Putting Baby to Bed without Cries and Irritation - it is not Easy

Going to bed is like a true separation for some babies.

Be it the afternoon nap or bedtime at night, this form of isolation - obliging baby to be away from his parents, the ones he loves - is a true ordeal. It can  be difficult to surmount if certain conditions are not met.
 

Going to sleep is good!

How can they believe that sleep is good when mum stops playing to take them to bed?
For the majority of babies sleep is a waste of time!
They are certain to get over excited at bed time, and they are prepared to battle for hours not to fall into the arms of Morpheus. 
This is their way of telling their parents "you cannot get rid of me that easily"!

This is why it is important to give baby a positive image of his bed and sleep in general.

Transform his cot into a comfortable cocoon. Buy or ask someone to lend you padded cot bumpers.
Leave his sleeping bag open in the cot ready to facilitate putting him in it when the time comes.
When big enough, baby may prefer a soft duvet to a scratchy blanket as he can take pleasure from settling into the softness.
Be firm but also conciliatory - "You must stay in bed as it is time to sleep, but you can keep two of your favourite toys with you."
Make him understand that bed is not an imposition, nor a punishment.

Right from the start differentiate the afternoon nap from night-time sleep

The parting must always be gratifying - "Good night, sleep well, see you tomorrow". Baby will receive the message and feel secure.
Once baby is in bed, if he starts crying, whisper reassuring words but do not take him out of bed.  
If you breast feed keep away from coffee, tobacco and alcohol as these are not good for baby's nervous system.