Why Your Baby Hates the Bassinet (and How to Fix It)
If your baby sleeps peacefully in your arms but cries the moment you place them in the bassinet, you are not alone! And you are definitely not doing anything wrong, promise!
This is one of the most common struggles new parents face in the early weeks. Many families start to worry something is “wrong” with their baby, the bassinet, or their approach to sleep. In reality, what’s happening is completely normal newborn behavior.
Your baby doesn’t hate the bassinet because you picked the wrong one. They resist it because it feels unfamiliar and because life outside the womb is a big adjustment.
As a postpartum doula who has helped hundreds of newborn parents get their babies to go from hating their bassinet to loving it, I’m here to help!
Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to gently help your baby feel more comfortable sleeping in their bassinet.
The Bassinet Is a Huge Sensory Shift for Your Baby
Before birth, your baby spent months in an environment that was:
Warm and snug
Constantly moving
Loud and rhythmic
Tight and contained
The womb provided pressure, motion, and sound 24/7. A bassinet, by comparison, is flat, still, open, and quiet. To an adult, that sounds peaceful. To a newborn, it can feel startling and unsafe.
This sudden shift is one of the biggest reasons babies struggle with bassinet sleep in the early weeks.
What Helps
You can’t recreate the womb exactly, but you can make the bassinet feel more familiar:
Swaddle snugly to provide gentle pressure
Use white noise to mimic womb sounds
Keep the room dim and calm
Lower baby slowly and intentionally into the bassinet
Think “slow, quiet, predictable.” Babies respond best to smooth transitions.
The Startle Reflex Is Working Against You
Newborns are born with a strong Moro (startle) reflex. When they feel like they’re falling or suddenly unsupported, their arms and legs jerk outward and it often wakes them up completely.
This reflex is especially triggered when babies are laid flat into a bassinet.
What Helps
Use a proper swaddle with arms contained (if safe and age-appropriate)
Place baby down bottom first, then shoulders, then head
Keep a hand on baby’s chest for a few seconds after placing them down
Avoid quick movements or sudden changes
The startle reflex fades with time, but in the beginning, swaddling can make a significant difference.
Your Baby May Be Uncomfortable Lying Flat
Sometimes bassinet resistance isn’t about sleep at all, but about comfort.
Newborns commonly experience:
Gas or trapped air
Reflux symptoms
Hunger shortly after feeds
Discomfort from a wet or dirty diaper
Lying flat can make these sensations way more noticeable to them.
What Helps
Burp baby thoroughly after feeds
Hold upright for 10–15 minutes before laying down
Change diapers before sleep
Pay attention to feeding cues, even if baby just ate
If reflux symptoms seem frequent or severe, it’s always worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Timing Matters More Than You Think
A baby who is overtired often fights sleep harder, not easier. At the same time, a baby who isn’t tired enough may protest being put down.
Newborns have very short awake windows. Missing that window by even a few minutes can make settling much more difficult.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Sleep
Red or heavy eyelids
Slower movements
Staring off or zoning out
Brief fussing that escalates quickly
What Helps
Watch your baby, not the clock
Start the wind-down process at the first signs of tiredness
Avoid waiting until baby is fully crying before trying to settle
Sleep often goes better when baby is calm but drowsy and not overtired or overstimulated.
Your Baby Wants Closeness (and That’s Normal!)
One of the hardest truths for new parents is that sometimes your baby doesn’t want the bassinet because they want you.
Your warmth, heartbeat, scent, and movement are deeply regulating for your baby’s nervous system. Especially in the first few weeks, many babies sleep best when held.
This does not mean you are creating bad habits or doing something wrong.
It means your baby is biologically wired for connection.
What Helps (Without Forcing Independence)
Practice bassinet sleep during daytime naps first
Use consistent sleep cues so baby learns what comes next
Give yourself permission to meet your baby where they are
Independent sleep is a skill that develops gradually and it’s not something babies are born knowing how to do.
How to Gently Encourage Bassinet Sleep
If bassinet sleep feels impossible right now, focus on progress — not perfection.
Here are gentle ways to help your baby adjust over time:
Create Predictable Sleep Cues
Simple routines signal safety and sleep:
Dim lights
White noise
Swaddle
Gentle rocking or holding
Consistency matters more than complexity.
Try “Drowsy but Awake” (When It Feels Right)
Placing baby down when they’re calm and sleepy — but not fully asleep — can help them learn to settle in their sleep space.
This won’t work every time, especially early on, and that’s okay.
Start Small
Even one successful bassinet nap per day is progress. Over time, these moments add up.
What Not to Do
When sleep deprivation hits, it’s tempting to try anything, but safety always comes first.
Avoid:
Adding loose blankets, pillows, or positioners
Propping baby on an incline in the bassinet
Comparing your baby to others
Safe sleep guidelines recommend:
Baby on their back
Firm, flat surface
Empty bassinet with a fitted sheet only
If you’re unsure about safe sleep practices, a postpartum doula can help walk you through options that support both safety and rest.
Your baby doesn’t hate the bassinet because you failed! They resist it because they’re adjusting to life outside the womb.
This phase is common, temporary, and incredibly hard when you’re exhausted. With time, consistency, and support, most babies learn to sleep comfortably in their bassinet.
And if it still feels overwhelming, that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong! It means you might need more support.
If you’re ready for more hands-on help, Bring Home Bliss offers gentle, expert-led baby sleep programs designed to help your newborn sleep more comfortably and give you the rest you need.
