My Newborn Won't Sleep Unless They're Held
Are you wondering how to get your newborn sleeping well inside the bassinet, instead of in your arms? If your baby can't sleep unless you hold them, this video is for you.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Will your newborn only sleep in your arms? I have 3 tips to help with that so your newborn can learn to sleep in the bassinet or crib.
I’m Jilly, pediatric nurse, LC, mom of 2 and I help tired parents get their babies sleeping great so they can LOVE this phase of raising babies.
Lets get to it, shall we?
First, let me explain WHY your newborn only wants to sleep ON you.
In the womb, your baby was always the right temperature, never hungry, soothed by your movements and always able to hear your heartbeat. That goes a long way with keeping your baby content!
Now that your newborn is in the big, bad world they’re learning to cope with bright lights, tummy gas, hunger, loud noises and Aunt Carol holding them in awkward positions.
It’s very normal for newborns to want to be held for sleep. This is where they feel safest and most secure.
Being in your arms (or on your chest) is as close to the womb as your baby is going to get.
Second, when your baby sleeps on your chest it means that they are sleeping on their tummy. This light pressure on their abdomen helps expel tummy gas (which can get painful for newborns) and aids digestion.
Next, newborns are born with the Moro reflex (also called the “startle reflex”). You see this reflex when your baby startles or shakes their arms when you place them down on their back.
Your newborn only wants to sleep on you because this means they’re sleeping on their tummy, which helps to dampen the Moro reflex. They can sleep longer and longer.
The truth is that babies sleep better on their tummies and letting your baby sleep on your chest, while you’re awake, is totally fine. When your newborn is sleeping anywhere else, like the bassinet or crib, they must sleep on their back.
A lot of parents wonder if it’s BAD to hold their newborn while they sleep.
It’s very normal and natural to hold your newborn while they sleep. It can help to strengthen your bond, lower your stress levels and help establish breastfeeding. Holding your baby while they sleep as a newborn won’t lead to them not being able to sleep in a bassinet or crib, ever.
If, on the other hand, you’re at the mercy of a baby who will only sleep in your arms or feeling like you’re trapped on the sofa several hours everyday so your baby can sleep, you’ll want to get this guide on getting your newborn to accept the bassinet.
I’ll give you a few tips now from my guide but definitely get the free download so you can get ALL the advice…
FREE DOWNLOAD: www.babysleepmadesimple.com/n...
Warm the bassinet sheet
Your baby may be jolting awake when you place them in the bassinet because the sheet is cold! To prevent this, put a heating pad on low or warm the sheet up with a heavy blanket about 30 minutes before your baby goes into the bassinet.
Always check to ensure that the sheet isn’t too warm (if using a heating pad or hot water bottle). And always remove any loose blankets before your baby is placed in the bassinet.
This can help the transition from your warm body to the bassinet go much easier.
Position your baby correctly
If you’re placing your baby into the bassinet already asleep, make sure to lower their body down so their feet touch the bed first (rather than their head).
Going down “head first” can often cause your baby to startle awake when they touch the mattress.
Also, place your baby in the bassinet with their feet touching the bottom side (rather than right in the middle where they may not be able to touch any of the sides). When babies are able to feel the boundary of their bassinet, it gives them added security and helps them relax.
Start watching wake windows
Start keeping track of the amount of time your baby is awake between naps (called “wake windows.”) Encouraging your baby to nap every 30-90 minutes will help them fall asleep easier, sleep better and accept the bassinet.
You can learn all ten steps for getting your baby to sleep in the bassinet by clicking here: www.babysleepmadesimple.com/n...
If you have any questions about your baby’s sleep, drop them in the comments. Take Care!