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!
Summer Toddler Activities That Set Up Better Sleep
Looking for fun summer toddler activities that won't throw off your little one's sleep? From engaging outdoor activities for toddlers to simple calming activities for toddlers, the right mix of play and downtime can help support healthy toddler wake windows and a consistent toddler sleep schedule. Plus, we'll share why limiting screen time before bed can make all the difference for easier naps and more restful nights.
6 Month Sleep Schedule: Naps, Wake Windows, and What to Do When Sleep Gets Weird
If you're wondering what the right 6 month wake windows look like, you're not alone. Around this age, your baby's sleep needs are evolving, making it important to balance awake time with naps. In this guide, we'll cover a sample 6 month sleep schedule, 6 month nap schedule, how baby wake windows by age change, signs of baby overtiredness, and when to expect the 3 to 2 nap transition.
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.
Summer Sleep Tips: What to Do When the Weather Warms Up
Summer sleep doesn’t have to fall apart when routines shift. In this practical guide, infant and child sleep expert Meg O’Leary shares realistic summer sleep tips for babies and toddlers, including how to manage later bedtimes, naps on the go, travel, heat, and changing schedules while still protecting quality sleep for the whole family.
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.
Everything You Need to Know About 7 Month Old Sleep
A Restful Night founder Meg O’Leary combines her unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise everything you need to know about 7 month old sleep: wake windows, nap schedules, night wakings, and how to support independent sleep skills.
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.
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.
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 First Month of Newborn Sleep: What to Expect
Especially in the first month, newborn sleep can feel unpredictable. In this guide to newborn sleep first month, we break down how much newborns sleep, why short sleep cycles and frequent wake-ups are completely normal, and how feeding patterns shape your baby’s day and night. You’ll learn what a typical rhythm looks like, how to create a safe sleep environment, and how to navigate this stage with more confidence and less stress.
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.
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.
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.
How to Stop Early Morning Wake-Ups in Babies & Toddlers (5-6:00 a.m. Fixes That Actually Work)
Stop 5–6 a.m. wake-ups with practical, science-backed strategies. Sleep Expert Meg O’Leary reveals the most common causes of early rising in babies and toddlers—including sleep skills, schedules, habits, and environment—plus simple fixes that help your child sleep later and start your day with predictability.
Baby Rolling & Sleep: How Mobility Milestones Impact Your Baby’s Sleep
Rolling is an exciting milestone, but it can temporarily disrupt your baby’s sleep. Pediatric sleep consultant Meg O’Leary and pediatric physical therapist Dr. Erica Law explain when babies start rolling, why babies roll onto their belly at night, and how parents can safely support sleep through this developmental stage.