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!

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Newborn, Infant, Toddler, or Preschool

Toddler Naps on the Go: How to Make Them Count

Toddler naps on the go do not have to derail your child’s sleep routine. Leading infant and child sleep expert Meg O’Leary shares real-life strategies from navigating sleep with four busy kids in tow. Learn when to protect the nap, when to stay flexible, and how to make stroller naps, car naps, and early bedtimes work when life takes you out of the house.

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Schedule, Sleep Training, Naps Meg O'Leary Schedule, Sleep Training, Naps Meg O'Leary

Quiet Time Ideas: What to Do When Your Toddler Stops Napping

Discover practical quiet time ideas for toddlers who have stopped napping. Learn how to transition from naps to a calm midday routine that recharges your child, supports better overnight sleep, and keeps afternoons peaceful. From books and crafts to music and low-stimulation play, these tips make quiet time easy, enjoyable, and effective for toddlers aged 2.5–4 years.

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Naps, Schedule, Infant, Sleep Training, Milestones Meg O'Leary Naps, Schedule, Infant, Sleep Training, Milestones Meg O'Leary

12-Month-Old Sleep: Schedules, Regressions, Nap Transitions & What to Expect

Navigate your baby’s sleep at one year with this complete guide to a 12 month old sleep schedule, the 12 month sleep regression, and the 2-to-1 nap transition. Learn how much sleep your one-year-old needs, how to handle nap resistance and bedtime struggles, and how separation awareness impacts sleep. Includes sample schedules, expert tips, and practical strategies to support healthy, independent sleep at 12 months.

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All Ages, Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary All Ages, Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary

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.

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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.

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Regression, Infant, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary Regression, Infant, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary

8-10 Month Sleep Regression: Why It Happens and How to Handle It

The 9 month sleep regression often shows up anytime between 8–10 months, when babies are mastering crawling, standing, and experiencing separation awareness. In this guide, founding sleep consultant Meg O’Leary explains why we refer to it as the 8–10 month sleep regression, what’s actually happening developmentally, and how to protect your baby’s sleep without creating new habits.

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Newborn, Schedule, Pregnancy, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary Newborn, Schedule, Pregnancy, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary

Should My Newborn Be on a Schedule?

Newborns aren’t developmentally ready for strict schedules, but they do thrive on predictable rhythms. Leading pediatric sleep expert Meg O’Leary discusses the difference between a newborn schedule and a healthy sleep rhythm, including wake windows, feeding on demand, and how gentle routines lay the foundation for better sleep as your baby grows.

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Regression, Infant, Schedule, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary Regression, Infant, Schedule, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary

4 Month Sleep Regression: Why It Happens and How to Handle It

The 4-month sleep regression is overwhelming: frequent night wakings, short naps, and an overtired baby. But this phase is actually a sign of healthy development. In this guide, sleep expert Meg O’Leary explored what causes the regression, how long it lasts, and the proven strategies you can use to help your baby adjust to their new sleep cycles and develop independent sleep skills.

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Naps, Toddler, Milestones, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary Naps, Toddler, Milestones, Sleep Training Meg O'Leary

2-to-1 Nap Transition: How to Drop Your Toddler’s Second Nap

Wondering if it’s time to drop your toddler’s second nap? The 2-to-1 nap transition usually happens between 12–18 months and can feel overwhelming for parents. Sleep expert Meg O’Leary shares the signs your child is ready, how to adjust wake windows, and practical steps to move from two naps to one—without overtired meltdowns or 5:00am wake-ups.

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Safety, All Ages, Sleep Training, Parenting Meg O'Leary Safety, All Ages, Sleep Training, Parenting Meg O'Leary

Family-Friendly Travel: Why My Family of 6 Loves Lake George, new york

Looking for the perfect family getaway? Our family has spent three summers at Lake George, NY, and we keep coming back for the same reason: it’s beautiful, relaxing, and full of kid-friendly activities. In this guide, I’m sharing our favorite tips for staying at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, the best family activities on and off the lake, and why Lake George is one of the best family-friendly destinations in New York.

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The Link Between Impulse Control and Toddler Sleep Struggles

Is your toddler's bedtime a nightly battle? The missing piece might be impulse control. Learn how your child’s brain development affects sleep, and what you can do about it. From age-appropriate expectations to daily routines that build self-regulation, we’re breaking down how to support your little one through this important developmental milestone!

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Room Sharing with Kids: Sleep Strategies for Siblings and Small Spaces

Considering having your kids share a room, or already navigating sleep in a small space? Whether you're prepping for a future room share or managing current sleep disruptions, this expert guide breaks down age-specific sleep training tips and real-life strategies that support sibling connection and uninterrupted rest. Learn how to create a peaceful shared sleep space, no matter the square footage.

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The Chair Method of Sleep Training: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Sleep

Looking for a gradual way to teach your child to sleep independently? The Chair Method an effective sleep training approach that keeps you close while building your child’s confidence. This step-by-step guide walks you through each phase: so you can support your little one while they learn to fall asleep on their own.

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6 Major Sleep Regression Periods: When They Happen and How to Handle Them

Experiencing frequent night wakings or skipped naps? You might be in the middle of a sleep regression. In this guide, we break down the 6 major baby and toddler sleep regression periods: from the 4-month sleep regression to the 2-year sleep regression. Learn what causes these disruptions, how long sleep regressions last, and practical, expert-backed strategies to handle each stage. Plus, discover when to seek professional help, and how teaching independent sleep skills can prevent future regressions.

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The Check and Console Method: Sleep Training Explained

Struggling with your baby’s sleep? The Check and Console Method—also known as the Ferber Method or Timed Intervals—offers a gradual, structured way to teach independent sleep skills. Unlike full Cry It Out, this method allows parents to check in at increasing intervals, offering comfort while encouraging self-soothing. Learn how to implement this balanced approach, troubleshoot common sleep training challenges, and set your little one up for restful nights!

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Sleep Training, All Ages Meg O'Leary Sleep Training, All Ages Meg O'Leary

6 Sleep Training Myths: What Parents Really Need to Know

Parenting comes with enough challenges—conflicting sleep advice shouldn’t be one of them. In 6 Sleep Training Myths: What Parents Really Need to Know, we tackle the most common misconceptions about sleep training and reveal the truth behind them. From understanding that sleep is a learned skill to embracing flexibility in routines, this guide empowers parents with evidence-based insights and practical strategies. Whether you're starting with a newborn or an older child, you’ll discover that sleep training can be a compassionate, adaptable process that benefits the entire family.

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Everything You Need to Know About Our Two-Week Full Support Sleep Training Program

Discover everything you need to know about our Two-Week Full Support Sleep Training Program designed to help your baby or toddler sleep independently, establish healthy sleep habits, and give your entire family the rest you deserve. Learn what’s included, how our certified sleep coaches support you every step of the way, and why over 1,000 families trust A Restful Night for personalized, virtual sleep coaching. Say goodbye to bedtime battles and sleepless nights—your journey to better sleep starts here.

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