• Seeking ways to adapt to the world outside the womb (sleeping is one way he learns to organize his life, turning off the environment to conserve energy needed to grow)
• Giving you signals – watching him closely, you’ll learn how much or little stimulation he can handle, and when he’s ready for talking, feeding, singing, or playing (“I’m happy and ready to play” signals include open eyes, relaxed arms and legs, and maybe even a tight, playful grip around your finger)
• Ready to say enough is enough – if baby is played with, talked to, or fed too much, he may grimace, turn and look away, clench his fists, and wriggle or spit up (these messages say, "Slow down, please. I need more peace and quiet.")

• Put him in his crib, instead of rocking or holding him
• Wait until he ’s groggy, but still awake; then lay him in his crib, say "good night," turn off the light, and leave the room
• If he cries, wait a few minutes before returning
• If he continues to cry, go back in the room (leaving the light off), rub him, and talk to him in a soothing voice until he quiets down, then say "good night" and leave the room again
• If he begins to cry again, repeat this pattern until he falls asleep

It may take a few days, but he’ll get the hang of it. Establishing this skill when your baby is still young will help prevent bedtime battles later.