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.
Cold & Flu Season Sleep Tips: How to Support Rest When Your Child is Sick
Winter brings cold and flu. Then, allergy season is just around the corner! Learn expert tips for managing symptoms and sleep from A Restful Night founder and mom of 4 Meg O’Leary.
Daylight Saving Time & Kids: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Spring Forward
Spring forward doesn’t have to mean lost sleep for your child. On March 8, 2026, clocks move ahead one hour, and with a few simple strategies, your child can adjust quickly. From gradual bedtime shifts to jumping right into the new schedule, this step-by-step guide from pediatric sleep expert Meg O’Leary helps families navigate Daylight Saving Time with minimal disruption.
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.
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.
How to Dress Your Child for Safe and Comfortable Winter Sleep
Winter sleep can be tricky for babies and toddlers. In this guide, you’ll learn how cold weather affects sleep, how to keep your child’s room at a safe temperature, and exactly how to dress them for bedtime: from choosing the right layers and TOG ratings to spotting signs of overheating or chills. Keep your little one cozy, safe, and sleeping soundly all winter long.
Should You Transition Your Toddler Back to the Crib?
Struggling after moving your toddler from crib to bed? Learn why moving back rarely works, when it might, and what to do instead. Get expert toddler sleep tips to make the crib to bed transition smooth, confident, and consistent.
Best Sleep Schedule for Toddlers: A Complete Guide to Mastering the 2-year-old Sleep Routine
Struggling with toddler sleep battles or unpredictable naps? Learn how to build the best toddler sleep schedule for your 1–3 year old. We’ll cover how much sleep your toddler really needs, ideal nap and bedtime timing, and how to adjust their routine as they grow. Plus, get tips to avoid common mistakes that cause bedtime battles and early wake-ups.
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.
Daylight Saving Time: Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Fall Back
When Daylight Saving Time ends and clocks “fall back,” kids don’t always get the memo. Early wake-ups and bedtime battles can leave families exhausted. This guide shares sleep-expert and parent-approved strategies, including a simple 4-day plan and proven sleep environment tips, to help children adjust smoothly to the Daylight Saving Time change.
Creating the Perfect Sleep Space: 5 Tips for Better Infant and Toddler Sleep
Creating the perfect sleep space can transform your baby or toddler’s rest. From safe crib setups and blackout curtains to white noise, room temperature, and bedtime routines, these five expert tips will help your child fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and develop healthy sleep habits that last.
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.
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!
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.
Skip the Toddler Bed: Here's What to Do Instead
Thinking about switching your toddler to a toddler bed? You might want to skip it. Learn why sleep experts recommend moving straight from crib to a big kid bed instead. This smoother, smarter transition supports better sleep, builds impulse control, and sets your toddler up for long-term success. Here’s how to do it safely and confidently.
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!
Crib to Bed Transition: How to Know When Your Toddler Is Ready
Transitioning from crib to bed is a big milestone for toddlers and parents alike. Learn the ideal age range, signs of readiness, and what to avoid when making the switch to a big kid bed. This guide, written by a certified sleep expert, contains everything you need to know for a smooth and successful transition.
