Getting babies to fall asleep is just half the battle. Equally difficult is to get babies to sleep longer, or even throughout the night. While there's no magic solution to the crying baby, there are things you can do improve your baby's sleep. Babies sleep less as they get older, so don't be surprised if 20 hours a day eventually turn into 16 or 15.
Step 1
Determine a good sleeping place. Some babies sleep better in their own cribs while others rest more comfortably in their parents' bed. Try different rooms or corners to see what the baby prefers. Preferences may also change as the baby grows, so move the crib's position if the baby doesn't seem to be comfortable anymore.
Step 2
Keep the bedroom dark. Bright lights, especially in the early morning, can wake up babies and make it difficult for them to go back to sleep. Hang dark curtains or install blinds. Positioning the crib in the darkest corner of the room can also help.
Step 3
Have background noise on throughout the night or the time you want the baby to stay asleep. White noise can be soothing to babies and helps them sleep better. CDs with sounds such as running water, a fan running in the room or even a loud clock can work. You can also record these sounds and simply play them in a loop throughout the night. You can also try a CD with soft music, such as lullabies.
Step 4
Adjust the room's temperature to around 70 degrees F. Make sure the air is not too dry, as this can cause difficulties in breathing. A humidifier or vaporizer can help regulate the air in the room and, because they hum when they're running, they can also serve as background noise.
Step 5
Figure out the baby's preferences. Some babies do better in all natural materials, such as all-cotton onesies. Some babies will cry when their diapers are soiled, but others will stay asleep. If your baby doesn't wake up because of a wet diaper, let her sleep and change her in the morning.
