Quick Tips: Getting Baby to Sleep A newborn goes back and forth
between sleeping and waking during a 24-hour day. Over the first
3 months, the baby gradually sleeps for longer periods. By the
third or fourth month, most babies sleep for their longest
period (up to 7 to 8 hours) during the night and develop set nap
times. You can help your baby—and yourself—sleep better. The
goal is to help your baby learn self-comfort so that he or she
can get to sleep, and get back to sleep, with little help from
you. - At night, set up a soothing routine. Give your baby a
bath, sing lullabies, read a book, or tell a story. These
activities can help your baby relax. They also signal that it is
time to sleep. Don't get your baby excited with active play
right before sleep. - When your baby is getting sleepy, put your
baby in his or her crib in a quiet, darkened room. This will
help your baby learn to go to sleep in his or her crib. - Don't
rock your baby to sleep after about age 4 to 6 months. Rock your
baby, but lay the baby