If you find yourself reading this at 3am with an over-tired screaming baby on your lap, take some consolation: you're not alone. Fortunately, there are useful tricks and tips you can employ to get babe off to sleep without hours of rocking or feeding.

Here are five from natural kids shop, Green Baby. None of them are revolutionary, but the sleeping bag one's a good tip if you've not tried it already.

1. Let baby have a good kick in the bath
"Bath time is a great opportunity for baby and parent to bond," says Green Baby. Personally, I've found this an essential part of getting our daughter to wind down -- as a Dad, it's also a nice thing to do straight after work.

2. Treat your baby to a relaxing massage
Green Baby suggests "massaging your baby in a relaxed atmosphere and nurturing a special closeness between you." Babycentre has a beginner's guide to baby massage plus there are tonnes of books on the subject.

3. Use a sleeping bag instead of a blanket
"Babies are prone to kicking off blankets whilst they are sleeping, which can lead to restless nights. Try using a sleeping bag instead." Unsurprisingly, Green Baby sells organic cotton ones, but so does Mothercare and -- believe it or not -- Disney.

4. Use a natural mattress
There's no evidence that your baby will get a better night's sleep from a natural mattress, but if you buy organic cotton PJs and sheets, this makes sense. Some use coir coconut husk inside, some use natural latex from rubber trees. Abaca makes organic-certified ones wrapped in wool and finished in organic cotton

5. Apply sleep balm
Before lights out, massage sleep balm into your newborn’s upper back and chest to help aid restful sleep. Natural and organic brands to check out include Badger, Green Baby and Neal's Yard.