There are plenty of other reasons why some babies don't sleep through the night. The baby could have gas or have teeth coming (temporary reasons, of course!) or just want to be rocked in your arms for comfort. Some babies don't sleep well at night because they are allowed to sleep for long stretches during the day. And some babies are just colicky.

Of course, you won't figure out why your baby is sleepless until you narrow down the possible reasons. Let's take a look at all of them — and some ways you can make it all better for your newborn or young infant:

• Is baby hungry? Sixty percent of the time an empty tummy is what makes a baby cry. Offer a bottle or a breast.

• Check baby's diaper. Change the diaper as quickly and quietly as you can; making a big fuss over the diaper can actually irritate baby more.

• Try comforting baby. Gently rock the baby in a rocking chair. Or standing up, rock slowly back and forth, gently patting the baby's back. Maybe there's an extra burp in there that needs help getting out.

• Use the swaddling technique. This technique can be very helpful on a sleepless night, but it's important to note that it's only safe for younger infants and newborns. Swaddle or wrap the baby tightly in a blanket, just as the nurses did in the hospital nursery. Place the blanket sideways, with a point at the top. Next, place the baby at the top point, and then tuck one side under the baby's body. Pull up the bottom fold, and then wrap the remaining side over the baby's body. You're not cutting off circulation here, but you are providing that feeling of womblike security for your baby.

• Give the baby a pacifier. Like them or not, they are often temporary solutions to crying problems. Some people may say that pacifiers are more for the mother than the baby, and so what if that's true? At least you've bought yourself a few moments of quiet to collect your thoughts while trying to figure out what's wrong.

• Try to work out tummy gas. Put the baby on his or her stomach, and gently rub baby's back or pat baby's bottom. Or lay baby on his back while gently moving his legs back and forth. Use gas drops (available over the counter) as a last resort.

• Give baby a warm bath. There's nothing as soothing as a warm tub. Many babies calm down as soon as they hit warm water. Add an infant massage, and you'll have yourself one calm baby.

• Do a song and dance. Try singing to your baby, and move around the room as you do so. Babies have short attention spans, and can be easily redirected.

• Take baby out for a spin. Take baby for a walk or a ride in the car. Babies love motion, and the motion of an automobile somehow serves as anesthesia for babies. You'd be surprised to know how many miles are put on a car just for a baby's sake.

• Put baby to bed. Like all people, baby can get irritable when tired. Put on the baby's lullaby tape or music box, dim the lights, and then walk out. Older babies over six months can be left to cry for at least ten minutes before you return to the room (unless, of course, you're absolutely convinced there's really something wrong). Some crying before falling asleep is normal for most babies.

Keys to Baby Relaxation

There are two basic words to remember when trying to calm your baby into sleeping mode: atmosphere and routine.

For atmosphere, dim the lights, put on soft lullaby-by-the-sea tapes, and rock your baby to sleep. Let your baby feel your heartbeat; it's calming and comforting to the baby, reminding him or her of that special time in the womb.

Stick to your routine with baby as much as possible. Write it down if you find it hard to remember. Figure out ways to stick with your routine even when you're on the road — stop and feed your baby at the same time you would have at home. Routine helps a baby to feel secure, and a secure baby is a well-adjusted (and relatively quiet) one.