Getting your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep can be a challenge. Staying up with a wide-awake baby can interrupt your sleep schedule and your life. Here are some tips that will help both you and your baby sleep!

1. Try different techniques.

Babies, families, and home environments are all different, and can affect the methods that will work when trying to get your baby to sleep. Be ready to try many different techniques, discarding the ones that don’t work for your baby and building upon the ones that do. There is no “right” way to get your baby to sleep, so be creative and flexible in your approach.

2. Choose the best place for your baby to sleep.

Your baby may sleep much better in one place in your home than in another. Having his own room and a crib may be the best option for keeping your baby away from noises that might wake him. On the other hand, sleeping in a bassinet in his parents’ room might be more comfortable for your baby. Be sure that your baby sleeps in a place that is most comfortable for him, and be prepared to change sleeping arrangements as your baby gets older.

3. Stick to a routine.

Your baby will sleep better at night if you implement a consistent, daily routine that includes naptime. Choose a time of day that you would like a nap, and put your baby down for a nap, too. Being well rested and peaceful throughout the day will help your baby sleep better at night. Also, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Your baby will feel more comfortable if he is going to bed at the same time each night. Night-time activities such as a warm bath, rocking, reading, and nursing will help prepare your baby for the night and help him go to sleep more easily.

4. Make your baby comfortable.

Make your baby as physically comfortable as possible when going to bed. Make sure your baby has eaten, has a dry diaper, and is in comfortable clothing. Clear your baby’s nose and check with your doctor for possible medication options if you suspect your baby has teething pains (this can happen before teeth are visible). Make sure your baby’s bed is warm, and pay attention to whether your baby seems to sleep better swaddled tightly or with loose bedding. A comfortable environment will go a long way in getting your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Image Credit: sean_mcgee, Flickr