How to Get a Newborn to Sleep in a Bassinet

As a new parent, your need for sleep is usually a top priority, but one that can elude you. One step toward obtaining a few hours of uninterrupted rest is to get your newborn baby to sleep in a bassinet. It can be a daunting task at first. There are a couple of items you will need to encourage your newborn to start sleeping independently. However, if you can get your newborn to sleep for a few hours in a safe bassinet, you too might be able to get some well-deserved rest.

Things You'll Need

  • Feeding supplies
  • A quiet space
  • Safe bassinet
  • Baby monitor

Instructions

    • 1

      Get your plan prepared ahead of time so that you have everything that is required to get your baby to sleep. Make a list of the things you will need.

    • 2
      Moses baskets work well as bassinets.

      Put your bassinet together properly according to the instructions. You may want to check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recalls that may apply to the bassinet you have bought. A Moses basket can also be used as a newborn bassinet if you do not like the idea of constructing one from a box.

    • 3
      Rock baby in a quiet place.

      Find a quiet place where you can hold and rock your baby. Preferably this spot will be in the same room or area as your bassinet. By being in the same area, you minimize movement when you shift your newborn from your arms to the bassinet.

    • 4
      Feed your baby.

      Offer your newborn the breast or the bottle, depending on which method of feeding you have chosen, while you rock the baby in your quiet place. Let your baby feed until he is full or has fallen asleep. Babies with full tummies will sleep longer.

    • 5
      Put your newborn to sleep on his back.

      Carefully move her from your arms gently into the bassinet. Be sure to move in a slow fluid motion so that she doesn't feel the sensation of being dropped. Studies have shown that the best sleeping position for babies is flat on their backs. By putting your baby to sleep in this position you help combat the threat of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

    • 6

      Set up a one-way baby monitor so that you can quietly leave the room but still hear him breathing or moving.

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