Falling Asleep in the Crib

• The National Sleep Foundation recommends placing your baby in her crib while she is drowsy, but still awake. This helps your baby associate her bed with sleep and will help her learn to fall asleep independently. Mayo Clinic.com also points out that it is normal for babies to squirm, make noises and even cry as they are settling down to sleep, so it is not necessary to take your baby out of the crib right away if this happens.
  
  

Sleep Rituals

• Rituals are activities you perform regularly before putting your baby down to sleep. Rituals can be used both at bedtime and nap time and may include bathing, massage, reading a story or playing soothing music. Your baby will learn to associate these activities with sleep. Other sleep rituals may include thumb-sucking or the use of a pacifier, which may help your baby soothe himself to sleep Mayo Clinic.com explains.
  
  

Daytime Activity

• Exposing your baby to normal daytime activities may promote better nighttime sleep, according to Mayo Clinic.com. This includes talking and playing with your baby during the day, as well as exposure to bright lights and the regular daytime noises of your home. At night, use low lights and speak quietly to your baby to reinforce the understanding that nighttime is not playtime.
  
  

Know Your Baby's Sleep Style

• Babies may express sleepiness in different ways, such as eye-rubbing or fussiness, according to The National Sleep Foundation. Familiarizing yourself with your baby's sleepiness cues can help you establish good sleep habits by helping you know when to begin preparing her for sleep. Like adults, babies may also tend to be early risers or night owls, and it may be helpful to try to adjust your baby's schedule using her natural sleep-wake patterns.