He refuses the bassinet and only sleeps next to me, what should I do?

Bassinet refusal, particularly in early months, is a common issue. For babies, your scent, warmth, and movement mean safety—sleeping next to you provides exactly that. Transitioning to the bassinet works best through small, gradual steps.

First, try putting him in the bassinet when he's drowsy but not yet fully asleep. This supports his skill to fall asleep on his own. When he wakes at night, before picking him up immediately, try placing your hand on his chest and making "shhh" sounds to soothe him.

Another practical step: start one of his daytime naps in the bassinet. If he's already familiar with it during the day, nighttime transition will be easier. Make sure your bed and bassinet are positioned right next to each other—for a while, you can even leave one side of the bassinet open and position it flush with your bed, so the physical distance gradually increases.

Consistency and patience matter most through this. It may not happen in a few nights, but the bassinet should become a safe space, not a punishment. If the transition takes longer than 2-3 weeks and your baby shows significant distress, feeding refusal, or constant crying, consult your pediatrician.