Expert advice curated by
A Restful Night’s sleep consultants
Your child's sleep journey is an ongoing process which can change as they develop. A Restful Night aims to be a source of information for you as your child grows. Check out the blog for updates and articles around sleep tips, products and more!
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Destinations in the Northeast
Planning a family getaway? Discover the best family-friendly destinations in the Northeast, from charming coastal towns to mountain escapes that are perfect for family travel with kids. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, exploring Newport with kids, enjoying Lake George with kids, or searching for the best Northeast vacation spots for families, our sleep experts share favorite destinations and practical tips to help your little ones sleep well while you're away.
A Sleep Consultant’s Approach to Screen Time
Wondering how much screen time for kids is too much? This sleep consultant-approved guide shares realistic screen time rules to help families balance technology without disrupting healthy sleep. Learn how toddler screen time, screen time before bed, and the connection between screen time and sleep can affect your child's rest, plus practical tips for managing screen time with less stress and fewer power struggles.
White Noise for Baby Sleep: What Parents Need to Know
White noise machines are one of the most commonly recommended infant sleep aids, but many parents have questions about how they work, whether they create a baby sleep prop, and how to use them safely. In this guide, you'll learn the benefits of white noise, best practices for white noise volume safety, and practical tips for weaning white noise when the time is right. Whether you're considering your first white noise machine or reevaluating your current sleep setup, this guide will help you make an informed decision for your family.
Will Fireworks Ruin My Baby's Sleep? A Sleep Consultant's Fourth of July Guide
The Fourth of July can bring late bedtimes, loud fireworks, missed naps, and overstimulated little ones—but one holiday doesn't have to derail your child's sleep. In this guide, certified sleep consultant and mom of four Meg O'Leary shares practical tips to help babies, toddlers, and young children navigate fireworks and holiday celebrations while protecting the healthy sleep habits you've worked hard to build.
How Allergies Affect Baby and Toddler Sleep
Allergies affecting baby sleep can lead to congestion, frequent wake-ups, and restless nights. From baby congestion sleep issues to toddler night waking allergies often cause, understanding the connection between child sleep and allergies can help parents reduce allergy sleep disruption and support better rest during seasonal allergies toddler sleep challenges.
How to Get Dad Involved in the Bedtime Routine
Learning how to get dad involved in bedtime routine can reduce burnout, build confidence, and help your child feel comfortable with multiple caregivers. From creating a consistent partner sleep routine to navigating toddler parent preference, this guide shares practical tips for sharing infant and child bedtime duties.
Wake Windows By Age: Your Complete Guide
A complete guide to wake windows by age, from newborns to toddlers, straight from leading sleep expert Meg O’Leary. Learn what wake windows are, why they matter, and how to use them without being rigid.
Routines for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Improve Sleep, Behavior, and Confidence
Sleep expert Meg O’Leary and parent coach Ellie Knott team up to explain how simple routines help toddlers and preschoolers sleep better, improve behavior, and build independence—without rigid schedules.
Mother's Day Ideas Mom Will Actually Love
Searching for Mother’s Day ideas for mom that go beyond the usual gifts? This guide focuses on what moms actually want: less mental load, more support, and time to truly rest. From fully planned experiences and ongoing support gifts to thoughtful, personalized items and meaningful family time, these ideas are designed to make her feel seen and cared for. If you want to give a gift that makes a real impact, start here.
Aruba with Kids: Family Travel Tips From an Infant & Child Sleep Expert
Planning a trip to Aruba with kids? This guide from infant and child sleep expert Meg O’Leary shares practical tips for making travel smoother—from managing naps and maintaining bedtime routines to choosing the right accommodations and navigating the minimal time change. Whether you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, or multiple kids, these strategies will help you balance consistency and flexibility while making the most of your time away.
The Door Checks Method: A Structured Approach to Sleep Training
The Door Checks Method is a structured sleep training approach designed for toddlers and preschoolers who already have independent sleep skills but need help staying in bed. Using timed check-ins and clear, consistent boundaries, this method allows parents to remain responsive without reinforcing bedtime struggles. Meg O’Leary teaches when to use it, how it works step-by-step, and how to avoid common mistakes for better sleep success.
Pack ‘n Play Sleep: How to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep Well While Traveling
Are you nervous family travel will ruin your child’s sleep? In this guide, certified sleep consultant Meg O’Leary shares practical, parent-tested strategies to help your baby or toddler sleep well in a Pack ’n Play—whether you’re heading on spring break or navigating sleep on the go. Learn how to build independent sleep skills, set up a travel-friendly sleep environment, and confidently manage bedtime away from home so your whole family can enjoy smoother nights while traveling.
Cold & Flu Season Sleep Tips: How to Support Rest When Your Child is Sick
Winter brings cold and flu. Then, allergy season is just around the corner! Learn expert tips for managing symptoms and sleep from A Restful Night founder and mom of 4 Meg O’Leary.
Daylight Saving Time & Kids: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Spring Forward
Spring forward doesn’t have to mean lost sleep for your child. On March 8, 2026, clocks move ahead one hour, and with a few simple strategies, your child can adjust quickly. From gradual bedtime shifts to jumping right into the new schedule, this step-by-step guide from pediatric sleep expert Meg O’Leary helps families navigate Daylight Saving Time with minimal disruption.
How Sleep Training Gets You Back to Date Night: 6 Steps to Your First Evening Out
Planning your first date night after baby? Discover how sleep training, clear caregiver communication, and the right preparation help you get out the door worry-free. Sleep expert and mom of 4 Meg O’Leary shares 6 personal and professional tips, plus a free downloadable caregiver guide to make evenings out smooth and stress-free.
How to Reset Your Child's Sleep Schedule After the Holidays
The holidays are magical, but they often derail bedtime. Expert sleep coach Meg O’Leary teaches you exactly how to reset your child’s sleep schedule after late nights, travel, and routine changes by using gradual shifts and consistent routines.
New Year, New Sleep Habits: 10 Sleep Resolutions for Well-Rested Families
A new year is the perfect time to reset your family’s sleep. From newborn safety and bedtime routines to toddler naps and parental burnout, these 10 simple sleep resolutions will help your whole household feel more rested, regulated, and confident in 2026.
How to Build the Perfect Bedtime Routine: An Expert Sleep Consultant's 6 Step Guide
Discover the secrets to a successful bedtime with our expert-backed 6-step guide. From timing and predictability to emotional connection and final sleep cues, learn how to craft a bedtime routine that helps your child sleep better and creates peaceful evenings for the whole family.
How to Dress Your Child for Safe and Comfortable Winter Sleep
Winter sleep can be tricky for babies and toddlers. In this guide, you’ll learn how cold weather affects sleep, how to keep your child’s room at a safe temperature, and exactly how to dress them for bedtime: from choosing the right layers and TOG ratings to spotting signs of overheating or chills. Keep your little one cozy, safe, and sleeping soundly all winter long.
Holiday Travel Sleep Tips: How to Keep Your Child's Routine on Track
Traveling with kids this holiday season? From infants to preschoolers, these expert-backed holiday travel sleep tips will help you maintain your child’s routine, create familiar sleep spaces, manage room sharing, and handle disruptions with confidence. Learn what to pack, how to prepare, and how to get everyone back on track once you're home, so you can enjoy the magic of the season without sacrificing sleep.