Bedtime Struggles with my 18-Month old, and How I got Him Back on Track

After sleep-training your child, it’s common to experience setbacks at some point so it’s important to understand what’s happening and what kind of adjustments you can make to get your child back on track.


In this blog post I’m going to talk about my recent experience with our 18-month-old toddler. We’ll talk about some of the bedtime struggles we started having over the holidays and what we did to correct them. I’m going to give you step-by-step direction on what I did to improve his schedule and how we encouraged him to start sleeping through the night again.


In my opinion, 18-months is the most challenging time to correct bedtime struggles. The reason for this is because they are big babies now, so they don’t mind protesting louder and longer. If this is the first time that they’ve been sleep trained, it can be challenging because they get used to their current habits and it takes more time to encourage new healthy routines. The crying can be hard, especially for the parents, so I do my best to avoid the tears as much as possible although you’ll see I just wasn’t able to avoid them all together here.


My son was only a few months old when we chose to sleep train him. He responded well to sleep training and slept through the night most of the time, sometimes waking once for a feeding, but that was it. We were consistent and he continued to sleep well even while we made daytime nap transitions and worked through his separation anxiety.


Our recent sleep struggles began over the holidays. We had a lot going on and we didn’t prioritize our routines as much as we usually do. We made choices that didn’t align with our current schedule, and we started bringing him into our bed for early morning snuggles. What came next was a series of sleep troubles. My baby suddenly started waking up at night wanting to be snuggled. He was waking multiple times a night and crying if he noticed us leaving the room before he fell asleep.


Everyone falls off routine sometimes so it’s important to know what to do to get them back on routine and start encouraging independent sleep again. The first thing I always do is make sure I have my routines in line. Babies thrive when their routines are consistent and predictable, so that must be a priority. At 18 months of age my son needs one nap a day, not exceeding 3 hours, and we do a 7pm bedtime for him. When it’s time for bed we do our bedtime routines, hold him for a quick snuggle and then tuck him into his bed, we say goodnight and then leave the room while he's calm but still awake.


There are many different methods that can be used when encouraging independent sleep. It’s important that you choose a method and have a plan for what to do when your baby starts crying. I always choose which method will work best based on the baby’s temperament and how the parent feels about crying. For my son, check-ins have been very effective in the past, so it was an easy choice for us.


After we say goodnight and leave the room, he usually rubs his hair and falls asleep on his own. Since we’ve been off our routines, he started standing up in his crib and crying as soon as I leave the room. I chose to start check-ins in 4 or 5 minute intervals. When my timer goes off, I go into his room, give him a quick snuggle then lay him back down and rub his hair until he’s relaxed. When he is calm but still awake, I leave the room again. I continue to do check ins at 4 or 5 minute intervals until he falls asleep. The first two nights are always the hardest and take the most work, but progress is often seen by night 3. It wasn't long before he was sleeping through the night again!


When it comes to check-ins, each situation is different so the time intervals should be left up to the parents and then check-ins need to be done every single time the timer goes off. Consistency is the key here. The goal is to teach your baby that you are always coming back and that they are safe in their space. After a few days of consistency, your baby will learn that you’ll be back, and they’ll learn to self soothe. Eventually the goal is to lay them down relaxed, be able to leave the room and they fall asleep on their own.


Setbacks are common, they can happen due to teething, sleep regressions, or simply because we’ve fallen off routine. The best thing you can do it dial in your routines and stay consistent. Baby’s love consistency and predictability and a well rested baby is beneficial for the entire family. I have a separate blog post that has a lot of helpful information for creating the best environment to encourage sleep. Combining a comfortable sleep environment, consistent routine, and responding appropriately to crying, is the perfect combination to get your baby sleeping better in no time. 

