When to move baby into their own room?

The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping baby in your room for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), however there’s no pressure to move them as soon as they reach 6 months. You know your family best, so trust your instincts when deciding if it's time for your baby to have their own space.

Ah, the million-dollar question! I have experienced families moving their baby to their own room and sleep improving significantly. Having their own room can reduce disturbances from yourselves coming to bed and moving around – and sometimes your baby can simply sense your presence! However, it's not a magic fix for all sleep issues. Often sleep challenges are nuanced and require several puzzle pieces working together to see improvements, so make sure you are considering the whole picture.

Every baby is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach here. Some more laid back babies will need very little prep at all;, you will simply be able to put your baby to sleep in their new room one night and it will all work out. Other babies are more sensitive and alert and will need a slightly more gradual transition and more support. You know your baby best!

Before moving your baby to their own sleep space, make sure they feel ready. Spend some time playing in their room during the day to get used to the surroundings. Incorporate some fun activities into your daily routine to help baby associate their cot in a safe and positive way. Games like peek-a-boo are ideal for helping your baby learn ‘object permanence’ and begin to understand that when you go away, you always come back. Try ducking behind the cot and popping back up or covering yourself with a muslin or blanket before revealing yourself again. You can also try pretending to put their teddy to bed to make the transition more playful and less daunting. Put the teddy or doll into your baby’s sleeping bag, lay them down and say ‘Shush, sleepy time’. Even though your baby may seem too young to understand, it’s a great way to plant the seeds of an idea that the cot is a place to sleep.

As you start spending more time in baby's room, gradually increase the distance between you and the cot. Start by moving to the other side of the room to do some chores whilst baby is playing contentedly; you can continue to chat with them intermittently too. Next, pop out for short periods while they’re happily playing in the cot, reassuring them with a quick peek or a comforting word. During these practices, keep your tone confident and matter-of-fact to let your baby know this is all safe and refrain from ‘rescuing’ them as soon as they show signs of upset. Instead, use reassuring words in your confident manner before taking them out to comfort them.

When it comes to that first night in their own room, aim to make the move at bedtime. Bedtime is when baby's natural sleep hormones are at their peak, making it the ideal time to introduce anything new to your sleep routines.

Transitioning your baby to their own room is a big step, trust your instincts, take it slow, and before you know it, you'll all be sleeping soundly in your own spaces.