How To Get Newborn To Sleep in Bassinet? — 6 Gentle Tips

You picked out a bassinet hoping for peaceful nights, only to discover your newborn refuses to sleep in it. If that sounds like your current reality, you’re not alone — many new parents face this same struggle.

To your baby, the bassinet feels nothing like the warm, snug womb they just left. It’s still, wide, and unfamiliar — which can feel overwhelming for such a tiny human.

The trick is to help your baby transition gently by recreating the comfort and security they’re used to.

Once you do that, the bassinet can become a safe, soothing place to sleep.

Yes, those early weeks are a whirlwind — and no baby comes with a manual. But the tips in this guide will help you turn the bassinet into a cozy, restful space your baby will actually enjoy.

How To Get Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet?

When I had my first baby, getting them to sleep in the bassinet was one of the biggest challenges I faced. No matter what I tried, my little one just wouldn’t settle in it at night — and the frustration (and lack of sleep) was very real.

So I started digging into the reasons why. I tested different methods, read expert advice, and most importantly — paid attention to what actually worked for my baby.

Now, I want to share those same tips with you. These aren’t just random tricks — they’re real-life strategies that have helped me and many other parents. With a little patience and consistency, they can help your baby sleep in the bassinet more peacefully, too.

Tip #1: Make the Bassinet Comfortable for Infants

If your baby feels uncomfortable in the bassinet, they won’t sleep there — no matter how hard you try. That’s why many parents choose a modern bassinet that offers extra comfort and gentle motion.

But don’t worry — you can still create that cozy feeling manually.

Start by helping your baby feel your presence. Babies are naturally comforted by familiar smells, especially yours.

Try placing a recently worn shirt or cloth in the bassinet for an hour before laying your baby down.

This transfers your scent and makes the space feel more familiar.

According to the Society for Research in Child Development, babies who smell their parent’s scent tend to settle faster because they associate it with feeding, cuddling, and warmth.

Also, keep the bassinet close to your bed. This helps your baby feel more secure and allows you to comfort them quickly if they stir during the night.

The AAP recommends room-sharing for the first 6–12 months — it helps lower the risk of SIDS and supports bonding.

🎥 Watch this video on how to help your baby fall asleep in a bassinet:

Another important factor? Room temperature. Babies wake more easily if they’re too hot or cold. Try to keep the room between 68–72°F (20–22°C) for ideal sleep comfort. For extra tips, check out our guide: How to Keep Bassinet Warm

Note:- If you liked these suggestions, don’t miss our full guide: How to Make a Bassinet More Comfortable for a Baby

Tip #2: Swaddle Them to Give the Comfort of the Womb

Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to help your newborn sleep in a bassinet — especially if they haven’t started rolling over yet. It mimics the snug, secure feeling of the womb and helps them feel safe when transitioning from your arms to the bassinet.

Why this works: Newborns have a natural startle reflex called the Moro reflex, where they suddenly flail their arms and legs in response to sound or movement. This reflex can easily wake them up.

Startle reflex refers to an involuntary motor response that infants develop shortly after birth. A Moro reflex may involve the infant suddenly splaying their arms and moving their legs before bringing their arms in front of their body. (Medical News Today)

Swaddling gently contains these movements, helping your baby stay asleep longer without sudden jolts.

When my baby refused to sleep in the bassinet, swaddling saved us. I used a soft swaddle blanket to wrap him snugly and waited until he was calm and drowsy before laying him down.

And it’s not just about stillness — swaddling also helps babies feel emotionally secure.

According to research in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, swaddled babies show lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), making it easier for them to self-soothe and fall asleep.

🎥 Want to learn how to swaddle correctly? Watch this quick how-to video by UPMC:

Swaddling also helps reduce anxiety — giving your baby that calming, familiar hug they miss from the womb.

Tip #3: Lay Them Down Awake

One of the most helpful habits you can build is placing your baby in the bassinet while they’re drowsy but still awake.

