Newborns need frequent feedings and won't yet sleep through the night. But swaddling a newborn can help promote good quality sleep because it creates an environment like the mother's womb. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that when swaddling is done correctly, with the infant always on his back and well wrapped (see this video on how to swaddle), it can be a good technique to help calm infants into a sound sleep. The AAP advises parents to monitor swaddled infants (to help prevent SIDS), and to stop swaddling when your baby begins to roll intentionally from his back. Talk with your pediatrician about when to stop swaddling and how to wean your infant from it by leaving one arm out at first (stopping cold turkey can cause sleep problems all over again).

When it's time to stop swaddling, or even instead of swaddling, many parents turn to sleep sacks, or wearable blankets made in a range of sizes for infants on up to toddlers. Sleep sacks have become popular because regular, loose blankets should not be used in a baby's crib due to the risk of SIDS. Putting baby in a sleep sack can help keep him warm on a cool night (choose from lightweight muslin sacks to warm fleece ones) and also cue him that it's time for bed.

The scent of lavender promotes relaxation, so it's used in many bath and body products for babies. So if bath time is part of your little one's nightly routine, look for real lavender-scented products or consider adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the bath water. The AAP suggests reading a product's ingredients to make sure it is made from natural essential oils and plant extracts rather than chemical impostors (the word 'fragrance' in an ingredient list means it is synthetic, and most popular baby washes use artificial fragrances). The AAP also advises being careful with essential oils — even though they are natural, they are strong and can irritate the skin, so they shouldn't be applied directly. As with any new body product you try, test it out by using a very small amount to make sure baby's skin doesn't have a bad reaction. Chamomile, clary sage, and neroli are other essential oils that can promote calm, according to the AAP.

Younger babies aren't afraid of the dark; they're used to it after months in the womb. But older babies and toddlers can be afraid of the dark or have night terrors, where they suddenly wake up disoriented and scared. If this is becoming a common problem for your tot, consider trying a dim night light. Today's night lights are more fun and creative than ever. The Twilight Constellation Turtle night light by Cloud b, and the Light My Way handheld toddler nightlight by Munchkin are both cool options for soothing kids ages 2 and older. The OK to Wake! by Onaroo doubles as a night light and an alarm clock that parents can set to turn green at an acceptable wake time (perfect for that transition time from crib to 'big kid bed').