Newborn Won’t Sleep in Bassinet at Night: 7 Proven Strategies for Tranquil Rest
As a bleary-eyed new parent staring at your sweet little one blissfully sleeping in your arms for the fifteenth hour straight, you may be wondering if your bedraggled self will ever get proper rest again. Why does your newborn refuse to sleep in their nice, cozy bassinet rather than on top of you?
I’ve been there, my friend. Endless nights spent delicately balancing my sleeping infant across my chest afraid to move a single muscle for fear of waking her. It was utterly exhausting. The good news? There are proven strategies to help encourage your newborn to sleep in their bassinet for longer stretches so you can get some much-needed rest too.
In this ultimate guide for newborn won’t sleep in bassinet at night, we’ll cover:
Common reasons why your newborn resists their bassinet
When you can expect longer bassinet sleep stretches
First, rest assured that your baby’s reluctance to sleep in their bassinet is normal at this age! Newborns are used to being curled up nice and cozy in the womb for 40ish weeks. When they emerge suddenly into the bright, loud outside world, it’s alarming! No wonder your little bub yearns for the familiarity of being held skin-to-skin and hearing your comforting heartbeat.
For the first three months, newborns strongly prefer the safety, warmth and sound of sleeping literally on top of you. But aside from natural instincts, there are other common reasons why your newbie fights the bassinet:
Newborn Won’t Sleep in Bassinet: Hunger or Discomfort
Newborns easily get hungry since their little tummies stay full for only 1.5 to 3 hours. Hunger can prevent sleep. Some other causes of discomfort like gassy pain from swallowing air during nursing or a too-full or dirty diaper can also wake your baby at night.
Newborns struggle to self-regulate their temperature, so they may resist a bassinet that seems too cold compared to your nice warm chest. Swaddling helps regulate but sudden room temperature drops or kicking free from blankets could wake the baby.
Startle Reflex
Your baby’s nervous system remains undeveloped, making it easier for them to startle awake with sudden noises or movements before reaching deeper sleep cycles. Some babies even startle themselves awake frequently.
Preference for Motion and Sound
The constant, gentle movement in the womb lulled your baby to sleep for months. The lack of similar motion in a stationary bassinet can end naptime. And without soothing “background music” (your heartbeat or internal gurgling)? Child, please. Major sleep disruptor!
But what if your precious one seems to resist the bassinet around the clock? How long can you reasonably snooze-juggle a newborn 24/7?
Now for the burning question:
When Will My Baby Sleep in the Bassinet?
The frustrating truth is…there is no universal magic number for when all babies will suddenly love sleeping in their bassinet all night long. Every baby adapts on a different timeline based on their unique personality and preferences. However, these general benchmarks may help gauge when your mini-human might take more readily to bassinet rest:
0 – 6 Weeks: Pretty much exclusively sleeping in arms, while nursing, baby-wearing, co-sleeping or contact napping during the day
6 – 16 Weeks: Hopefully tolerating some short 1 – 3 hour stretches in the bassinet intermittently (but still primarily inclined to sleep on you)
4 months+: Sleeping 3 to 5 hour + stretches in the bassinet more regularly
But don’t despair if your baby seems behind that timeline! Continue trying different soothing techniques and be extremely consistent with implementing each method day and night. The more regularly you reinforce the desired sleep associations, the quicker baby will adapt.
Now, for the good part – my top research-backed strategies to encourage wonderful bassinet sleep…even for the most resistant newborn!
