* A nice warm bath does wonders. If they are big enough, having a bath with them is even better. You get to spend time with your child, and it's all apart of the bonding process.
* For babies or toddlers a nice massage after a warm bath and putting on some music on in their room while they are trying to get to sleep can help. I hate opera music but it has it's benefits. They say it stimulates baby's brain and has a calming effect.
* Reading a book together can relax both you and your child. Lets just hope baby goes to sleep before you do!
* Singing to your child before they go to bed can help with the relaxation process. A simple nursery rhyme or a happy slow song would work better than a hardcore, full of energy song.
* You will find that if you lay and talk with them they will fall asleep after awhile. DON'T let them see you leave if you can help it. If they find out you leave them, they tend to stay up as long as possible. Settle them in, spend time together and wait at least 10 minutes after they have gone to sleep before leaving the room. Everyone knows you check up on them regulary.
* 'Routine' is the key word in this case so your child knows when they have to go to sleep and they get used to going to sleep at certain times. Explain to them when it is dark it is time to sleep.
