Updated on
February 5, 2025
You’ve just fed your baby, changed their diaper, rocked them until they’re peacefully snoozing in your arms, and carefully placed them in their bassinet. You tiptoe away, holding your breath—and then, as if on cue, their eyes pop wide open.
You freeze. Your heart sinks. What now?
Sound familiar? If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been here more than once—don’t worry, you’re not alone. These are the joys (and challenges) of life with a newborn!
Babies between 0–3 months love to sleep close to the person they adore most—you! And while there’s nothing sweeter than those snuggly moments together, you deserve some solo time, whether it’s for a quick snooze or a relaxing shower, while your baby sleeps peacefully in their bassinet.
Figuring out how to get your newborn to sleep in a bassinet can feel like an uphill climb, but don’t worry—you’ve got this. Newborns are still adjusting to the big, wide world, and with your love and guidance, they’ll soon learn to sleep soundly (and independently) in their bassinet.
So, take a deep breath and be patient with your little one—and with yourself. Let’s dive into why this stage can feel so tricky and, most importantly, how to navigate it with confidence, care, and lots of love.
This guide is here to help you, step by step, with practical solutions and a dash of reassurance. Here’s what we’ll cover:
It can be tempting to let your baby sleep in your arms all night. It’s natural and normal natural, and let’s face it—those snuggles are the absolute best. However, encouraging bassinet to sleep slowly is important for both safety and long-term sleep habits. Here’s why:
Transitioning your baby to a bassinet may feel challenging at first, but understanding the reasons behind their resistance can make all the difference. Let’s explore why your little one might be struggling and how you can help them adjust.
It’s no surprise that your baby prefers being held—they’ve spent months nestled snugly in the warmth of your womb, listening to your heartbeat. Transitioning to a bassinet, which feels open and unfamiliar, can take time. Here are some reasons your baby might be struggling:
Friendly reminder: If your baby’s discomfort feels overwhelming, take a deep breath. Babies aren’t resisting the bassinet to frustrate you—they’re just adjusting to life outside your arms. Just take it one step at a time—you’ve got this!
Let's explore some thoughtful tips that can help make this transition feel more manageable and supportive.
Here are some practical and parent-approved tips to help your newborn feel comfortable and secure in their bassinet, making bedtime smoother for both of you.
Think of the bassinet as your baby’s little sanctuary. The cozier and safer it feels, the easier it will be for them to settle.
Enhance your baby’s sleep environment with Happy Baby, offering ad-free white noise, lullabies, and soothing sounds to create a calm and cozy atmosphere.
Understanding wake windows—those precious periods between naps—can make a world of difference. For newborns, these are typically 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Curious about wake windows for different ages? Check out our blog, Wake Windows for Babies by Age: Tips & Tricks for Better Sleep, to understand how they evolve as your baby grows and discover practical tips for restful naps and nights.
Babies love routines—they help them feel safe and secure. A consistent bedtime routine can work wonders for bassinet sleep.
Important note: Repetition is key. Even if your routine feels ineffective at first, keep at it—it’ll become a comforting signal for your baby over time.
This one can feel tricky at first, but it’s a game-changer for teaching your baby to self-soothe.
Curious about how your baby's sleep habits evolve? Read our blog, Sleeping Through the Night: How Baby Sleep Develops, to learn more.
Some babies wake due to discomfort from reflux or sudden movements caused by the startle reflex.
These adjustments may take time, but they can significantly improve your baby’s comfort in the bassinet.
Let your baby get to know their bassinet during awake times. This helps them feel more comfortable and secure in the space.
Transitioning your baby to sleeping in a bassinet takes time and patience. Your baby is learning, and every small step counts.
Happy Baby helps you stay consistent by providing personalized tips for building successful sleep habits.
If your little one still resists the bassinet, don’t worry—there are other approaches to try. Let’s explore what you can do when sleep struggles persist.
If your baby still struggles to settle in the bassinet, don’t worry—this is more common than you might think. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the right approach or identifying what might be causing the resistance. Here are a few steps to consider:
Friendly reminder: If you’re feeling exhausted, lean on your support system—your partner, a friend, or even a trusted app like Happy Baby. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s smart parenting.
If your baby’s resistance to sleep coincides with new developmental changes, it might be a regression. Learn more in our blog: Sleep regression: Why isn't my baby sleeping anymore?
Patience is key. Every baby is different, and with time, persistence, and plenty of love, you’ll find a solution that works for both of you.
Helping your newborn adjust to sleeping in a bassinet is a journey. Some nights will feel like small victories, while others might feel like setbacks—but both are part of the process.
Parenthood is a rollercoaster, full of sleepless nights and moments of wonder. Remember: you’re doing an amazing job. Every cuddle, every rock, every soothing word is a step toward helping your baby feel secure and loved. Take breaks when you need to, lean on loved ones, and remind yourself that your baby will eventually sleep soundly in their bassinet.
You're doing an amazing job! If you need extra support, Happy Baby offers expert-backed tips, ad-free white noise, and personalized sleep schedules to simplify your parenting journey. Download it today and take the guesswork out of baby sleep!
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