Age
Average Acceptable Sleep Stretches
Tips
0 – 6 weeks
Breastfeed or hold baby for shorter naps and frequent awakenings throughout night
Frequent feedings, warming the room, swaddling, white noise
6 – 16 weeks
1 to 3 hours in bassinet mixed with nursing or contact naps
Bedtime routine, place bassinet near you, vibrating bassinet insert
4 months +
3 to 5 hours consolidated in the bassinet across early night
Self-soothing skills, avoiding over-stimulation before bed, dream feed
6 months +
8 to 10 hours total overnight with 1 feed
Later bedtime, excessive day sleep tweak
Helpful Age-Based Bassinet Sleep Milestones
7 Surefire Methods to Get Newborns Sleeping in Bassinet
#1 Establish Consistent Sleep Cues
Help your newborn connect the dots by creating a predictable, soothing pre-bed routine that signals sleep time. The sequence of activities should remain the same each night. For example:
Pro tip: Start bedtime rituals early! Aim to begin the routine around the same time each evening.
Bedtime routine for baby
#2 Allow Baby to Fall Fully Asleep Before Transfer
Newborns startle so easily in lighter sleep cycles, instantly jolting awake. Avoid cruelly placing your sleeping babe in the bassinet then helplessly watching them wake up…again and again.
Instead, allow your little one to finish their first sleep cycle completely while being held. Watch for deep sleep signs like slower breathing with eyes no longer darting beneath closed lids. Still partially awake babies may squirm or squeak when being released into the big open bassinet. Gently shush-rock them until fully tranquilo before attempting the transfer.
#3 Take the Gradual Approach
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Don’t expect overnight bassinet success either. Gentle baby steps prevent frustration so begin coaxing with short, more manageable daytime catnaps first before tackling lengthy night stints. Over several weeks slowly extend the nap durations from 30 minutes up to a few hours at night as baby shows readiness for more independence.
Pro parenting tip: Avoid letting baby sleep too long in arms during the day to preserve their nighttime bassinet sleep drive.
#4 Create a Womb-like Bassinet Environment
Why not make resting outside the womb more enticing? Mimic what baby loved about their former room and board to increase chances they’ll snooze in the new digs. Some examples:
The constant whooshing placental sounds and mama’s heartbeat were baby’s jams for 9+ months. Recreate the ambient noise with a humidifier, fan or white noise machine near the bassinet.
Increase Bassinet Coziness
Add a worn-in crib sheet carrying your scent for familiarity. Or place a heating pad on low underneath the bassinet mattress, removing before laying down baby. Experiment with different surfaces like a divine memory foam insert.
Try a Sleep Soother
Some babies sleep longer while gently swaddled or lightly held in a baby nest or sleep pod mimicking the cozy confinement of the womb. Just take safety precautions.
Introduce Slight Motion
Gently rocking the bassinet, crib or standing with your hand for a few minutes can remind baby of the constant motion in the womb that rocked them to sleep for months.
#5 Contain Those Startle Reflexes
Your little newbie didn’t earn the nickname “starfish” by keeping their arms and legs contained! However having a free range of motion makes it much easier for babies to startle themselves awake. Enter the magic of swaddling.
Master the Swaddle
When done properly in a snug sack or lightweight muslin blanket, swaddling prevents flailing limbs from triggering baby’s startle response by containing movements. Ensure swaddles aren’t too tight to restrict breathing or hip health. Many babies sleep longer when swaddled but it’s ineffective for others. Still swaddling post eight weeks once rolling begins can be unsafe.
Experiment with Arms Out
If your strong-armed Houdini baby breaks free from any swaddle, try wrapping arms only. This allows some self-soothing movement of hands to mouth while still containing jerky leg reflexes. Wean swaddling slowly for a smoother transition.
#6 Incorporate Soothing Motion
Rhythmic motions can magically soothe unsettled babies to extend restful sleep cycles beyond just the first light phase. Take cautionary safety steps and never leave your baby unattended. Some examples:
Baby Swings/Bouncers: Many fussy newborns spend their longest, deepest sleep stretches nestled inBaby swings or bouncers with the light jiggling activation on. Fifteen minutes of swinging followed by an extremely gradual slowing of the motion could mean longer, higher-quality ZZZs.
