Newborn suddenly won’t sleep in bassinet? (7 Helpful Tips)

When your newborn suddenly won’t sleep in bassinet, it can feel like you’ll never get a good night’s sleep again. But don’t worry. You can encourage newborn sleep in the bassinet by doing these things.

First, check for medical conditions, such as reflux or a cold. If there are no medical concerns, there might be two possibilities 

• Your baby likes to be held in your arms or on the swing.
• Your baby isn’t used to sleeping in a bassinet.

This complete guide will give you helpful tips on how to make it happen. 

How to get newborn to sleep in bassinet

If you’re a new parent, you may have wondered if getting a fussy baby to sleep in their bassinet is possible. In this blog post, I’ll discuss tips on doing just that.

Several potential reasons your newborn won’t sleep in bassinet exist. But before I dig out those reasons to you, 

The important thing that every new parent should know is why letting your baby sleep in a bassinet is necessary.

Read Also: 7 Best bassinets for small spaces

Safe Sleep Guidelines If Newborn Won’t sleep in bassinet

According to the AAP, the safest sleep environment for newborn babies is a bassinet, crib, or pack-n-play that meets current safety standards. They have firm, flat mattresses perfect for your newborn baby’s sleep. It will also eliminate the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). For at least six months, the AAP recommends that babies sleep in separate rooms in the same room as their parents.

Each infant has a different sleep pattern. Most newborns sleep for 14 to 17 hours a day. It must be crucial to watch sleep positioners and to put the baby upright.

Think about the Long run 

One of the first things new parents must deal with is getting their infant to sleep. It can be challenging if your sleeping baby wakes when you put them in their bassinet because they are used to sleeping in your arms or being rocked to sleep. We, as new parents, often do not know that in love, we are promoting a baby sleeping in our arms.  

We must think in the long run that when we need to pay attention to other baby care things, our kid’s habit is formed, and eventually, we have to suffer. Therefore, making good and healthy sleep habits is essential.

Potential Reasons with your baby – when baby won’t sleep in bassinet

The newborn won’t sleep in bassinet when any reason occurs.

• Hungry and needs to be fed.
• Wet, dirty diapers need to be changed because they can irritate the baby’s delicate skin.
• Uncomfortable and needs to be resituated.
• Overstimulated and needs to calm down.
• Understimulated and needs more stimulation.
• Sick and doesn’t feel well
• He is teething and is in pain.
• The baby is colicky and has tummy trouble.
• I don’t want to sleep.

Why baby hates bassinet

Main reasons associated with bassinet behind why your newborn won’t sleep in bassinet at night:

• The bassinet is too big and spacious for your little one. They may feel lost and alone in the bassinet compared to your arms.
• It may be too firm for your newborn. They may prefer a softer surface to sleep on.
• It may be too cold or too hot for your infant.
• The baby’s bed may be located in a bright room or a room with a lot of activity. It can be overwhelming for a newborn who is used to sleeping in a dark, quiet room.

Complete guide to why newborn suddenly won’t sleep in bassinet 

It can be challenging to get your baby to sleep in a bassinet. These are the following leading causes of why baby hates bassinet and solutions of how to get infant to sleep in bassinet :

Don’t feel safe

One of the causes of why your baby won’t sleep in bassinet is that they don’t feel safe. Babies feel secure and snug in their wombs. When they’re first born, they can feel overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds around them.

To help your baby feel more secure, swaddling them in a blanket is the best option. It will help them feel like they’re back in the womb. The best swaddle blankets based on my own practical experience are Muslin Swaddle Blankets UnisexMuslin Swaddle Blankets Unisex, SwaddleMe Original SwaddleSwaddleMe Original Swaddle, and Aden + Anais Organic Swaddle Baby BlanketAden + Anais Organic Swaddle Baby Blanket.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can be another cause of why baby won’t sleep in bassinet at night. It is when the baby becomes anxious or upset at being away from their parents. It’s common for babies to experience separation anxiety when they’re between six and eight months old, but it can also start as early as four months.

To help ease separation anxiety, try to create a bedtime routine on which the baby can rely. It might include reading a story, singing a lullaby, or bathing them. You can also try putting them in the bassinet while you’re still in the room so they can see you and know you’re nearby. Once they’re asleep, you can move to another room.

Overstimulation

Babies can also become overstimulated, which can make it difficult for them to sleep. It can happen if they’ve been exposed to too much noise, light, or activity. It can also occur if they’re not getting enough opportunities to rest during the day.

what to do when newborn won’t sleep in bassinet ? To help reduce overstimulation, try to create a calm and quiet environment for the baby at bedtime. It might mean dimming the lights and turning off any electronics that might be playing music or making noise. You should also avoid talking to the baby too much or handling them too much before bedtime. Instead, try to let them relax in their bassinet so they can fall asleep independently.

Underestimation

On the other hand, babies can also become understimulated, making it difficult to sleep. It can happen if they’re in a too-quiet environment or not getting enough opportunities to interact with their surroundings during the day.

To help reduce under-stimulation, give the baby some stimulation before bedtime. It might include reading them a story, playing soft music, or giving them a massage. You can also try to provide them with toys or objects to look at while in the bassinet so they have something to focus on.

Baby’s Startle reflex

One potential reason your baby won’t sleep in the bassinet could be the startle reflex. It is when the baby’s body jerks involuntarily in response to loud noise or sudden movement. Your sleeping baby can be startled by something as simple as a door slamming shut or a dog barking. The startle reflex can cause the baby to wake up and make it difficult for them to fall asleep again.

