Newborn infants sleep 16 to 20 hours a day. As your infant gets older, she begins to sleep less and her sleep schedule may not be the same as yours.You can't force an infant to sleep, and some parenting experts such as Dr. William Sears do not advocate just letting your infant "cry it out." While every infant is different, there are some techniques you can try to get your infant to sleep.
Develop a Schedule
Babies who have a regular schedule often have an easier time getting to sleep. Just like adults, when babies go to bed at the same time each night, it conditions them to feel tired around their normal bed time, according to AskDrSears.com. Set up a nighttime ritual that leads up to bedtime to get your infant in the mood to sleep. For example, read him a story or give him a bath. This will help condition him to expect to go to sleep, and he may go to sleep more easily.
Fill Her Up
Your baby may have a difficult time going to sleep because she is hungry. Nurse her or give her a bottle right before bed to ensure that she won't be irritable when it's time to sleep. Some parents nurse the baby to sleep or let an older baby sleep with her bottle. If that works for you and your baby, that is fine. Remove the bottle once you are sure she is sleeping to prevent cavities forming because of the milk or formula and so she won't choke.
Remove Discomforts
You baby may be having a hard time sleeping because she is uncomfortable. She may be too hot or too cold, for example. Or her sleepwear might be scratchy or uncomfortable. There may be too much light or not enough. If she is teething, her teeth might hurt. Wet diapers also cause some infants to be irritable around bedtime. You may have to use your investigative skills to find what is bothering her.
Have a Peaceful Evening
Try not to engage in loud or boisterous play before bedtime. Just as you wouldn't get up and run a mile before bed, you can't expect your baby to be able to sleep if he was just very active or stimulated. Try to have a quiet period before bedtime so he can wind down before you lay him down. Eliminate as many loud noises or distractions as possible. For example, if he gets excited by having the family pet around, put the pet in another room before bedtime.
Rock You Baby
Many babies enjoy being rocked, swung in a baby swings or gently bounced in a bouncing chair meant for babies. Some believe that motion comforts them because it is like the gentle swaying they experienced in the womb. Be very careful, especially with small babies or babies without good head control, who may get injured if they are swung too vigorously or bounced too hard. If your baby is too young for a swing or bouncing chair, simply walking with your baby in your arms may be enough to get her to sleep.
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