New Year, New Sleep Habits: 10 Sleep Resolutions for Well-Rested Families
A brand-new year always feels like a fresh start, especially when it comes to sleep. Whether you're navigating newborn nights, toddler bedtime battles, or juggling multiple kids with different needs (hi, I’ve been there!), a few simple shifts can make family sleep easier and more predictable.
Here are 10 sleep resolutions to help your family start the new year well-rested, regulated, and recharged.
1. Do a Safety Sweep of Every Sleep Space
Before we talk about routines or bedtimes, let’s talk about safety. Take ten minutes to check cribs, beds, and bedrooms for any risks.
If your baby is under 12 months old, their crib should be completely clear: just a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Once your child turns one, you can consider introducing a lovey or comfort item, but in general, less is always more (and safer!) when it comes to sleep spaces.
While you’re at it, do a quick room inspection: safety-proof cords and outlets, secure furniture to the wall, and remove anything that could pose a danger. A simple reset now keeps your child safe: and gives you peace of mind all year long.
You can read my full safety checklist here: Infant & Child Sleep Space Tips
2. Create a Bedtime Routine All Caregivers Can Follow
The test of a great bedtime routine is that anyone can do it! If one parent is out for the night or a babysitter steps in, bedtime shouldn’t fall apart. Choose a routine that’s simple, predictable, and repeatable: think bath, pajamas, feeding, story, sound machine, bed.
When everyone does it the same way, kids know what to expect and feel more confident. For toddlers or older children, create a visual checklist that they can follow along with to give them some independence and agency in their routine.
Want to create the perfect routine in 6 easy steps? Read: How to Build the Perfect Bedtime Routine
3. Share Bedtime Duty (If Possible!)
If you have two caregivers at home, try trading off bedtime. Yes, this takes pressure off the “default parent,” helps prevent burnout, but there’s another reason we recommend it:
Instead of tackling every bedtime together, divide the entire routine by day. When one parent pops in and out, it actually creates more transitions, and transitions are where stalling and tantrums love to sneak in. The goal is always to reduce transitions during the bedtime routine, not add more. A parent coming and going mid-routine often isn’t helpful… and can make bedtime drag on longer.
One parent, one full routine. Then switch the next night.
4. Get Sunlight First Thing in the Morning
This one is huge. Natural light early in the day helps anchor your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), which makes both bedtime and wake-ups more predictable. In the winter months, it can feel almost impossible to bundle everyone up and head outside first thing, but even 5–10 minutes by a sunny window or a quick step onto the porch makes a meaningful difference.
A little morning light goes a long way in setting your whole family up for better sleep.
5. Stop Letting Sleep Hold You Back
When you have a routine that you know works, it can follow you everywhere! Let this be the year you say yes to experiences that might temporarily disrupt sleep. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family gathering, or a holiday adventure, know that you can (and will) confidently get back on track when you return home. Consistency and flexibility go hand in hand, and both help your family thrive and make memories!
6. Make Bribery a Thing of the Past
Has bedtime turned into a nightly negotiation? Step away from the gummy bears and spur-of-the-moment rewards. Instead, implement a structured incentive system to encourage consistent, positive behavior at bedtime. Predictable rewards, like stickers, extra story time, or a special outing with a loved one, help your child understand expectations and build consistent habits.
Not sure if what you’re doing counts as bribery or a helpful incentive? Check out our informative post to help you decipher the difference and make bedtime smoother for everyone.
7. Use Sleep-Friendly Tools to Support Consistency
Simple tools can make a big difference in your child’s sleep. If you’ve been hesitant to integrate them into your child’s bedtime routine, let this be the year you start! White noise helps mask household sounds and creates a predictable bedtime environment, while an OK-to-wake clock teaches toddlers when it’s time to get up and when they should stay in bed. These tools aren’t magic, but they reduce night waking, minimize early-morning chaos, and support consistency in your routines.
8. If Naptime Isn’t Working, Consider Quiet Time Instead
If your toddler is on a one-nap schedule and you notice bedtime creeping later, naps dragging 30+ minutes to start, or grumpy wake-ups, it might be time to switch to quiet time.
In my house, quiet time is an hour where I’m not responsible for entertaining them, and the activities are calm and relaxing. Sometimes that’s a low-key show or movie, other times it’s puzzles or crafts. Either way, it’s a chance to reset the day and set everyone up for a smoother, more predictable night’s sleep.
Looking for a toddler sleep schedule? We’ve got everything you need to know in: A Complete Guide to Mastering the 2-year-old Sleep Routine
9. Prioritize Your Own Rest Too
As parents, we focus so much on our kids’ sleep that we forget our own matters just as much. Protect a little time each night to unwind yourself, put your phone away before bed, and create a sleep space that feels calm and comforting. A well-rested parent is more patient, more present, and better equipped to handle the long days. You deserve that.
10. Reach Out for Sleep Support When You Need It
You don’t have to navigate sleep struggles alone. If bedtime battles, early mornings, or nighttime wakes have taken over your household, a customized sleep plan can change everything. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes, and a strategy made for your family, is exactly what you need.
If you want to learn more about what sleep training with us might look like, read Everything You Need to Know About Our Two-Week Program.
Start the new year off right. Let’s get your family sleeping again.
If you’re ready for a calmer, more predictable year, book a complimentary consultation calland let’s make sleep a priority in 2026.
Toddler parents, this one is for you…
Navigating the crib to bed transitioN
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Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