To help reduce the startle reflex, try swaddling the baby. It will help keep them snug and secure and will also help to muffle any loud noises that might startle them. A white noise machine is also used to soothe your baby and help them fall asleep.

Related: Best Organic Swaddle Blankets For Newborns

Sickness

If your baby is sick, they cannot get good sleep. It is because they may be uncomfortable or have a fever that makes it difficult to sleep. In such cases, it’s essential to check the baby’s body temperature at regular intervals and talk to their pediatrician so they can get the appropriate treatment.

Teething

Babies may also have trouble sleeping because of their teething process. This could be because their gums are in pain. Parents can give their baby something to chew, such as a cold washcloth or a teething band. Talk to your pediatrician to find other ways to ease their pain.

Growth spurts

Babies often have growth spurts around four to six weeks, three to four months, six months, and nine months. During a growth spurt, the baby may be hungrier than usual and want to eat more often. It can make it challenging for them to sleep because they may be hungry or uncomfortable. In such situation how to get baby to sleep in bassinet? You can try feeding them a little before bedtime in such a scenario, so they’re not as hungry. 

Sleep training

After trying all the above tips, you notice that the baby won’t sleep in the bassinet. You may want to try sleep training to avoid disturbing sleep cycles. It is when you teach the baby how to fall asleep independently. You can try different methods, so it’s important to talk to your pediatrician to find out how to get newborn to sleep in bassinet. Sleep training can take some time and effort, but it can be very helpful in getting the baby to sleep through the night.

Light

Babies may not like light, so keeping the room dark is essential when trying to get the baby to sleep. You can try using blackout curtains or blinds, or you can use a night light that emits a soft, dim light. Parents should also avoid using bright lights in the room, like a TV or a laptop.

Noise

Babies are also sensitive to noise, so it’s essential to keep the room as quiet as possible when making the baby fall asleep. You should avoid using loud electronics in the room, like a TV or a stereo. You should also avoid talking loudly or making sudden noises that might startle the child. If you must leave the room, try to do so as quietly as possible.

Temperature

Babies are sensitive to temperature, so keeping the room comfortable is essential. The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a thermometer to check the room temperature and ensure it’s in the acceptable range. You can use a hot water bottle nearby to make the baby comfortable if it’s cold.

Kids are often more comfortable sleeping in their own space, so providing them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep is essential. Bassinets are an excellent option for newborns because they’re small and lightweight, which makes them easy to move around. They also have high sides, which can help keep the baby safe and secure. If you’re using a bassinet, follow all the safety guidelines, so the child is as safe as possible.

List of Top things to do when your newborn baby won’t sleep in bassinet

If you are wondering how to get an infant to sleep in bassinet, here are some tips:

• Make sure the bassinet is sturdy, comfortable, and has a firm mattress.
• Put the baby in the bassinet when they are drowsy but still awake.
• Do not put anything else in the bassinet with the baby (no blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows). So they can sleep safely.
• Consider swaddling the baby in a light blanket.
• Keep the room cool and dark.
• Make sure the baby is not too warm or too cold.
• Do not let the baby overheat.
• Put the child to sleep on their back.
• Do not smoke around the baby.

How to get baby to sleep in bassinet ( things to consider)

It can be extremely frustrating if your newborn baby won’t sleep in bassinet. Try these tips to help make the transition easier.

Put babies asleep in the bassinet when they are awake.

First, try putting your baby in the bassinet while they’re still awake. It will help them get used to its feel and sound. You can also try gently rocking the bassinet or singing to your baby until they fall asleep. You can always put them back in their crib for a nap if all else fails. 

Shorter naps 

If your baby is still not sleeping in their bassinet, you can try putting them down for small naps during the day, so they are more likely to be tired at night. Parents must also consider that an overtired newborn baby can get fussy sometimes.

Check the bassinet for comfort.

Is the bassinet comfortable for your baby? Sometimes newborn babies won’t sleep in their bassinets because they are not pleased. If this is the case, try adding soft blankets or pillows to make it more comfortable. You can also try raising the mattress so your baby is slightly elevated.

Make sure the bassinet is the right size for your baby and that there are no sharp edges that could hurt your baby. Moreover, the baby’s bassinet must be in a safe, quiet place where your baby can’t be disturbed. 

Swaddle your baby

Swaddling can help calm and soothe an overtired baby, which may help them fall asleep in their bassinet. While swaddling, remove the baby’s head from the blanket and wrap it around the baby’s body. If you’re unsure how to swaddle, read the complete guide on how to use swaddleme swaddle.

Use a white noise machine. 

White noise can help drown out any other noises that might bother your baby and make them more likely to sleep in their bassinet. You can find white noise machines at most stores that sell baby products. 

Try a different bassinet.

If your baby still won’t sleep in their bassinet, it might be time to try a different type of bassinet. Some babies prefer co-sleepers or Moses baskets, so it’s worth considering these options if nothing else works.

Talk to your pediatrician.

You must talk to your pediatrician if you still have trouble getting your baby to sleep in their bassinet. They can offer additional advice and help you rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the problem.

If your baby is still refusing to sleep in the bassinet despite all these efforts, you might consider a new sleeping arrangement. Some parents find their baby sleeps better in a swing or bouncy seat. Others find that their baby sleeps better in their arms.

Don’t let this discourage you. Each baby is unique, so it might take some time before your baby gets used to the bassinet. You will eventually master it with patience.

Conclusion: why won’t my baby sleep in bassinet

Although getting your newborn to sleep in a bassinet can be tricky, it is doable with patience and perseverance. Following the tips I’ve outlined in this post, you should be on your way to having your little one snooze peacefully in their bed in no time. 

Please let me know how these methods worked for you. I love to hear from readers!

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