A bassinet is a safe sleeping space for a newborn as it is smaller than a crib, takes up less space, and is accessible.
Establishing a bedtime routine, a comfy sleeping area for your baby, placement of a bassinet in your access, etc, maybe the worth following. It will work more than anything for your baby to establish his or her habit to sleep except in your arms.
As the newborn spends most of their time sleeping, a designated space is required for the child’s safety and the parent’s convenience. Providing your child with a sleeping routine will help you in the future with potty training and having a fixed time for the child’s business.
Some parents may feel like their baby is crying too much. You can know all about how long will a baby cry before falling asleep in our guide.
Tips to help your baby sleep in a bassinet
If your baby has a hard time adapting to the new environment for his sleep, here are ideas that might help:
Hannah Holt
Start with a midday nap
Try observing the first day by practicing the bassinet routine for daytime naps. Cradle the baby in your arms, gently place him into the bassinet and observe. If the baby becomes restless, try distracting him with shhs and lullabies. If he continues to be uneasy, pick him up and repeat the process. This will familiarize the baby with his sleeping crib and consider it a friendly and safe environment.
Come up with a bedtime routine
You must fix a bedtime or naptime routine for the child to calm down and prepare him for sleep. The routine can include simple calming exercises like reading a book, taking a bath, listening to lullabies, etc. The child’s comfort should be the parent’s priority.
Keep the bassinet close to your bed
This will provide the child with comfort and belonging and keep the bassinet accessible to the parent.
Swaddle your child
It mimics the womb and decreases limb activity. You can use a large receiving blanket or a special swaddle wrap to swaddle your baby. The swaddle should wrap just snugly enough to keep their arms from jerking. However, the swaddle should not be so tight that you cannot fit two fingers under the top of the swaddle.
Make sure that your baby isn’t overstimulated before bedtime
An overtired baby who hasn’t napped during the day might have trouble falling asleep at night. Create a plan with specific hours dedicated to playtime, away from bedtime, to keep your child in a routine that ultimately leads to peaceful sleep.
Hannah Holt
Make sure that the baby is placed in the bassinet awake
This helps make the baby feel comfortable and aware that he is safely in the presence of their parents.
The lamp in the baby’s room should be dim
As babies like it pitch dark to nap. Provide a sound-free environment and avoid places where there might be foot traffic.
A sudden temperature change might wake the baby up
So heat the mattress cover and the waddle sheet beforehand.
Measures to be taken for the baby’s safety in the bassinet
- The bassinet should be for one baby alone; sharing the crib or bassinet might be harmful and could get stuffy.
- The mattress in the bassinet should be firm.
- The bassinet shouldn’t be filled with stuffed toys or loose blankets as it might create the risk of suffocation.
- If a swaddle wrap is used, ensure it starts from the baby’s shoulders.
Reasons why it’s important for a baby to sleep in a bassinet
Sleeping Habits
It’s convenient for the parents to cradle their little one the first few months, but ultimately, as the child grows, it becomes harder to get rid of strong habits that associate the child with sleep and the environment he or she is used to. The reliance on being held while staying asleep is not practical in the long run and would lead to restless nights.
To remove the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome)
A bassinet prevents the risk of suffocation and tripping over, and according to the CDC’s safe sleep guidelines, babies should sleep in the bassinet rather than sleeping in bed with their parents. Because it prevents the risk of SIDS.
Reasons why your baby can’t sleep in a bassinet
- If your infant is used to sleeping in your arms, it might take him a while to get familiar with the bassinet. To wean him off the habit, reassure him of your presence when he’s placed in the bassinet, and keep him comforted throughout his nap. It might take some time, but ultimately, he’ll get used to the bassinet.
- Another reason for their discomfort might be his sickness. Keep an eye out for congestion, a runny nose, an upset tummy, and other factors that might disturb your infant from his sleep.
- Overstimulation can also be the cause of the baby’s wakefulness. Fix up a routine for the child to avoid play hours interrupting the sleep hours.
FAQ’S
Is there any alternative for bassinets?
Bassinets are the best option for safety and convenience. They are pretty accessible, easily available, and child safe. Although some people do prefer co-sleeping or DIY-ing a bassinet, an actual bassinet is the safest recommended option.
What to do when the infant is co-sleeping?
Try changing the routine and moving play hours away from the sleep hours. Make them feel relaxed before bedtime and put up some comforting rhymes.
Provide him with an environment that stimulates sleep. The key is to create womb-like sensations for the child’s familiarity.
You can also know everything about a baby sleeping with a lovey.
Conclusion
Setting a routine and taking baby steps for the child's development is the best way to go about it. Patience, love, and comfort should be prioritized for the child’s needs.
