Baby Won’t Sleep in a Bassinet? 3 Tips for Bassinet Sleep Training

Having a newborn that won’t sleep in a bassinet can be taxing for any new parent. It can be especially difficult if you’re trying to get your baby on a good sleep schedule and create consistent nighttime habits. But with some patience and the right strategies, you can help your baby learn to love the bassinet and sleep soundly, even if they’ve never done so before.

In this post, we’ll share our top tips for bassinet sleep training, so you can finally have a well-rested baby and a few hours of shut-eye for yourself. We’ve got you covered, from how to position your baby in the bassinet to what to do if your little one only likes to sleep in your arms. Whether you have a folding, rocking, or travel bassinet, implementing these simple tips can have you and your infant on the path to better sleep.

Understanding Bassinet Refusal

When a baby refuses to sleep in the bassinet, it’s important to distinguish if they are refusing it or having difficulty sleeping due to night wakings or discomfort. Their rejection of the bassinet may be due to a lack of familiarity or comfort after being transferred from a parental co-sleeping situation.

If your baby is falling asleep independently but waking up multiple times during the night, that night waking is likely the issue and not actual bassinet refusal. Babies have unpredictable sleeping patterns and often wake during the night for milk feedings or diaper changes. However, this type of night waking should eventually diminish as your baby gets older and accustomed to their sleeping routine.

Establishing a Sleep Routine

A regular and predictable daytime schedule can help your baby feel more relaxed at bedtime and adjust to their surroundings in the bassinet. Incorporate activities like walks and stimulating interactions during the day, and other activities at night that can promote tiredness, such as reading stories or feeding before bedtime. Consistency is key: once you’ve established consistent daytime activities, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it every night to help your baby settle easily into the bassinet.

Create a bedtime routine that your baby can become familiar with before placing them in the bassinet. Putting your baby down at the same time each night establishes expectations. This routine can involve reading together, giving a final feed, or offering a goodnight kiss and hug — choose what works best for you and your little one!

Establishing Sleepy Cues

To help your baby recognize bedtime, incorporate sleepy cues into your routine. Create a calm environment by keeping the bedroom dimly lit and playing soft music. Swaddling can also be beneficial as it provides security and warmth, preventing sudden movements that may disrupt sleep.

There are different swaddling methods to consider. Traditional swaddling involves using a large piece of cloth draped over both arms and across the chest. Classic swaddling entails tucking the arms against the body and wrapping each arm separately over the stomach before securing the sides of the swaddle wrap tightly. Regardless of your chosen method, ensure your baby’s limbs have enough freedom to move comfortably. They should feel secure yet not too restricted, allowing for comfortable movement during sleep.

Moving Forward

Once you’ve established the previous steps, you can create a sleep training plan tailored to your infant’s needs. This plan should include following the previously mentioned sleeping guidelines, such as consistently putting your child to bed at the same time each night and using cues like dimmed lighting and soft music. Minimize stimulation before bedtime to promote relaxation.

Introduce the fading technique, where you initially stay with your child until they fall asleep, gradually reducing your presence until they can sleep independently. Remember that occasional night wakings may occur due to hunger, thirst, diaper changes, or nightmares. It’s important not to restrain these situations, as it can cause distress. Address the issue that caused the waking and then settle your child back into the bassinet on their back, using sleepy cues.

Evaluate how comfortable and familiar your child feels in the bassinet. If you’ve tried all the tips and resistance persists, consider transitioning them to a different sleep space, such as a crib. Sometimes a change in environment can help break the monotony and reduce resistance to being placed in the same familiar space.

Baby sleep training can be difficult, and bassinet refusal is a common cause of sleep deprivation in new parents. However, with simple tips and strategies, your baby can learn to sleep in their bassinet like a champ. Start by understanding the root cause of your baby’s bassinet refusal, and then set up a consistent sleep routine that includes sleepy cues. Finally, if your baby still doesn’t sleep in the bassinet, consider transitioning them to another sleeping space. With time, patience, and the right techniques, your little one will soon become a bassinet pro.