When your baby comes home from the hospital, you both need a lot of care. You're cuddling them so often that you can hardly get any work done! And yes, there are many nights when you just can’t get any sleep from all the noise they’re making. If your little one prefers napping in your arms instead of their warm bassinet, don’t worry. It's completely normal and many parents face this problem too. This guide is full of tricks and tips to help your newborn love their bassinet, allowing everyone to have a peaceful sleep.
Why Doesn't My Newborn Like the Bassinet?
Newborn babies are used to being tightly squeezed against you all day long. The space inside of their bassinet feels empty and big in comparison. Knowing this should help you be more patient with them as they adjust so they will finally recognize it as their new sleeping nook.
How to Get Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet at Night
Your first step is making sure the environment is peaceful and comfortable. Give them a nice warm bath followed by gentle cuddles so they know it's time for bed very soon. Wrapping your baby up tight might also give them some peace of mind since it feels like how they were held inside of you for months. When it’s time move on to the bassinet, try not to jostle them too much but place them down slowly so they stay relaxed.
Get Newborn Used to Bassinet
Routines make everything easier for everyone involved. Use the bassinet during daylight hours while your baby takes naps so that way it becomes familiar territory for them before bedtime rolls around again one evening soon enough.You could even place one of your dirty shirts into the area where they'll sleep so that it smells like you, which will make them feel safer and less alone. Every baby is different though so just give them some time to adjust and they'll be fine.
How to Get 5 Week Old to Sleep in Bassinet
Your little one is still fresh out of the womb at this age, so go easy on them! This period is all about making slow introductions to new things. When your baby starts to nod off during their late nights, put them down in their cozy bassinet then. They’ll eventually learn where they are and start to fall asleep there regularly if you do it enough times. Keep the bassinet close by throughout the day too since your presence reassures them.
Tricks to Get Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet
Some creative ideas can come in handy during times like these. Heating pads work wonders for some parents who place them inside of the bassinet before their newborn needs a nap. This makes it warm enough so that they don't get scared or uncomfortable when being laid down on it. (Just remember not to leave it there too long!) White noise machines also recreate every single sound your baby heard while being held inside of you, which could remind them of home again.
How to Get 7 Week Old to Sleep in Bassinet
At around 7 weeks, your tiny one might be more predictable with how often they need sleep now. This would be an amazing time for you both if you're able establish a bedtime routine now if you haven’t already done so.. Soft music or dim lights should be played when preparing for bed each night, which will serve as cues that say "time for bed". And since this is such a crucial time period for babies, try not to break consistency with any of your routines because they could accidentally get used to something else instead
At eight weeks, your baby is slowly getting used to life outside the womb. Using the bassinet for all of their naps and nighttime sleep can contribute to their sense of security there. If they fuss when you lay them down, consider placing a hand on their belly or making low shushing sounds to help soothe them before picking them up again. Striving for a balance between comforting your baby and encouraging independence will be key during this time.
Tips to Get Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet
Looking ahead, it’s all about creating positive associations with the bassinet. Make sure that each sleep time is calm and soothing for your little one. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, investing in comfortable jammies and ensuring gentle patience as they learn to self-soothe will all be factors that contribute to your long-term goal.
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Remember, transitioning your newborn into using a bassinet instead of sleeping in your arms will take time and patience. Celebrate every small victory on this journey, even if there are one-step-forwards-two-steps-back moments at times — know that those are okay too. You’re doing an amazing job so far, mama! In due time, they’ll learn how safe and cozy their bassinet really is.
Wrapping Up: A Journey to Bassinet Bliss
As with any milestone or change you’ll introduce along the way while raising your little one, remember that no two babies are alike — especially concerning timelines! Just keep pushing forward with these strategies in mind (and boatloads of grace!) and soon enough you’ll be experiencing the blissful nights’ rest you deserve. Here’s to hoping they start dreaming away in their bassinet soon — giving both you and babe some much-needed shut-eye!
Bringing a newborn home is magical, and yes, a little sleep-depriving. Equip yourself with our "Newborn Sleep Survival Toolkit," designed to help you navigate those first few sleep-challenged months. From establishing routines to understanding sleep cues, this toolkit is a must-have for every new parent aiming for more zzz's.