For new Mums, settling your new baby can be a challenge at times and more often than not it is in the middle of the night when you don't have access to help.

Here is a list of settling tips that I have used in the past for my babies or tips that have been passed on by friends.

• First of all checking that babies nappy is clean and dry; ensuring they aren't hungry and are the right temperature.
• Slings are fabulous.  You can carry your baby close to you and still have your hands free to get things done.
• Singing softly and gentle rocking in a darkened room.  I also did lunges while singing so I got some exercise in at the same time.  Great for the butt and legs especially as they get bigger.
• A warm bath followed by a gentle massage with some calming Massage Oil.
• Going for a walk in the sunshine with baby snuggled in the pram.
• A drive in the car
• Swaying and cocooned in a hanging baby hammock.
• Baby swaddles help them to feel secure and wrapped up snugly prevents them from waking themselves.
• A moses basket on a rocking stand allows you to rock baby gently when they need settling.  And the Sleepi Spaces range is fabulous as it is the right height for you to gently rock while it is placed beside your bed.
• Lying baby on their tummy accross your knee while sitting and gently patting their back.
• Soft rhythmic background music.
• Sometimes I also found that static noise helped such as the tv or vacuum cleaner.

If you can recognise when baby is getting tired and get them to bed before they become overtired this helps alot.  Signs of tiredness include:

• Jerky movements
• Rubbing eyes
• Pulling ears
• Fussing and wimpering

Most importantly, enjoy every second with your baby.. Because before you know it they won't be babies anymore.

Can you add any more tips to the list?  Please leave a comment below and share.