Keep your baby's daytime naps on schedule

Regular naps are important for babies and young children – but not too much. Sleeping for large chunks of time in the afternoon can actually leave your baby wide awake at bedtime.

That said, missing a nap isn't good either. Once your baby is overtired, she'll have a harder time falling asleep and will wake up more frequently during the night. To avoid missing her daytime naps, watch for sleepy signs such as the beginning of a yawn or heavy eyelids and put her down for a nap immediately.

Keep your baby's sleep environment comfortable

Some babies are very sensitive to their external environment. They may be bothered by the feeling of a prickly clothing label, the phone ringing or even nightlights. So remove your baby's pajama tags, use softer sheets and darken his bedroom if you suspect these are bugging him. For babies up to at least 4 months old, a tight swaddle may help keep them warm and secure.