shop when it comes to cribs and/or bassinets,' says Taylor-Cox. She explained that a used crib may not be safe. It may have unseen damage and may not meet the most recent safety standards. If you need to save money, the best way to do that is to only buy one product and make it a good crib. 'A lot of cribs can be lowered and converted to toddler beds, which is really economically feasible,' says Taylor-Cox. If you want something small that allows you to keep your newborn in your bedroom, a bassinet is the best choice. If you're looking for a one-time purchase that your baby can sleep in well past their first birthday, opt for a crib. 'Parents should remember both bassinets and cribs are safe. If you're lucky enough to have a bassinet then we say start in the bassinet, but a bassinet isn't required like a crib is,' says Taylor-Cox. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted has combined decades of experience in both parenting our own kids and covering parenting topics. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to make the right decisions for our babies when it comes to major purchases like bassinets, cribs and crib mattresses.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The real reason your baby is waking up at 4am despite you following the ‘correct' bedtimes – there's sleep science to it
A GENTLE sleep consultant has revealed the reason why your baby might be waking up at 4am, even if you're following what you believe to be the 'correct' bedtime routine. Hannah Hiles took to her TikTok account ' ittakesavillagebabysleep ' to explain the sleep science behind it and how to overcome the problem. 1 Speaking to her followers, she said: 'If you're putting your baby to bed at 7pm and expecting them to sleep until 7am, you might be in for a surprise when they wake up as early as 4 or 5am.' She continued: 'I've helped hundreds of families get sleep with no sleep training. I've never used Ferber method, cry it out or any extinction method, only sleep science." The Ferber method, for those unfamiliar, is a sleep training technique where parents gradually increase the time they wait before comforting a crying baby or child. The aim is to help the baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently by allowing them to cry for short, increasing periods before receiving external comfort. Hannah explained: 'So babies under six months old, their average night-time sleep is nine to 10 hours. 'So if you are putting your baby to bed at 7pm it is very reasonable that they wake up at 4am. 'Now over six months the average night-time sleep is 10 to 11 hours. Same thing if you put your baby to bed at 7pm it's reasonable that they wake up at 5am. 'Or what can happen is they can be super super restless and wakeful throughout the night and then sleep a little bit later in the morning. 'But either way you are either going to get a very busy night or start the day before the birds. What you want to do is push out that bedtime." Hannah explained that one of the reasons parents struggle to do this is because their babies either have too few naps for their age or their naps are too close together and often too short. Molly-Mae swears by £22 Dunelm buy she 'can't go anywhere without' for great sleep & says it's the 'best thing' she owns She said: 'So what you want to do is stretch out your wake windows. 'In the morning it is fine to stretch out your wake window, depending on your little one's age but over six months they should be able to go 2.5 to 3 hours at least and then stretch out the second one. 'And then that third nap of the day you are going to have that as a super short even 15 to 30 minutes depending on your little one's age. 'The closer they are to 6 months, [then] 30 minutes, the further from 6 months they are, [then] around 15. 'And that's going to be your bridge nap. 'Now you can have that as late in the day as like 5pm because if your little one is under 6 months old, like this one is four months old, you want to be having that nap at like 6pm so that they are going to bed at like 9pm. 'Don't try to get rid of naps because what can happen is if you get rid of a nap too early then they go to bed too early and then they can have a false start because they think that's a nap or they can just be super restless." Hannah believes it is better for parents and their babies to have a slightly later bedtime to allow for a more restful night. She said: 'Late bedtimes are temporary, that bedtime will become earlier. 'Now my two sons are nearly 4 and nearly 2 and they both fall asleep around 8, 8.15 and they sleep to around 7, 7.30 the next morning. Bedtime 'You will get nights like that whenever they get a little bit older but I have never had a bedtime any earlier than like 8pm really with either of them." She added: 'So that's reasonable for yours as well. 'Some babies will sleep 7 to 7, some babies will sleep 15 hours a night. Those are the unicorn babies, they are not average, trust me." Hannah's video gained 930.9k views and 2,418 comments after just three days, sparking a mix of reactions from viewers. One wrote: 'Well your science is wrong.' A second added: 'This is the opposite of what my night nanny taught me. We did 7-7 and it was amazing.' And a third said: 'This isn't true at all. The earlier I put mine to bed the later they sleep in the mornings!' But speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Hannah responded to the backlash: 'All the negative comments are from people arguing that what I'm saying is not accurate because their baby sleeps 7-7 or 12 hours a night. 'What I'm saying in the video is that the average is 10-11 hours overnight and if your baby does more they are above the average. 'I talk about how sleep training isn't good for babies and show parents a way to get sleep without sleep training, which I've done for hundreds of families. Science sleeping 'These parents whose babies sleep 7-7 either have above average sleeping babies or they've sleep trained their baby and they're triggered by my science stance on this. 'The positive comments are from families who do experience wakefulness and sleep deprivation at night because they're aiming for the 7-7 night sleep which isn't attainable for most babies. 'They feel validated that someone said it so they can figure out their baby's individual sleep needs. 'I take a very factual scientific stance to sleep and sleep pressure and help parents achieve sleep without sleep training and I guess this makes parents who are sleep trained feel exposed and triggered.' The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
