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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
What's the Best Sleep Sack for Your Baby? A Sleep Consultant's Guide
Confused about sleep sacks? This expert-backed guide from a certified sleep consultant breaks down TOG ratings, fabric types, and the best sleep sacks for every age, season, and stage: from newborn swaddles to toddler-friendly wearable blankets.
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.
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.
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.
Overtired Baby or Toddler? Major Signs, Causes, and How to Fix It!
Is your baby or toddler fighting sleep, fussy, or waking often? Overtiredness could be the root cause. Learn the key signs of an overtired child, why it happens, and how to fix it with calming strategies, ideal wake windows, and expert tips for better baby sleep.
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!
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.
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.
Spring Forward: Helping Your Child Adjust to Time Change
The Spring Ahead Time Change is here (yes, we’re still doing this!). While longer evenings are a perk, losing an hour of sleep can throw your child’s routine off track. Expect groggy mornings, bedtime battles, and a little crankiness—but don’t worry! This blog shares expert-approved strategies to help your little one adjust quickly. From adjusting naps and using blackout curtains to maximizing morning sunlight, these simple tips will ease the transition so your whole family can stay well-rested. Ready to help your child spring forward without the fuss?
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.
My sleep training journey: A New Mom's Honest Experience
Sleep training isn’t just about babies—it’s a journey for parents, too. In this honest account, new mom Emily shares her sleep training experience with her five-month-old daughter, Poppy, after weeks of sleepless nights, navigating daycare schedules, and juggling a return to work. With support from A Restful Night’s Two-Week Full Support Program, Emily found solutions that worked for her family’s unique needs, helping Poppy sleep more independently while empowering Emily to take control of bedtime routines. If you’re a parent searching for real solutions, Emily’s story could be the sleep inspiration you need!
Daylight Saving Survival Guide: what every parent needs to know about the time change
Daylight Saving ends on November 3, 2024, are you ready for the time change? Whether you're a meticulous planner or someone caught off guard by the time change, this guide offers strategies to help your baby or toddler adjust smoothly. From gradual schedule shifts to quick fixes after-the-fact, learn which approach suits your parenting style best—whether you're a Panicked Preparer, a Spur-of-the-Moment Strategist, or an After-the-Fact Fixer. With actionable tips, expert advice, and flexible plans, you can take back control of your child’s sleep schedule without losing your sanity.