There are no rules once a baby is born. It may seem easy on television or in the movies when loving parents kiss their baby twice, put him down in his crib and watch him drift off to sleep. It doesn't often happen like that. Many babies are not quite so easy when it comes to bedtime. Most parents like to establish a bedtime routine for their babies to help them get to sleep easier.
Step 1
Help your child develop a positive attitude about nighttime sleeping. Many children who have sleeping problems developed these issues as babies. It's important to make your child feel comfortable, secure and confident when she goes to sleep. Use kind words and a pleasant tone of voice when describing the importance of going to sleep and stay as calm as possible.
Step 2
Maintain a flexible attitude when your child is going to sleep. Your child may learn to relax when you put her in your lap, sit in a rocking chair and put pleasant music on the CD. While that may have worked on Monday and Tuesday, there's no guarantee that it will work on Wednesday. Stay calm and patient. Don't get frustrated when your child is sitting wide awake. This is part of the "learning to sleep process."
Step 3
Figure out where your baby sleeps best and stick to that spot. Some babies will be allowed to sleep in their parents' bed. This can be a mistake, because the baby can get used to this spot and will end up staying there for the foreseeable future. It is best to move the baby to his own crib and keep the baby in that crib. By maintaining a consistent place to sleep, the baby will get used to sleeping in that position and make it easier to get to sleep most nights.
Step 4
Try to keep the baby peaceful during the day. Many sleep experts, including pediatrician Dr. William Sears, believe that a baby that has peaceful days will also tend to have peaceful nights. Keep voices calm, play pleasant music and don't let the television or radio boom loudly. That will keep things pleasant during the day, which should lead to calmness during the bedtime routine.
Step 5
Take your baby into the car and drive for 10 to 15 minutes at a time when the baby is balking at going to sleep. Many babies find the car a restful and relaxing environment. Strapping the baby into the car seat and driving at a moderate speed will often help the baby fall asleep quickly.
