Having a newborn sleep in a bassinet has several advantages. The baby might feel more secure in the smaller environment, and you will find the bassinet much more portable than a full-size crib. To get a baby to fall asleep in a bassinet, you need to encourage good sleep habits, just as if he were sleeping in a crib. When you are buying a bassinet for your newborn to use, read all specifications. In most cases, the newborn can sleep in the bassinet only until he reaches 20 pounds.
Step 1
Develop a bedtime routine. If you want the baby to ease into sleep when placed in the bassinet, stick to a nightly routine to tire her out. According to the Dr. Sears website, consistent bedtimes and before-bed rituals encourage the baby to sleep longer. For instance, you can put the newborn in the bath, feed her, sing her a song and then put her to bed.
Step 2
Put the baby to sleep in the same room as you. The advantage of a bassinet is that the newborn can room in with the mother. This gives the baby the comfort of having you close by.
Step 3
Lay the baby down when he is almost asleep. Instead of moving the baby into the bassinet when he is asleep, put him down when he is showing signs of tiredness, such as rubbing his eyes and yawning.
Step 4
Return the baby to the bassinet after feedings. Newborns tend to eat every three to four hours. To encourage the baby to feel comfortable sleeping in the bassinet, put her back into it after feedings.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to remove any loose bedding and toys before putting your newborn to sleep in the bassinet. According to the Babycenter website, this reduces the baby’s risk of suffocation.