Restful Baby Blog

The Best Bedtime Routines for Working Parents

By site-jVv_Pg • September 20, 2025
The Best Bedtime Routines for Working Parents As a working parent, your day doesn’t slow down when the workday ends—it shifts gears. Between dinner prep, school paperwork, and bedtime battles, the evening can feel more like a sprint than a wind-down. But here’s the good news: a consistent, calm bedtime routine doesn’t have to take an hour (or your last shred of energy). In fact, with a few intentional steps, you can create a sleep-friendly routine that works for your child—and your schedule. Here’s how to build the best bedtime routine for working parents who want peaceful evenings and well-rested kids. 1. Start with Connection, Not Control After a long day apart, your child craves connection. Before diving into “get ready for bed” mode, spend just 5–10 minutes doing something calm and connecting: Cuddle on the couch Read a short book together Do a quiet puzzle or coloring page This small moment of presence helps fill your child’s emotional tank, making them more cooperative during the routine that follows. 2. Keep It Short and Predictable (20–30 Minutes Total) A good bedtime routine doesn't need to be long or elaborate. The key is consistency. Choose a 3–5 step routine you can repeat every night. For example: Sample 20-Minute Bedtime Routine: Bath or quick wash-up Pajamas and teeth brushing Book (or two!) Hugs/kisses and a short chat Lights out with a soothing sound machine or nightlight Tip: Start the routine at the same time each night. Children thrive on predictability—it helps their body and brain prepare for sleep. 3. Use Visuals and Routines Charts If your child resists bedtime transitions, a visual bedtime chart can be a game changer. Simple pictures of each step (e.g., pajamas, book, bed) can make the routine feel more like a game than a struggle—and it keeps you from having to nag or repeat yourself. Bonus: Let your child check off each step. It gives them a sense of control in a predictable framework. 4. Set Boundaries with Love Working parents often feel guilty about limited time with their kids, and bedtime can become a stalling ground for "just one more..." requests. The best way to handle this? Set clear boundaries with warmth. Try: “We have time for two books tonight. I can’t wait to read them with you!” Or: “After our story, I’ll tuck you in and check on you in 10 minutes.” Being firm and kind shows your child that bedtime is safe, predictable, and non-negotiable. 5. Lean on Tools, Not Screens Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed—it interferes with melatonin production. Instead, use calming tools: A white noise machine or calming playlist A diffuser with lavender essential oil (safe for kids over 6 months) A special bedtime-only stuffed animal or blanket These sensory cues help signal to your child’s brain: “It’s time for sleep.” 6. Be Kind to Yourself, Too Even with the perfect routine, some nights will go off the rails. That’s okay. Working parents wear a lot of hats—employee, parent, chef, chauffeur, bedtime storyteller. You don’t have to be perfect to raise a well-rested child. If bedtime is consistently a struggle or if your child has ongoing sleep difficulties, you're not alone—and you're not failing. This is where professional sleep support can make all the difference. Final Thoughts A solid bedtime routine is one of the most powerful tools a working parent can use to support their child’s sleep. And when your child sleeps better, you sleep better—which makes everything else more manageable. If you’re ready to bring calm to your evenings and want support tailoring a routine for your unique family, I’m here to help.

Back-to-School Sleep Routines: How to Help Your Child Transition Smoothly

August 21, 2025
Back-to-School Sleep Routines: How to Help Your Child Transition Smoothly As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many families find themselves grappling with one tricky challenge: getting kids back on a healthy sleep schedule. Long summer evenings, travel, camps, and relaxed routines often mean later bedtimes and sleep-ins. But now it’s time to get back on track—because well-rested kids are better learners, better behaved, and better equipped to handle the demands of the school day.  As a pediatric sleep consultant, I work with many families during this transition. The good news? With a little planning and patience, it’s completely possible to reset your child’s sleep habits and start the school year strong. Why Sleep Matters for School-Aged Children Children between the ages of 6 and 12 typically need 9–12 hours of sleep per night , according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Adequate sleep helps with: Memory and learning Emotional regulation Attention and focus Immune health Physical growth When children don’t get enough sleep, it can show up as moodiness, hyperactivity, poor academic performance, and increased susceptibility to illness. 1. Start the Transition Early Ideally, begin adjusting your child’s sleep schedule 1–2 weeks before school starts . Gradually shift bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every few nights , and do the same with wake-up times. This slow change allows your child’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) to reset more naturally. If school is just a few days away, don’t panic. Start now, and focus on consistency—even a few days of structured routine can make a difference. 2. Set a Consistent Bedtime and Wake Time Children thrive on routine. Try to keep bedtimes and wake times consistent—even on weekends . While a little flexibility is okay, large variations can disrupt their body clock and make weekday mornings harder. 3. Create a Calming Evening Routine A predictable, relaxing bedtime routine helps signal to your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down. This can include: A warm bath or shower Brushing teeth Reading a book or quiet storytelling Gentle music or white noise Dimmed lights and no screens Avoid stimulating activities (video games, roughhousing) at least an hour before bed. 4. Limit Screen Time in the Evenings The blue light from tablets, TVs, and phones can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for kids to fall asleep. Aim to power down all screens at least 60 minutes before bedtime . 5. Optimize the Sleep Environment Make sure your child’s bedroom is: Cool (between 65–70°F) Dark (use blackout curtains if needed) Quiet (or use white noise if helpful) Comfortable (invest in a cozy mattress and bedding) Remove distractions like TVs and tablets from the bedroom if possible. 6. Be Patient and Consistent Adjusting to a new routine takes time, especially after a carefree summer. Some kids adapt quickly, while others may take a couple of weeks. The key is consistency . Stick to the new routine even if it feels tough at first. Your child’s body will adjust, and better sleep will follow. Final Thoughts Back-to-school season can feel hectic, but it’s also a great opportunity to reset your family’s routines. Supporting your child’s sleep now sets the stage for a smoother, healthier school year. If your child struggles with falling asleep, staying asleep, or resisting bedtime even with a consistent routine, it may be helpful to speak with a pediatric sleep consultant for personalized guidance. Here’s to a well-rested start to the school year!