Vibrating Bassinets or Crib Inserts: Like a gentle massage, non-stop vibrations can relax tense muscles and prevent deep sleep. Some vibrating products automatically shut off after 15 to 30 minutes as a safety feature.
Parenting life lesson Numero Uno: progress rarely happens overnight. Consistency rules the roost when instilling independent bassinet sleep habits. Follow each method day after day even if initially unsuccessful. Over several weeks your newborn will associate the bassinet with falling asleep more.
Similarly, manage expectations knowing average acceptable sleep stretches evolve month to month. Whether coaxing a 30-minute catnap or nearing an impressive five-hour night session, recognize baby steps forward. Stay positive through temporary setbacks like sleep regressions or leap weeks which can alter progress.
Take pride in each small victory like transferring baby into the bassinet without waking up or them actually tolerating it post-transfer! Celebrate when your baby initially falls asleep in the bassinet on their own without being nursed to sleep first or their early morning wake-up call inching later by 5 minutes.
Hang in there during the rollercoaster first weeks. Consistency conquers all (eventually)!
Newborn Won’t Sleep in Bassinet at Night: 7 Proven Strategies for Tranquil Rest. Image Credit: Canva
Troubleshooting by Phase
When battling sleep issues with your newborn, it helps to break it down by phase for targeted troubleshooting. Here’s how to pinpoint solutions based on whether baby fights sleep at bedtime, wakes frequently overnight, or rises too early.
Falling Asleep
If your babe takes forever drifting off or battles you at bedtime, the following can help:
Tighten the swaddle/sleep sack to prevent startling
Play heavier white noise like a thunderstorm or fan sounds
Softly massage baby in downward strokes slowing your pace
Lightly bounce together on a large exercise ball
Offer a pacifier for soothing once nursing ends
Read a calming story aloud using rhythmic tones
Remember newborns naturally produce melatonin later
Staying Asleep
If baby startles themselves awake often or rouses each light sleep cycle, try:
Double-checking for hunger or wet/dirty diapers
Leaving one arm out for self-soothing movement
Warming the room a few degrees with an infant-safe space heater
Boosting daylight exposure in the mornings
Side-lying nursing position to ease reflux
Co-sleeping safely as a last resort (but follow guidelines)
Early Wakups
If your precious babe wakes ridiculously early (before 5 AM) attempt:
Swaddling arms in or using baby Merlin suit
Adding louder white noise like vacuum cleaner sounds
Making night feeds more efficient and businesslike
Clustering feeds closer to YOUR bedtime
Ensuring regular daytime feeds every 2.5-3 hours
Capping afternoon catnaps at 30 minutes
Stick with each potential solution a solid 3+ nights before trying something new.
Problem
Potential Solutions
Falls asleep late (over 20 mins)
Swaddle, heavier white noise, massage, bounce, pacifier
Wakes frequently overnight
Diaper/feed check, leave arm out of swaddle, warm room, co-sleeping
Awakens too early (before 5 am)
Arms-in swaddle, loud white noise, efficient feeds, cap day naps
Troubleshooting by Phase
Signs Your Baby Needs Medical Evaluation
While typically temporary, poor or worsening sleep can occasionally indicate an underlying health condition requiring assessment. Consult your pediatrician promptly if your infant:
Reaches 6-8 weeks old with absolutely no ability yet to sleep in bassinet overnight
Falls asleep fine in the bassinet but startles awake excessively
Makes strained, noisy breathing or long pauses in breath
Experiences choking or frequently turns blue while sleeping
Is difficult to wake up or observe seizure-like movements
Runs persistent fevers, has frequent night coughs/wheezing or shows signs of respiratory distress while sleeping
Don’t hesitate to call for medical advice if anything concerns you about your newborn’s sleep quality or disruptions. Some health conditions like reflux, allergies, sleep apnea or nervous system disorders can impede restful sleep. Discuss interventions like medication or breathing devices that could help baby.