Many parents (myself included!) wait until their baby is completely asleep before transferring them from their arms to the bassinet. But more often than not, that move wakes the baby, leading to more frustration and less rest.

Instead, try laying your baby down when they’re calm and just on the edge of sleep.

This small shift helps them learn how to fall asleep on their own — right in the bassinet.

Why this works: When babies fall asleep in your arms and wake up somewhere else, they may feel confused or even unsafe.

Sleep experts refer to this as a “sleep association” — your baby learns to connect sleep with being held instead of being in the bassinet.

Expert Insight: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises placing babies in their crib or bassinet when they are drowsy but still awake. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own, fostering self-soothing. (behaviors.healthychildren.org)

If your baby is a little fussy before bedtime, take a few moments to soothe them — but try to lay them down before they’re fully asleep.

🎥 Need help calming your baby before bedtime? Watch this soothing technique video by Dr. Robert Hamilton:

This simple practice builds an essential sleep skill — helping your baby fall asleep independently and stay asleep longer.

Tip #4: Make a Concrete Bedtime Routine

Having a solid bedtime routine isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Without one, your baby might become overtired and fussy, making it even harder to settle in the bassinet.

A consistent routine helps your baby understand what comes next.

When the same calming steps happen every night, your little one starts associating those activities with sleep — making the transition smoother and more predictable.

Why this works?

Babies thrive on rhythm. Routine helps regulate their internal clock (circadian rhythm) and teaches them when it’s time to wind down.

Research shows that consistent bedtime routines can improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime wake-ups. (source)

Try building your routine with a few simple activities:

• A warm bath
• A gentle massage
• Feeding (breast or bottle)
• Soft lullabies or quiet cuddles

Expert Insight: According to the National Library of Medicine, a calm and predictable bedtime routine helps babies develop healthy sleep habits and recognize when it’s time for rest — even in the newborn stage.

And don’t worry — you don’t have to bathe your baby every night. The NHS suggests bathing just two to three times a week. On other days, a quick wipe-down is just fine.

🎥 Want a refresher on how to safely bathe a newborn? Watch this video:

Keep the routine gentle, simple, and repeatable. Babies feel most secure in calm, familiar environments — and that security helps them settle easier into the bassinet.

What Else Parents Are Trying?

Every baby is different, so what works for one might not work for another. That’s why many parents try a mix of approaches before finding what helps their newborn sleep best in a bassinet.

Here are some popular ideas other parents swear by:

• White Noise Machines – Soft, consistent noise helps block out background sounds and mimics the whooshing sounds of the womb.
• Gentle Motion Bassinets – Some babies sleep better with a little rocking or swaying. These bassinets mimic the movement your baby felt in the womb or stroller.
• Warm Water Bottle Trick – Before laying your baby down, place a warm (not hot) water bottle on the bassinet mattress for a few minutes to take the chill off. Remove it before placing your baby down.
• Bedtime Massage – A gentle rub on the back, arms, or legs can relax your baby’s nervous system. Add soft humming or a lullaby for even more comfort.
• Dimmed Lights & Calm Environment – Keep lights low and voices soft during bedtime. This sets the mood and helps your baby recognize it’s time to wind down.

Many parents find success by combining two or three of these techniques based on their baby’s personality and cues. Don’t worry if something doesn’t work right away — a little trial and error is totally normal.

Troubleshooting Newborn Sleep in the Bassinet

Even when you’re doing everything right, your baby might still resist sleeping in the bassinet — and that’s okay. Below is a quick guide to help you figure out what’s going wrong and how to adjust.

This chart helps identify what’s really going on and gives you simple, effective fixes to try. With consistency and a few tweaks, your baby will grow more comfortable in their bassinet.

Word of Advice

Getting good sleep isn’t just important for your baby — it matters for you, too. When your newborn struggles to sleep in a bassinet, it affects their mood and development, and it takes a real toll on your energy and mental well-being.

