Teaching a baby how to get to sleep can help the entire family. A tired baby can be fussy and keep everyone up for hours each night. It is important to get your baby into a reliable sleep routine as early as possible. Newborns sleep an average of 16 hours a day, but, due to the size of their stomachs, they need to feed more often and can't usually sleep for long stretches. However, at around age 6 months, the baby may be able to sleep for stretches as long as 12 hours a night.
Step 1
Choose where the baby will sleep. Babies typically sleep in cribs or bassinets, although some co-sleep with their parents. You may need to go through several different sleeping arrangements until you find the one that works best for the child and you.
Step 2
Set regular naptimes. Skipping naps will not make your child go to sleep better. According to AskDrSears.com, consistent and regular naptimes can help the child sleep better at night. Choose the times that you lay him down for a nap according to when your baby seems the most tired during the day, such as 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Step 3
Plan a consistent bedtime routine. Set a specific time each night to put the baby down. Choose relaxing activities to lead up to bedtime. Many parents may decide to give the baby a warm bath and read a story before putting her down for the night. Sticking to the same routine each night will teach her to associate it with going to sleep.
Step 4
Put the baby to bed tired, but not asleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, this technique teaches him to go to sleep on his own without being nursed or rocked to sleep. It can also help him recognize his crib or bassinet as the place to sleep.
Step 5
Keep nighttime visits low key. If the baby happens to wake during the night, keep the environment calm so that she is able to go back to sleep quickly. Keep lighting low, and speak quietly.
