How can I get DS to sleep in his Moses basket?

[Margie32]

Please help! DS is only 11 days old but I really want to get him into the habit of sleeping in his Moses basket. My Mum kept the Moses basket she had for me when I was a baby, paid to have it shipped over here to us in Spain but DS is having none of it. He's been sleeping on my feeding cushion in between DH & me in our bed, and I'm really not comfortable having him there.

I put him down after a full feed when he's changed and winded but as soon as he's in there he starts screaming. I've tried leaving him to cry, soothing him by stroking him, playing him white noise, swaddling him, but nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?

Okay - try putting a warm hot bottle in the basket whilst you are feeding him.

Then remove it before lying him on the warm spot.

They don't really like to be put from a lovely warm area (your chest) onto cold sheets so that should help.

Also, gently keep hold of him until you feel him relax and his arms aren't tense. Keep your hand on his tummy until you know he's in a proper sleep. Then gradually remove hands.

Hope you don't have creaky floorboards - every one of our houses had creaky floorboards when the kids were babies!

It took about 3 months before ds slept all night in his basket. just keep perseverinng amd he will. Obviously he wants to be as near you as he can, he's only just come out :) In the meanime, have a look at the guidelines for safe co-sleeping.

ps our basket was the one i had as a baby too :)

I tried everything with my dd. EVERYTHING. hot water bottles, breast milk on sheets, etc etc etc. In the end she came in with us till she was nearly two. Was a relief when I allowed myself to finally stop trying and just cuddle up... good luck, but don't give yourself a hard time if she won't. some babies just want to be close all the time...

Where does he nap during the day? I only ask as your ds sounds like my dd. She's four weeks now and like previous post, once dh and I accepted she wasn't going to jump into her basket but would sleep with us, it really took the stress out of those first few overwhelming and confusing days.

She also napped on us in the day and gated being put down anywhere. Little by little though she is getting more and more independent and lying under her baby gym or sitting in her bouncy chair. I think just taking a deep breath and knowing that they change from week to week is the key. We will keep perservering with the basket, if only to get our evenings back but your LO is still teeny and loves being so close to you for the moment.