1. Give the baby some times to play and wind down before he goes to sleep. Don't get the baby worked up with vigorous games, or bedtime will be that much more difficult.
2. Offer your baby the opportunity to eat or drink.
3. Give your baby a warm bath. Most babies find the warm water very relaxing. (Although a few hate baths or find them too exciting!)
4. Change the baby's diaper, if necessary.
5. Dress Baby for Bed. Be sure the clothing is not too warm nor too cold. A "snuggle sack" (a pajama set with a sack-like opening in the bottom) is sometimes used by parents.
6. Soothe the Baby. Each baby is different, but all need help being soothed before they will go to sleep. Try:
   • Telling a story in a soothing, monotone voice
   • Walking around with baby
   • Rocking the baby in a rocker or glider
   • Singing
   • Offer a pacifier
7. Read to the infant
8. Put on some soothing music. This could be slow, quiet lullabies, classical music that your baby likes or just any soothing music. Make sure it is not loud or it will keep your baby awake.
9. Turn off the main lights in your baby's bedroom. If your baby likes them, turn on a baby light or a night light.
10. Pick the baby up and place him on your chest or in your arms. Slowly rock him back and forwards, and pat him on the back very gently. You shouldn't do this too hard, just enough to soothe him and help him or her sleep.
11. Try holding your hands over your baby's ears until he falls asleep (old Vulcan trick). Works like a charm in under 2 minutes.
12. When asleep, put the baby in bed. Crib bumpers, pillows, and blankets are no longer considered safe for young babies.
13. If your baby still does not fall asleep, rock him or walk around with him in your arms so that the motion will soon lull him to sleep.
14. If the baby will not fall asleep, check for fever, teething discomfort, or other illness.

Tips

• The same technique can be used for naps without the bath.
• Make sure that your baby is comfy in the bed and provide him with some soft toys or comfy things while he is in bed.
• Make sure you keep a regular bedtime routine.
• When a baby is tired he or she usually makes little fists with their hands and squeezes on them.
• A baby will usually have a regular "tired cry" that can be identified with practice, but look for behaviors like rubbing eyes, clinginess, whining, and so on.

Warnings

• Do not use pillows with an infant. It is not necessary and is a smothering hazard.
• Don't get into the habit of allowing the baby to fall asleep drinking a bottle of milk, this causes ugly tooth decay between the front incisors, called "baby bottle rot".

Things You'll Need

• Warm bottle of milk or lactating mother
• Soft music
• Pajamas
• Quiet, dark, comfortable room
• Toys
• Safe Baby Sleeping Area
• Sleepy baby