Additional Guidance to Reduce SIDS Risk
As baby begins sleeping for longer unsupervised stretches, continue following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to minimize Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risks:
My sincere empathy goes out to all severely sleep-deprived moms and dads battling the newborn bassinet resistance. Having your sweet babe prefer to snooze on YOU full time while adorable does consume sanity rather quickly. This too shall pass! With consistent nurturing care and by following these tips, soon your little nugget WILL self-soothe longer in their bed.
Until then, tag team with your partner to trade off much-needed rest shifts. Seek out support from family or friends willing to cuddle a baby for a few hours so each parent gets undisturbed sleep. Take preventative measures so you don’t become overtired when caring for an infant overnight.
Stay positive knowing the long nights won’t last forever. Trust in the process. And remember that each good night’s sleep inch stones forward brings you closer to victory!
Supporting Product Recommendations
Investing in a few key products can greatly assist your newborn sleeping longer stretches in their bassinet. Based on rave parent reviews, these items come highly recommended:
Swaddles
Zippadee Zip – Stylish wearable swaddle blanket allowing baby arm and leg movement
Love to Dream Swaddle UP – Dual zip-off arm design for self-soothing hands
Ollie Swaddle – Stretchy super-soft cotton with easy velcro closures
White Noise Machines
Hatch Baby Rest – Night light, sound machine and time-to-rise system
Marpac Dohm Classic – Soothing fan tones without artificial sound loops
Big Red Rooster Sound Machine – 6 high-quality nature sounds with adjustable timer
Bassinet Inserts & Nest Sleepers
Snuggle Me Organic – Portable fabric nest with sides gently cradling baby
SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper – Lightweight bassinet close to parental bed
FAQ – Newborn won’t sleep in bassinet at night
How do I know if my newborn is ready to sleep in their bassinet all night or still needs night feeds?
It depends on age and weight. On average, newborns need night feeds for the first few months because their tiny stomachs can’t go longer stretches without hunger waking them. Speak to your pediatrician, but during the first month aim to feed at least every 2-3 hrs overnight. By month two/three, babies over 12 lbs may start naturally dropping feeds, but each baby differs. Ensure day feeds are sufficient.
What if my baby keeps breaking out of their swaddle – should I stop using it?
Babies startle themselves awake frequently, so well-fitted swaddles prevent flailing that interrupts sleep. But Houdini babies test swaddling products! Try a variety of swaddles before giving up. Love to Dream and Ollie make it harder to break free. Try swaddling just the torso if they dislike arms in. But if they continue busting out, practice safe arm-out swaddling.
My baby hates the bassinet – could co-sleeping help us get any rest?
Many desperate parents bring newborns into their bed to finally get some sleep. But this requires following strict safety precautions like separating from blankets/pillows. Beyond 6 months, co-sleeping becomes riskier. While tempting, focus on transitioning baby into bassinet/crib using these tips. But if you co-sleep, use a bedside cosleeper bassinet to keep baby very close until they transition.
I’m breastfeeding – will taking shifts with my partner allow me to get longer sleep stretches?
Absolutely! Have dad or partner take over baby care blocks between feeds. They can use expressed milk or supplement with some formula. Take shifts sleeping in another room without disruptions. Pump milk beforehand or sleep through one feed. Getting a solid 4-5 hour stretch will make all the difference until baby sleeps longer overnight.
Could reflux or allergies be causing my newborn’s restless, disrupted bassinet sleep?
It’s possible. Symptoms like frequent arching of neck/back, writhing in pain, crying right after laying flat often signal reflux. Consult your pediatrician to assess whether medication could help. For allergies, watch if disrupted sleep correlates after introducing new foods for you or baby. Keep logs to identify triggers. An elimination diet or hypoallergenic formula could resolve it. Don’t overlook health issues prolonging sleep challenges.
Newborn Won’t Sleep in Bassinet at Night: 7 Proven Strategies for Tranquil Rest. Image Credit: Canva
