How to Get a Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet

Bassinets can help you to keep your newborn close and they provide a snug place for your newborn to sleep. If your newborn is having trouble falling or staying asleep in a bassinet, then there are several things that you can try. Before using a bassinet for your newborn, it is also a good idea to make sure that it is safe and sturdy for your newborn. If your newborn continues to struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, then talk to your pediatrician for help.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Comforting Your Baby

1
Pat your newborn's back. If your newborn is seeking comfort, then you can turn your newborn onto his side in the bassinet or pick him up and gently pat him on the back for a few minutes.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Just make sure that you put your newborn back into the bassinet on his back.
- Do not allow your newborn to stay on his side or stomach because these positions increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
2
Rock your newborn. Rocking your baby is a great way to soothe her to sleep. If your bassinet is on a rocker, then you can just rock the bassinet. If not, you might try taking your baby out of the bassinet and rocking your baby in your arms for a few minutes to help her calm down.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
- Just make sure that your baby does not fall asleep in your arms, or she may not be able to fall asleep unless you are holding her.^{[3]XResearch source}
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3
Try shushing. Shushing can be a helpful way to soothe your newborn and get her to sleep because it provides some comforting white noise. You can also try running a fan or playing some ocean or rain sounds to help soothe your baby to sleep. ^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
- Playing some soothing music may also help to soothe your newborn to sleep.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
4
Swaddle your newborn. Swaddling is when you wrap your baby up snugly in a thin blanket. Swaddling is an effective way to soothe a newborn and promote good sleep. Swaddled newborns tend to sleep deeper and longer than babies that are not swaddled.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceHealthyChildren.orgHealth information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.Go to source}
- To swaddle your newborn, lay out a lightweight blanket.
- Then, fold down one corner of the blanket.
- Next, lay your newborn on the blanket so that her head is resting on the folded corner.
- Pull up one side of the blanket and fold it over your newborn's chest.
- Next, fold the bottom of the blanket up and over your newborn's feet and tuck it up and over your newborn's shoulder.
- Finally, fold the other side of the blanket over your newborn's chest. When you are done, the swaddling should be snug, but not tight.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating Ideal Sleep Conditions

1
Feel your newborn's skin. Being too hot or too cold may also cause your newborn to cry and fuss.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Feel your newborn's hands, feet, head, and back. If any of these areas feel cold or hot to the touch, then you may need to add or remove some clothing to help your newborn fall asleep in the bassinet.
- For example, if your newborn's feet feel cold, put some booties on her feet. If your newborn's back feels hot, remove a layer of clothing.
Hunger may cause a baby to cry and act fussy, so doing a feeding near your newborn's bedtime may help to soothe your baby to sleep. Make sure that you burp your newborn after the feeding as well because gas may also cause her to be fussy.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
A wet or soiled diaper may also cause a baby to cry and act fussy. Before you lay your newborn down in the bassinet, check your baby's diaper and change it if necessary.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
4
Dim the lights. Dim lights help our bodies to understand that it is time to sleep.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} Try dimming the lights in your baby's bedroom to help him fall asleep in the bassinet.
- Keep in mind that the room does not have to be totally dark. You can leave on a nightlight or a small table lamp to make it easier for you to check on your newborn.
5
Check the room temperature. An ideal room temperature for sleeping is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit.^{[11]XResearch source} Try to keep your baby's room at about this temperature to provide an ideal sleep environment.
- If you have a thermostat in your house, try setting it for around 65 degrees. You may need to turn on a fan, air conditioner, or heater to achieve this temperature.
6
Put up an interesting mobile. Your newborn may enjoy sleeping in her bassinet more if there is an interesting mobile for her to look at. Try putting up a mobile to give your newborn something to look at as she drifts off to sleep.
- Make sure that the mobile is out of your newborn's reach and that it is securely attached to the bassinet. If the mobile is within your baby's reach or if it falls into the bassinet, then this could create a choking hazard.^{[12]XResearch source}
7
Try adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the bassinet mattress. To give your baby's bassinet a soothing scent, try adding a drop or two of lavender essential oil to edge of the mattress. Add a drop of essential oil to the mattress just before you lay your newborn in the bassinet for bedtime or a nap. Some other good essential oil choices include:
- Roman chamomile
- frankincense
- geranium
- ginger
- neroli
- patchouli
- rosewood
- rose
- sandalwood^{[13]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Sure Your Baby is Safe

Many bassinets have been recalled due to safety concerns. Before you choose or use a bassinet for your newborn, make sure that it is not on the recall list.^{[14]XResearch source}
Improper setup of a bassinet may threaten your newborn's safety as well. Make sure that you set up the bassinet according to the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that it is sturdy before allowing your baby to sleep in it.^{[15]XResearch source}
3
Keep the bassinet as bare as possible. Pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and other objects are hazardous to your newborn. A newborn can suffocate or choke on these things, so it is best to remove any extra items from the bassinet before placing your newborn into it. The bassinet should only contain the mattress that came with it.^{[16]XResearch source}
- It is best to dress your baby in sleepwear that is warm enough to make blankets unnecessary. If you use a blanket, then only use a thin blanket. Do not use thick blankets or quilts.^{[17]XResearch source}
- If you use a blanket, then make sure that you tuck it in under the bassinet mattress. The blanket should also be under your baby's arms, not up to her neck or up over her head.
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