Moving baby to their own room: when and how?
Health organizations recommend room-sharing for at least 6 months. Here's how to plan the move to baby's own room.
Most sleep-safety guidelines suggest baby sleep in their parents' room, in their own firm sleep space, for at least the first 6 months, ideally up to a year — this practice is linked to a significant reduction in the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
There's no universal 'magic' age for the move to a separate room after that minimum period: it depends on baby's sleep patterns, the parents' comfort level, and sometimes practical constraints (available space, a sibling on the way). Some families wait until baby sleeps more consistent nights before making the switch.
Log naps and nights, and find tips adapted to their age.
Download the app for free✨ Free to download — on phone, tablet and computer.
To make the change easier, it helps to keep the same bedtime routine already in place, use an audio or video monitor for peace of mind, and introduce the change gradually — for instance starting with daytime naps in the new room before moving to full nights.
A temporary return to the parents' room (during illness, travel, or a sleep-regression period) doesn't undo progress: it's entirely possible to move back to the separate room afterward without setting back the child's independent-sleep skills.
Sources
Photo: Unsplash
This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
