Getting a baby to sleep at night is one of the biggest struggles that many parents face. Because every baby is different, there is no magic cure for sleep troubles. Many factors work together when it comes to putting a baby to sleep. Careful consideration of the bedtime routine and the environment will help identify problem areas.
Routine
Babies often change their sleep and awake patterns without notice. Setting a specific routine at bedtime encourages your baby to fall asleep easily. There is no one routine that is better than another. Choose the elements that work for you and your lifestyle. The key is to keep the routine the same each night. Your baby will grow accustomed to this routine and will understand that the routine means bedtime.
Noise
Every house has natural noises and sounds created by televisions and other activities. You may not even notice many of these sounds, but a baby could find them distracting. Assess the noises that may be distracting to your baby at bedtime. A white noise machine can eliminate distracting noises for your baby. A fan or other steady noise also works for many babies.
Lighting
A darkened room is another signal to your baby that it is time to go to sleep. Lights are stimulating for babies, so choose a dim night-light or no light at all.
