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!

Find what You Need

Read featured posts, use the search bar to find specific topics, or sort posts by age:
Newborn, Infant, Toddler, or Preschool

All Ages, Parenting, Family Time Meg O'Leary All Ages, Parenting, Family Time Meg O'Leary

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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Infant, Toddler, Sleep Training, Parenting, Bedtime Meg O'Leary Infant, Toddler, Sleep Training, Parenting, Bedtime Meg O'Leary

How to Use an OK-to-Wake Clock to Fix Early Morning Wakeups

If your family is struggling with early morning wakeups, an OK-to-Wake Clock could be the solution you’ve been waiting for! Designed for toddlers and young children, these clocks use visual and auditory cues to teach kids when it’s time to start the day. From crib sleepers to bed sleepers, our step-by-step guide explains how to introduce the clock, set realistic wake times, and stay consistent for long-term success.

Read More
Sleep Training, Infant, Toddler, Parenting Meg O'Leary Sleep Training, Infant, Toddler, Parenting Meg O'Leary

Gradual Sleep Training: Effective Methods That Don't Involve Crying It Out

Worried Cry-It-Out isn’t for your family? Sleep Expert, Meg O’Leary, explores other gradual sleep training methods designed to help children learn to fall asleep independently, build confidence, and give parents better nights. Plus, learn what factors to consider when choosing a sleep training method for your family.

Read More
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.

Read More

Childcare and Sleep: Simple Tips for Smooth Bedtimes and Happy Routines

Managing your child’s sleep across nannies, babysitters, daycares, and grandparents doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide offers realistic, flexible tips to help you create and communicate a consistent routine that works, no matter who’s putting your child to bed!

Read More

Back to School Sleep Tips: How to Get Back in a Routine That Works for You!

As summer winds down, it’s time to start thinking ahead. This guide helps you ease your family back into a consistent school sleep routine. Discover age-based sleep needs, practical bedtime strategies, and gentle ways to get ahead of the adjustment from certified sleep expert Meg O’Leary.

Read More

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!

Read More
Infant, Parenting, Milestones Meg O'Leary Infant, Parenting, Milestones Meg O'Leary

How to Help a Teething Baby Sleep at Night: Tips for Better Rest

Is teething keeping your baby up at night? Discover expert-backed tips to soothe teething discomfort and improve your baby’s sleep. From gum massages and cooling remedies to bedtime routines and sleep environment hacks, this guide shares gentle, effective strategies to help your teething baby sleep better. Learn how to spot the signs, when to offer comfort, and how to maintain healthy sleep habits - even during teething. Sleep relief is possible!

Read More

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!

Read More
Infant, Toddler, Seasonal, Parenting, Bedtime Meg O'Leary Infant, Toddler, Seasonal, Parenting, Bedtime Meg O'Leary

Winter Sleep Tips for Children : Keeping Your Child Warm at Night

Keeping your child warm and cozy at night during the winter can be tricky, but with this advice from certified sleep expert Meg O’Leary, you can ensure safe and comfortable nights. This guide covers essential winter sleep tips for children, from ideal bedroom temperatures to layering sleepwear and using a humidifier to combat dry air. Learn how to strike the perfect balance between warmth and safety for your little one’s best winter sleep yet!

Read More

How to Room Share with Your Child While Traveling for The Holidays (Without Losing Your Mind!)

Holiday travel often means squeezing into shared spaces, but room-sharing with your little one doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights! With a little preparation, you can create a cozy and familiar environment that helps everyone settle in for some much-needed rest. Whether it’s setting up a special sleep spot with their favorite blanket and lovey or using sound machines to block out unfamiliar noises, small touches go a long way in making your child feel secure. And while things may not go perfectly (holiday excitement is part of the fun!), keeping routines consistent and your approach flexible can help make bedtime smoother for everyone.

Read More

Let us guide your family to A Restful Night