Sleep Training Without Guilt: Navigating the Emotional Side of Sleep Coaching

By site-jVv_Pg • August 7, 2025
Sleep Training Without Guilt: Navigating the Emotional Side of Sleep Coaching A compassionate guide for tired parents facing pressure, shame, or online judgment As a pediatric sleep consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply emotional the decision to sleep train can be. Parents come to me exhausted, desperate for rest — yet also burdened with guilt. They’ve read the forums. They’ve been sent the unsolicited articles. Sometimes, they’ve even been told they're harming their child by simply trying to get a full night’s sleep. Let’s be clear: wanting your child (and yourself) to sleep is not selfish. It’s not harmful. It’s human. And most importantly — it’s okay. The Shame Spiral: Where Does It Come From? There’s a lot of pressure on modern parents to do everything “perfectly.” Add in social media, parenting influencers, and endless advice, and suddenly sleep training becomes a moral debate instead of a personal decision. Common guilt-inducing messages parents hear: “If your baby cries, they’ll think you’ve abandoned them.” “Your baby will sleep when they’re ready — you just need to be more patient.” “You chose to have kids — losing sleep is part of the deal.” These statements are often well-meaning, but they’re not always rooted in science — and they certainly don’t take your unique child, circumstances, or mental health into account. What the Research Actually Says Modern, evidence-based sleep training methods — including gentle and responsive approaches — have been studied extensively. When done thoughtfully and with love, they do not harm a child’s emotional development or attachment to their caregiver. In fact, many families report that once sleep improves: Bonding feels easier. Parents are more present and less reactive. Children are more content during the day. Well-rested families function better. That’s not guilt-worthy. That’s essential. Sleep Training ≠ Abandonment One of the biggest misconceptions is that sleep training equals “crying it out” and leaving your baby alone, afraid, and ignored. That’s not the only way — and it's not the method most professionals recommend. Sleep coaching can be: Gradual Responsive Comforting Aligned with your values It’s not about ignoring your baby’s needs. It’s about helping them develop a skill — the ability to fall asleep independently — with your loving support. You Don’t Owe the Internet an Explanation One of the hardest parts of parenting today is doing it under a microscope. You post about sleep training, and suddenly everyone has an opinion. Even if you keep it private, the fear of judgment can creep in. Here’s the truth: You don’t have to justify your decisions to strangers on the internet. You are the expert on your child. You get to choose what works best for your family. Give Yourself Permission If you’re thinking about sleep training, or already doing it, and feeling guilty — take a deep breath. Then try this reminder: “I’m a good parent, doing my best. Supporting my child’s sleep is an act of love — not neglect.” You’re allowed to want rest. You’re allowed to set boundaries. You’re allowed to feel confident in your parenting, even when others disagree. You’re Not Alone Whether you're in the thick of sleep training or just exploring your options, know this: you're not doing it wrong just because someone else wouldn’t do it your way. If you need guidance, support, or just a non-judgmental ear — that’s what I’m here for. My blog is a safe, shame-free space for tired parents looking for real solutions and a little more peace.