What to do if your baby won't sleep in bassinet

Introduction

Many parents experience this challenge: after feeding, rocking, and soothing their baby to sleep, the moment they lay them in the bassinet, their eyes snap open.

This is common in the early months, but understanding the reasons behind it can help make the transition smoother.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep in the Bassinet

1. The Startle Reflex

Newborns exhibit the Moro (startle) reflex, a sudden jerky movement that can wake them up as soon as they are laid down. This reflex peaks around 1–2 months and gradually fades by 4–6 months, often disrupting bassinet sleep.

2. Womb-Like Comfort

After months of snug security in the womb, the openness of a bassinet can feel unfamiliar. Babies naturally seek warmth, gentle pressure, and rhythmic sensations—all of which they experience when held.

3. Environmental Factors

Room temperature, lighting, noise, and bedding comfort all affect how secure and comfortable a baby feels. A bassinet that is too cold, too quiet, or overstimulating can make it difficult for a baby to settle.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep in the Bassinet

1. Swaddle to Calm the Startle Reflex

Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to soothe a restless baby. The Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap provides:

• Snug and secure fit to reduce the startle reflex
• Healthy hip movement for safe development
• Quick 2-step wrap system for stress-free swaddling

Swaddling also recreates the womb-like cocoon babies crave, making them feel secure even when lying in the bassinet.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

• Maintain room temperature between 68–72°F (20–22°C)
• Dim the lights and add white noise for gentle background sounds
• Combine this with the soft, breathable bamboo fabric of the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap to signal it’s time to rest

3. Follow Your Baby’s Sleep Window

Watch for natural sleep cues—yawning, rubbing eyes, zoning out—and lay your baby down before they become overtired. An overtired baby is often harder to settle in a bassinet.

If cues are hard to spot: Some babies don’t show obvious sleepy signs until they’re already overtired. Use average wake windows as a backup: before 3 months, most babies manage only about 20–75 minutes of awake time between naps. Start your wind-down routine before the end of the window to catch the “sweet spot” and reduce evening fussiness.

4.Practice at the Easiest Times

Bassinet sleep is a skill and often takes practice. Try bassinet lay-downs at the most forgiving times—bedtime or the first nap of the day—when sleep pressure is higher and your baby is most likely to accept the bassinet.

Begin with one successful session per day and build from there.

If your baby protests, reset with a contact nap and try again at the next optimal window to keep stress low.

5.Support Efficient Daytime Feeding

Well-fed babies tend to sleep longer stretches at night. Aim for consistent, efficient feeds during the day so they meet calorie needs before nighttime.

For many newborns, daytime feeds every 2–3 hours help maintain intake; you may need to gently wake from naps to keep feeds on track.

A fuller daytime “tank” can reduce frequent wake-ups and make bassinet sleep easier.

If you’re unsure about feeding amounts or schedules, consult your pediatrician or a lactation professional.

Final Thoughts

With consistent routines, a calm environment, and a supportive swaddle like the Momcozy Easy Swaddle Wrap, your baby can learn to sleep longer and more comfortably in their bassinet. Providing a secure, womb-like experience helps ease the transition and supports healthy sleep habits from the start.

Keep expectations gentle: Combine daytime feeding rhythm, wake-window awareness, and low-pressure practice at bedtime/first nap for steady progress without burnout.