Why Your Infant Won’t Sleep in Bassinet

It feels discouraging when you’ve done everything “right” — fed, burped, swaddled — and the second you lay your baby in the bassinet, their eyes pop open and the crying begins. Here’s the truth:

    •    Bassinet sleep is a skill. Babies aren’t born loving flat surfaces. In the womb they had constant movement, warmth, and sound. The bassinet feels different.

    •    Development is at play. Newborns crave closeness, especially in the first 12 weeks. Their nervous systems are still maturing, and being alone in a bassinet can feel strange.

    •    Sleep cycles are short. Babies wake often in the early months, which makes it even harder to get consistent stretches in a bassinet.

When your baby won’t sleep in the bassinet, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means they need gentle guidance.

The Common Mistakes Parents Make

When desperation sets in, parent often fall into one of these traps:

    •    Holding all night long. Feels like the only way, but leaves you burnt out.

    •    Rocking to sleep every time. Works short-term, but baby never learns to settle without motion.

    •    Switching strategies nightly. Babies crave consistency. Constant change confuses them.

These patterns keep you stuck. To move forward, you need a plan.

How to Help Your Baby Sleep in the Bassinet

    1.    Create a womb-like environment.

Use a snug swaddle, white noise, and a dark room. This recreates the conditions your baby knew for nine months.

    2.    Lay baby down drowsy, not fully asleep.

This is the hardest shift, but it teaches your infant that the bassinet is where sleep happens.

    3.    Start with naps.

Practicing during the day takes the pressure off. Even one nap in the bassinet is progress.

    4.    Stay consistent.

Pick a routine and stick to it for several days before making changes. Babies need repetition to adjust.

When to Expect Success

Most babies can learn to sleep in a bassinet within days to weeks, not months. If your infant won’t sleep in the bassinet right now, remember: every baby can get there. With the right approach, your nights can shift from constant rocking to longer stretches of rest — for both of you.

The Takeaway

If your infant won’t sleep in the bassinet, it doesn’t mean bassinets “don’t work.” It means your baby needs support while learning this new skill. Think of the bassinet not as the problem, but as the training ground for independent sleep. With the right environment, routine, and consistency, your infant will not only sleep in the bassinet — they’ll thrive there.