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!
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.
Choosing the Right Sleep Space: Cribs, Floor Beds, Toddler Beds & What to Avoid
With all the options out there, it can be difficult to understand which sleep space will actually support healthy, independent sleep for your child. Expert sleep coach Meg O’Leary breaks down the safest and most effective options for infants and toddlers, including what to avoid and when to transition from crib to bed.
Toddler Bedtime Battles: Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Struggling with toddler bedtime battles? Meg O’Leary, founder and lead sleep consultant at A Restful Night shares her expert toddler sleep training strategies to stop stalling, fears, and meltdowns.
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.
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.
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.
