Newborn babies well remember the pattern that was kept when you held them in your womb. It was predictable that while you attempted to get sleep that was when baby sensed the calm and became VERY active.  And then baby was lulled to sleep during the day as you walked and worked and ate, thereby gently rocking him or her.

But now your babies have been born and are creating no end of havoc for you and the rest of the family when all you want is for them to go to sleep. I mean it is bed time.  Well maybe they're asking for a bedtime routine. 

Here are some ideas to calm the nights for the both of you.

Keep in mind that you should do your best to start baby's bedtime routine at the same time every evening and pick the bedtime that works for you and your child. Our baby's bedtime routine starts at 7pm and works great ( as of this writing my peanut is a toddler).

Newborn -  Your baby might not be sleeping through the night yet but here is a nice basic routine to get them used to what is coming next (mommy getting some sleep).

1. Change baby's diaper and change your child into night clothes.

2. This is a good time for a bottle or some nursing and if you feel so inclined some soft humming/singing in the dimmed light.

3. When your baby is getting sleepy but not quite asleep placed  your baby on their back in the crib.

Infant (3 mo. +) -  Your baby is more aware of his/her surroundings and you.

1. Again change baby's diaper and put your child into some night clothes.

2. This is still a good time for a last bottle or nursing session and als a good time to start the habit of quickly swiping baby's gums (in preparation for tooth brushing) for cleanliness.

3.  Read to your baby a very short story.  It's your voice they need to hear not necessarily the story.

(try to place your baby in the crib when they are sleepy instead of sound asleep)

toddler (1 year + ) -

1. Give your toddler nice bath. This is just a suggestion and some find that evening baths are too stimulating.  Morning baths are great too.

2. Brush your toddler's teeth which might be a little challenge in the beginning but stick with it!

3. Read another short great story.

4. 5-15 minutes of snuggle time and then down in the crib/ toddler bed.

As you can see these are very simple routines but your child knows what is coming next BED!

Now just so you don't go away thinking that it was all a piece of cake in our home we did have challenges as our baby reached closer to age 2 .  This was a difficult phase and I (the mommy) had to be firm in not rocking our toddler for hours on end.  If you find yourself agonzing over the pleading to "hold me!" you may need to wean your child down to a short amount of snuggle time one baby step at a time.

Remember these are just suggestions. The real key is that children thrive on routines.  Moving baths to another time of day. Quiet play. Just find a routine that works for your family.  Give it two to three weeks to become a predictable pattern and watch your children thrive!