You’re not alone if your baby won’t sleep in bassinet. Many exhausted parents pace the floor at 2 a.m., wondering why their newborn snoozes peacefully in their arms—but wakes when laid down. The good news? There are calming, practical tricks that work—and they can help both you and your baby get the rest you deserve.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your baby won’t sleep in bassinet and what you can realistically do to fix it—without adding more stress to your plate.

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep in the Bassinet

Before jumping into solutions, let’s take a look at some common reasons your little one might be resisting their bassinet:

Why Your Baby Won’t Sleep in the Bassinet

1. They Prefer Warmth and Closeness

Newborns are used to the warm, cosy womb, so being laid flat in a cooler, open space can feel jarring.

2. Startle Reflex Wakes Them Up

Also called the Moro reflex, this involuntary movement can cause babies to switch arms and startle themselves awake—especially when transitioning from arms to bassinet.

3. Digestive Discomfort

Gas, reflux, or a recent feeding can make lying flat and uncomfortable. Babies may resist the bassinet if they associate it with tummy troubles.

4. They’re Overtired or Undertired

Timing is everything. A baby who’s not tired enough—or too tired—may have difficulty falling asleep in the bassinet.

Try These Calming Tricks That Work

If your baby doesn’t sleep in their bassinet, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with tried-and-true techniques parents swear by.

1. Warm the Bassinet First

Babies notice temperature changes. Try placing a warm (not hot) water bottle or heating pad in the bassinet for a few minutes before bedtime. Remove it before laying the baby down to avoid overheating, but the residual warmth can help ease the transition.

Never leave heat sources in the bassinet with your baby.

2. Swaddle for Comfort and Security

Swaddling helps reduce the startle reflex and mimics the feeling of being held. Use a breathable, secure swaddle that keeps their arms tucked in.

If your baby has outgrown swaddling or dislikes it, try a transitional sleep sack with gentle arm support.

3. Use White Noise

Babies are used to the whooshing sounds of the womb. A white noise machine or app can support creating a familiar, soothing sleep environment that masks household noises.

4. Establish a Soothing Pre-Sleep Routine

Even young babies benefit from simple routines. A short wind-down period before naps and bedtime can signal your baby that it’s time to sleep. Try:

5. Try the “Drowsy But Awake” Approach

If your baby always falls asleep in your arms, it might be startled when it wakes up elsewhere. Try putting it down when it’s drowsy but still awake to help it learn to fall asleep independently.

This might take a few tries—but it works wonders over time.

6. Incline for Reflux (If Recommended by Pediatrician)

Some babies sleep better on a slight incline due to reflux. While flat, firm surfaces are safest for sleep; your pediatrician may recommend a slight incline or bassinet wedge if reflux is a concern.

7. Short, Frequent Practice Sessions

Start during the day if your baby won’t sleep in the bassinet at night. Lay them down in the bassinet for short naps or even supervised quiet time while awake to build familiarity and comfort.

Final Thoughts:

When your baby doesn’t sleep in the bassinet, it can feel overwhelming—but it’s a common challenge, and you’re not alone. With patience, consistency, and a few calming tricks that work, you can create a more peaceful sleep routine for your little one.

Remember: progress might come in small steps, and that’s okay. Every baby is different, and what works for one may take time for another. Trust your intuitions, rely on your support system, and celebrate the little wins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my baby wake up as soon as I put her in the bassinet?

Your baby may notice the temperature, position, or environment change when you move from your arms to the bassinet, triggering the startle reflex or discomfort that wakes it up.

Why will my baby sleep on me but not in the bassinet?

Babies find comfort in your warmth, heartbeat, and scent—replicating the womb—so lying in a quiet, cool bassinet can feel unfamiliar and unsettling.

What to do if baby will only sleep on you?

To build comfort over time, try gradually transitioning to contact naps, using swaddling and white noise, and introducing short, supervised bassinet sessions.

How to transfer baby from breast to bassinet?

Wait until your baby is drowsy but not fully asleep, then gently place them in the warmed bassinet feet-first, keeping one hand on their chest for a few moments to ease the transition.