How to Get a Baby to Sleep: Gentle Tips for Restful Nights

Trying to figure out how to get a baby to sleep—especially during those fussy evenings—may feel overwhelming. Whether your little one is crying at bedtime, waking up minutes after dozing off, or resisting naps altogether, you’re not alone. The good news? There are gentle, expert-backed techniques that may help your little one wind down and rest easier.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find in this guide:

• Gentle ways to soothe a newborn to sleep without adding stress

• Common mistakes to avoid when putting a baby to sleep

• Why routines matter—and how they support 

• When to ask your baby’s healthcare provider for extra guidance.

If you’re tired and just need a few reliable ideas to try tonight, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore what works when it comes to helping a baby sleep.

Putting Your Baby to Sleep: Tips and Tricks

Getting your baby to sleep can take patience, practice, and the right tools—especially in those early weeks when everything is still new. Many parents undergo a trial and error before finding what works best for their little one. The good news? A few gentle techniques—used consistently—can support your baby’s sleep and help bring more rest to your household.

Keep Your Baby Comfortable

When you're focused on how to get an infant to sleep, setting up a calm, cozy sleep space may help. Before putting your baby in the crib, check that they’re comfortable. Does your little one need a diaper change or a feeding? Is your baby dressed in appropriate layers for warmth, but not overdressed? Is the room temperature cool but comfortable? A quiet, cozy, and calm environment will go a long way in helping your baby fall asleep. 

A dry diaper also makes a big difference. Pampers Swaddlers Overnights offer up to 12 hours of protection and a soft, comforting fit to help keep your baby dry through the night—so everyone can rest a little easier.

Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling may help calm newborns by limiting sudden movements and mimicking the snugness of the womb. Just be sure to stop once your baby shows signs of rolling over, and always lay them on their back to sleep. 

Establish a Sleep Schedule

Newborn sleep may be unpredictable, especially in the early weeks. While it’s too soon to expect a strict routine, gently guiding your baby toward regular naps and bedtime can support how to help newborns sleep more consistently over time. 

Around 6 to 8 weeks is a good time to establish a sleep schedule, but keep in mind that it may be many more months before your baby can follow it regularly. That’s a good time to start shaping a daily rhythm—without expecting perfection. Offering naps and bedtime around the same times each day may help signal to your little one that sleep is coming. 

Consistency matters, even if your baby hits a sleep regression or has trouble settling one day. Over time, a steady schedule and sleep-friendly habits may be what truly helps a baby sleep. 

Tracking your baby’s sleep can reveal patterns that make scheduling easier. The Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers uses those patterns to build a rhythm that matches your baby’s natural sleep cues. Want help getting started? Take this free sleep assessment to learn how the app might help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Place Your Baby in the Crib Before They Fall Asleep

When your baby is drowsy but still awake, gently placing them in their crib may help them learn to fall asleep on their own. While it might not work right away, this habit may support long-term self-soothing and help with putting your baby to sleep more independently.

To know when it’s time to put your baby in the crib, look out for sleep cues, such as

• drooping eyelids

• rubbing of the eyes

• fussiness.

Remember to practice safe sleep for babies by always placing your little one on their back when you put them down in the crib for napping or sleeping. Also, make sure that their crib is free of loose bedding, blankets, pillows, and toys. These precautions help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Establish a Bedtime Routine

You can begin a calming bedtime routine to help your baby wind down. The key is to keep it soothing—not stimulating—and finish the routine in the sleep space to help your baby associate it with rest.

Common bedtime routine ideas include:

• A warm bath

• A baby massage

• Dressing your baby for sleep

• Brushing teeth

• Swaying, swinging, or rocking (in a rocking chair or glider)

• Dimming the bedroom lights (you might like to leave a night-light on)

• Reading a story together

• Singing a lullaby 

• Playing soft music or white noise, such as with a fan (pointed away from your baby) or a sound machine 

• Counting to 10 or singing the ABCs (with your older baby)

• A goodnight hug and kiss

• Swaddling (for infants).

Strike a Balance When Attending to Your Baby’s Needs at Night

If your baby wakes up fussing, try waiting a moment before stepping in. Instead, give your little one a chance to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own. The Ferber Method is a well-known sleep training strategy that involves this approach.

But if your little one continues to cry and fuss, they may have a need that should be addressed, such as a feeding or diaper change. When attending to your baby’s needs at night, it’s best to do so without turning on the bedroom lights and while keeping things quiet and calm. After you’re done with the feeding or diaper change, put your baby back in the crib for sleep. 

To learn more about helpful sleep strategies, watch the video below!

What to Avoid When Putting Your Baby to Sleep

Now that you have a few tips and tricks for putting a baby to sleep, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Avoiding these common habits may help your little one develop healthier sleep patterns:

• Trying to “make” your baby fall asleep. It’s natural to wonder how to make a newborn fall asleep, but sleep can’t be forced. Instead, support your baby with consistent routines and calming cues. Creating the right conditions is more helpful than trying to control the outcome.

• Holding your baby until they fall asleep. It’s comforting to rock or cuddle your baby to sleep, but doing this every time could make it harder for your baby to learn to fall asleep independently. Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake to support and build self-settling skills

• Keeping your baby awake all day to “tire them out.” Skipping naps or delaying bedtime may backfire. An overtired baby may become fussier and have a harder time falling asleep. Regular daytime rest supports better nighttime sleep.

When to Visit Your Healthcare Provider

If your little one is consistently having trouble sleeping despite a calming routine and healthy sleep habits, it’s a good idea to consult your baby’s healthcare provider. They can help rule out any medical concerns—such as reflux, allergies, or other issues—that might be interfering with rest.

You should also reach out if your baby shows signs of illness, has unusual sleep patterns for their age, or seems excessively fussy at night and nothing seems to help. Your provider can offer guidance on how to help your baby sleep more soundly and recommend next steps based on your baby’s needs.

The Bottom Line

If you’re wondering how to get an infant to sleep, the most helpful thing you can do is be patient. It takes time for your baby to adjust to sleep routines. A calm bedtime, consistent schedule, and responsive care during the day can all support what helps a baby sleep more easily at night.

Getting through sleep challenges is part of the parenting journey—but you’re not alone. Over time, your baby will begin to settle more easily, and everyone in the family can enjoy a little more rest.

Don’t forget to download the Pampers Rewards App to earn Pampers Cash on every diaper purchase and save big! 

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}