As any parent will tell you, sleep is the all-important ingredient to a succesful family recipe - and not only for you but also for your baby and toddler. Sleep patterns will alter with each stage, but having a guide on what to do and what not to do will help you to manage and balance the changes, without tipping the scales.  Read our A-To-Z Guide for all the helpful tips and hints.

A is for advice - don’t forget to take advantage of all the help and assistance out there - books, magazines, classes, support groups and online forums are all available.  Make sure you know the ins and outs so you can identify well meant but misguided advice when you hear it.

B is for bouncers - different bouncers come with music, vibration or with mobiles and toys attached.  Some parents find the soothing motion of a bouncer works wonders for their baby. But remember it is not safe for a baby or child to sleep unattended in a bouncer.

C is for co-sleeping - sharing your bed with baby has always been around. It is very popular with nursing mothers since it allows Mums to avoid getting up out of bed to feed baby. Co-sleeping also allows parents to enjoy night time closeness with their child. Be aware of the dangers and implement necessary safety precautions though.

D is for dummies - some mothers let their baby fall asleep sucking on a dummy. This may mean they won't be able to fall asleep without one in the long run. Some sleep experts call this a "negative sleep association."  Some parents think it is a natural and pleasant way for a baby to fall asleep.

E is for experience - you can't be expected to know it all as soon as your baby is born.  Experience is a great teacher and you will soon know what to do and when.  Trust your instincts and learn from your baby along the way.

F is for frustrated - don’t be.  Don’t be stressed or angry either.  It's a fact that your baby will be waking you up so learn to relax about night waking in the first two or three months.  It doesn't last forever and soon your baby will be sleeping peacefully all night long.

G is for guidelines - visit SIDS at www.sidsandkids.org for safe sleeping practices for babies.  You can also call 1300 308 307.

H is for hammocks - hammocks are a centuries old tradition of soothing babies to sleep in a secure environment.  A hammocks womb-like feel creates a restful and nurturing sleep environment that enables baby to sleep on their back, which is key in the prevention of SIDS.  It also promotes longer sleep duration and helps soothe colicky babies.  Other health benefits include guarding against infant acid reflux as the baby's head is slightly elevated when sleeping.

I is for individual - your little bundle of joy is unique so don't be put off or disheartened by stories of other babies sleeping longer or better.  All babies are individuals and will find their own patterns and what works best for them.  Just go with the flow. 

J is for joint responsibilities - don't feel you need to do it all yourself.  Your other half is there to help and share the workload.  They also need to know how and when to put baby to sleep so let them do their fair share as well.

K is for knowledge. You don't have to know everything from the start. Follow the advice of other Mums (including your own!) and also read books and watch DVDs for hints and suggestions on getting your baby to sleep easily and soundly through the night.

L is for lullabies - simple, repetitive, predictable music, like lullabies, are good for putting baby to sleep. You can also buy tapes that are created especially for bedtime.  Don't forget to take these with you when you are away from home.

M is for massage - Dr Tiffany Field at the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine showed that infants and toddlers who were massaged daily for fifteen minutes prior to bedtime for one month fell asleep more easily than those who had no massage by the end of the study. Massage reduces stress hormones and releases good hormones that make your child feel relaxed - and drowsy.

N is for naps - sleep research has found that the length and the quality of naps affect nighttime sleep.  Naps need to happen when your baby is tired, before they become overtired, which can lead to napping too late in the day.  This won't help your baby when it comes to nighttime sleep.  Don't forget to nap as well while you have the chance!

O is for over tired - there is nothing like an over tired baby - wide eyed, hyped up and over excited.  It isn't always possible but it's obviously better to avoid this situation.  Plan your day to be home with baby ready for bed at nap and night times.

P is for patterns - babies have tiny tummies and wake when they are hungry and sleep when they are tired and have full bellies and clean nappies.  This pattern is different for all babies and you might find your baby’s wake / sleep pattern varies as they grow.

Q is for quiet time - don’t excite babies with boisterous games or activities just before bedtime.  You want your baby to relax and unwind and start to feel sleepy.  Baths are good for relaxing, as are stories and cuddles.  It’s a special time for bonding in a peaceful way so your baby goes to bed secure and happy.

R is for routine - A newborn baby sleeps 16 to 18 hours per day over six to seven sleep periods.  Form a routine so baby knows the difference between day naps and night sleep. A nightly bath, pyjamas and a dark and quiet room can do this.  Naps could be in a different room which may be lighter and noisier.

S is for sleeping through the night - the scientific definition of sleeping through the night is five hours - not what most parents think of as a full night's sleep.  Often it takes a full year (or even two) to settle into a full night's sleep.

T is for tired - not the parents but baby.  Get used to your baby's sleep signals (quieting down, losing interest in things, vacant stare, fussing etc) so you can put them in the crib or cot as soon as they are tired.

U is for unbelievable.  The feeling you get when baby sleeps through the night for the first time is magical.

V is for variety - there a many different tried and true methods of getting babies to sleep, you need to try some and see which one works best for you and baby.  There are no hard and fast rules here.

W is for 'white noise' - the sound of a radio not tuned to a station is similar to the sound a baby hears inside the womb and helps many babies to relax and fall asleep more easily.

X is for experts - Take advantage of the many books, websites and professionals that are available to help you get your baby a good night's sleep. 

Y is for yawn - something you will be doing plenty of but also a sign of tiredness for baby.

Z is for zeds - what all mums dream of getting more of!