One of the biggest things that parents need to learn about their new baby is how to get them to sleep. I don't know how they did it, but somehow my parents discovered that my little sister needed to have the rocking chair set near the bathroom, with the shower on and the vacuum running for her to fall asleep.

It can be frustrating to have a child that won't sleep. Here are some steps from wikihow that should help you to avoid some of the sleepless nights:

1. Give the baby some time to play and wind down before he or she goes to sleep. Don't get the baby worked up with vigorous games, or bedtime will be that much more difficult.
2. Offer your baby the opportunity to eat or drink.
3. Give your baby a warm bath. Most babies find the warm water very relaxing. (Although a few hate baths or find them too exciting!)
4. Change the baby's diaper, if necessary. You would be uncomfortable too trying to sleep with a messy diaper.
5. Dress Baby for Bed. Be sure the clothing is not too warm nor too cold. A "snuggle sack" (a pajama set with a sack-like opening in the bottom) is sometimes used by parents.
6. Soothe the Baby. Each baby is different, but all need help being soothed before they will go to sleep. Try:Telling a story in a soothing, monotone voice---Walking around with the baby---Rocking the baby in a rocker or glider---Singing a song---Offer a pacifier.
7. Read to the infant.
8. Put on some soothing music. This could be slow, quiet lullabies, classical music that your baby likes or just any soothing music. Make sure it is not loud or it will keep your baby awake.
9. Turn off the main lights in your baby's bedroom. If your baby likes them, turn on a baby light or a night light.
10. Pick the baby up and place him on your chest or in your arms. Slowly rock him back and forwards, and pat him on the back very gently. You shouldn't do this too hard, just enough to soothe him and help him or her sleep.
11. When asleep, put the baby in bed. Crib bumpers, pillows, and blankets are no longer considered safe for young babies.
12. If your baby still does not fall asleep, rock him or walk around with him in your arms so that the motion will soon lull him to sleep.
13. If the baby will not fall asleep, check for fever, teething discomfort, or other illness.
14. Sometimes rubbing a baby between the eyes, where the bridge of the nose should be, gently can relax them enough to fall asleep.
15. Try to put the baby to sleep in a place where there are less number of people, especially strangers