What's your baby's sleep style?

How it works: Establish a routine -- including a bath or massage, for example -- that lets your baby know bedtime is near. "All babies have an internal timing system, and if you synchronize your soothing efforts with it, you may never have to let your baby cry," says Marc Weissbluth, M.D., author of Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Spend the early weeks doing all the soothing you want to help initiate sleep, he says, and then get into the habit of putting your baby down while he's drowsy but still awake. By 6 weeks of age, a longer sleep period (about four hours) will emerge at night. At 3 months, many babies will wake around 6 or 7 a.m., and then take a consistent morning nap at about 9 a.m. Typically by 4 or 5 months, most babies will nap again in the afternoon and be ready to turn in for the night at 6 or 7 p.m. It's okay if your baby wakes for a nighttime feeding, as long he goes right back to bed.

Mostly "B" Answers:
The he'll-get-it-when-he's-ready approach
You're a very patient sort who always puts your baby first. You understand that the world is a demanding place and see no need to thrust her into any harsh reality before she's ready. You've heard of babies who eat, sleep, and poop on schedule but know that yours isn't one of them.

How it works: This approach is the polar opposite of the independent-baby approach. And it's pretty much out of your hands. If your baby prefers rocking, you rock. If she prefers sucking, you nurse or rely on a stash of pacifiers.

Let's be frank: Not many sleep experts will endorse this laissez-faire approach to bedtime. Yet many parents follow it. Some get lucky, while it takes others years to reclaim their nights. "Sometimes a baby will naturally let you know she's done with rocking -- or whatever crutch you've been using -- but more often than not, the habit is really hard to break," says Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., president of Postpartum Support International. "Still, I tell my clients that whatever they feel they must do is fine. It's ultimately going to be okay." Dr. Weissbluth agrees: "Some parents prefer a long soothing routine; others can tolerate some crying. The choice is up to you. What matters is that you respect the individuality of the child."

Mostly "C" Answers:
The all-together-now approach
Parenting for you is like one great big bear hug, with lots of holding, rocking, and breastfeeding. You value your baby's emotional security above all else. Any type of baby would love this close connection, except perhaps for a very active child who might feel smothered.

How it works: A co-sleeper or bassinet next to your bed is safest, but many parents choose to go to sleep with the baby right on the same mattress. Co-sleeping can work beautifully as long as you remember that the baby's bedtime is before yours, says Dr. Weissbluth, so don't keep him up until you turn in. "Lie down with your baby to get him to sleep between 6 and 8 p.m., and then move him into a co-sleeper by your bed so he's safe until you return," he recommends. "Move him next to you when you go to bed if you want." Keep him safe by putting him down on his back to prevent SIDS; keep him away from comforters and pillows; don't sleep on a water bed; maintain a smoke-free environment; and never use alcohol, drugs, or any medication that might make you unaware of your baby's presence.

Mostly "D" Answers:
The long-goodbye approach
You like to investigate all the options before deciding on what's best for your baby. You listen to everyone, lean toward the tried-and-true, but ultimately follow your heart. You may also have found that your baby's temperament isn't the easiest: She may be shy and clingy, sensitive and easily overstimulated, or high-energy and intense.

How it works: You're going to very slowly "decondition" your baby from requiring you as a sleep crutch. Begin by putting her to bed in her crib, while you sit on a chair next to her. If she fusses, use intermittent touch -- patting her back or her head -- to soothe her, says this method's inventor, Kim West, author of the book Good Night, Sleep Tight. Leave the room only after she is asleep; repeat if she wakes during the night. Perform this consistently for the next three days at nap- and bedtime. Then, move your chair about halfway across the room. Every three days, move farther away until you're in the hall. Typically by day 14, she's fine on her own.

Mostly "E" Answers:
The get-with-the-program approach
You understand that your baby needs immediate gratification when it comes to hunger and discomfort. But you also recognize the importance of routine in his life.

How it works: This strategy -- known as "Ferberizing" because it was popularized by Richard Ferber, M.D., in his book Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems -- is best used after 4 months (you should always respond quickly to newborns) and before 8 months, when babies haven't fallen into hard-to-break habits. Begin by putting your baby down when he's drowsy but still awake. If he cries, console him by talking softly and rubbing his back. Leave the room for a brief period -- about five minutes at first -- then return to console him if he is still upset. Don't take him out of the crib, though, before you leave again. Repeat this pattern until your baby falls asleep on his own, and do so again if he wakes at night. Each consecutive night, lengthen the time you let him fuss by a few more minutes until it is no longer necessary. Depending on the temperament of your baby, this process can last a few days or a few weeks.