• A variety of techniques may help your baby sleep easier.baby sleeping image by Tatyana Gladskih from Fotolia.com
  
  Many parents find it difficult to get their babies to go to sleep or stay asleep through the night. While sleeping frustrations are a normal part of parenting, there are some methods you can use to help your infant sleep more soundly. Establish a regular nighttime routine; the ideal routine will vary by family and depend on your general schedule and lifestyle. You may have to try a variety of methods to find what works best for your baby.
  
  

Daytime

• Keep your baby active in the daytime. While napping is normal and healthy for infants and toddlers, too much of it can lead to restless nights. You can help your baby sleep better at bedtime by encouraging her to be active during the day and limiting naps.
  
  

Establish a Routine

• Infants are more receptive to bedtime if they expect it. Establish a consistent routine to help your baby learn when to expect to be put to bed.
  
  

Bath

• Give your baby a warm bath before bedtime to help him calm down and relax.
  
  

Massage

• Give your baby a massage to relieve stress and help her unwind. Use it as part of the overall bedtime routine for best results.
  
  

Baby's Comfort

• The room where your baby sleeps should be at a comfortable temperature; dress him in an appropriate amount of clothing. His clothes should be of a soft and comfortable material. Be sure he's not hungry and wears a clean, dry diaper to bed.
  
  

Aromatherapy

• Some parents use aromatherapy to help their babies relax and sleep better. Aromatherapy is safe for humans and can be an effective relaxation method. Some aromatherapy oils are meant to be directly applied to the skin, while other types of oils can be put in a vaporizer or humidifier to fill the entire room with scent. Lavender and chamomile are popular scents used to promote relaxation.
  
  

Music and Sounds

• Playing lullabies, nature sounds, and white noise may help babies relax at bedtime. Soothing sounds are especially beneficial to younger infants, who are accustomed to the whooshing sounds of the womb.