My Baby Hates His Crib (or Bassinet!) — What’s Really Going On?

baby sleeping in the bassinet

One of the most common struggles I hear from parents in those first few weeks is:

"Every time I try to put my baby in the crib or bassinet, they scream the second their body touches it!"

If this sounds like your nights right now, you’re not alone. It’s actually very normal. Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to gently help your little one adjust.

Why Your Baby Might Resist the Crib or Bassinet

Newborns spend nine months tucked into the coziest environment imaginable—your womb. It’s warm, snug, constantly moving, and filled with soothing sounds. When they’re suddenly placed flat on their backs in a wide-open, quiet bassinet, it feels very different (and sometimes a little unsettling).

A few common reasons babies cry when placed in their crib:

• The transition feels too abrupt — going from warm arms to a flat mattress can be jarring.

• They’re not used to lying flat — many newborns are okay on their backs in your arms or bed but protest in the bassinet.

• They simply need time — adapting to a new sleep environment can take weeks, not days.

The good news? With consistency and the right soothing tools, most babies do learn to sleep happily in their bassinet.

How to Help Your Baby Adjust

1. Stay Consistent

Keep offering the crib or bassinet. It may take time, but every exposure helps your baby get more comfortable. Switching to a different bed every night can make the adjustment even harder.

2. Spend Awake Time in the Bassinet

Let your baby explore the space when they’re awake and happy. A few minutes here and there helps it feel more familiar.

3. Use Your Newborn Power Tools

These little helpers can make the crib feel more soothing:

• Swaddle: mimics the snug feeling of the womb.

• White noise: recreates the constant sounds your baby is used to.

• Pacifier: offers comfort through sucking.

4. Start Sleep in the Bassinet

Instead of waiting until your baby is fully asleep in your arms (and then hoping for a smooth transfer), try putting them down calm but awake. Stay nearby and use gentle soothing like patting, rubbing, or leaving your hand on their tummy.

This way, your baby learns that the bassinet is where sleep begins.

5. Try the Soothing Ladder

Think of it as a step-by-step approach: start with the least intervention (hand on baby, gentle shush), then move up only if needed (rocking, picking up). Over time, your baby may need fewer steps to settle.

Read about this method here.

A Quick Reality Check

If you’ve already tried a few bassinets and are tempted to buy another one—pause. Most of the time, it’s not the bassinet. It’s simply that your baby hasn’t had enough time or practice to adjust.

Some babies settle in a few days, while others may take several weeks. Both are completely normal.

If your baby cries the moment you put them in their crib or bassinet, it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It just means they’re adjusting to a brand-new way of sleeping. With consistency, soothing tools, and a little patience, most babies will learn to feel comfortable there.

You’re doing a wonderful job, mom —hang in there!