Remember, it’s completely normal for babies to resist the bassinet in those early weeks. They’re transitioning from the warm, cozy womb to a flat, open sleep surface — it’s a big shift for such a tiny human.

The most important thing you can do? Stay consistent. Stick with the tips you’ve learned, keep your routine calm and familiar, and give your baby time to adjust. That safe, comforting space you’re creating will start to feel like home.

📢 Here’s a helpful video on newborn sleep if you need more guidance:

With practice and a bit of trial and error — you’ll both start sleeping better. And you’ll feel more confident as a parent with each passing night.

We hope these answers help you feel more confident and get you those precious extra hours of rest.

Now it’s your turn! Which tip worked best for you? Share your story in the comments your experience could help another tired parent. And don’t forget to share this article because sharing is caring!

Q: Tips to Get a Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet?

A: The best way to get a newborn to sleep in a bassinet is to make it feel safe, familiar, and comfortable. Start by swaddling your baby to mimic the womb’s snugness, and place them in the bassinet when they’re drowsy but still awake. Keep the bassinet near your bed so your baby senses your presence. Adding a cloth with your scent and using white noise can also create a calming sleep environment that helps newborns settle faster.

Q: How to Get Newborn Used to Bassinet?

A: To help your newborn get used to the bassinet, introduce it gradually. Start with daytime naps in the bassinet before transitioning to nighttime sleep. Swaddle your baby for comfort, maintain a consistent sleep routine, and keep the bassinet close to your bed. Ensuring the bassinet smells like you can also help your baby feel safe and familiar with the new space.

Q: How to Train Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet

A: Training a newborn to sleep in a bassinet involves creating a predictable sleep routine and encouraging self-soothing. Place your baby in the bassinet when they are drowsy but still awake so they learn to settle in the bassinet. Swaddle for comfort, keep the bassinet near your bed, and soothe gently if they fuss without immediately picking them up. Consistency and a calming bedtime routine help babies adapt to sleeping in the bassinet.

Q: The Best Way for Newborn to Sleep in Bassinet

A: The safest and best way for a newborn to sleep in a bassinet is on their back, on a firm, flat mattress with no pillows, blankets, or toys. Swaddling can provide additional comfort by mimicking the womb, and placing the bassinet near your bed helps babies feel secure. Keeping the room temperature between 68–72°F (20–22°C) also promotes better sleep.

Q: Why Does My Newborn Hate the Bassinet?

A: Newborns often resist sleeping in a bassinet because it feels unfamiliar compared to the snug, warm environment of the womb. To ease the transition, swaddle your baby for comfort, place a cloth with your scent in the bassinet, and ensure the space is warm and cozy. Gradual transitions, starting with naps, can also help your baby adjust.

Q: How Should Newborn Sleep in a Bassinet?

A: A newborn should sleep on their back in a bassinet with a firm, flat mattress free of pillows, blankets, or toys. Swaddling can provide added comfort, and placing the bassinet near your bed helps your baby feel secure. Keeping the room temperature between 68–72°F (20–22°C) promotes better sleep.

Q: How to Put Newborn in Bassinet?

A: To place a newborn in a bassinet, first swaddle them for comfort. Gently lower the baby feet-first, then lay the rest of their body down slowly to avoid triggering the startle reflex. Place them down when they’re drowsy but awake to help them learn to settle in the bassinet on their own.

Q: Why Does My Newborn Refuse to Sleep in the Bassinet?

A: Newborns often refuse to sleep in a bassinet because they miss the warmth, motion, and snugness of being held. To help, swaddle your baby to mimic the womb, use white noise to recreate soothing sounds, and place a familiar-scented cloth in the bassinet. Keeping the bassinet close to your bed can also provide reassurance.

Q: Do You Have to Swaddle a Newborn in a Bassinet?

A:Swaddling is not mandatory, but it helps many newborns sleep better in a bassinet by preventing the startle reflex. If your baby dislikes swaddling, you can use a sleep sack to provide gentle containment and warmth while keeping them safe.