When should you move baby to their own room?

Categories: Child Development

Baby's sleep and bedding are among the main concerns of new parents right after returning from the maternity ward. After birth, most choose to have the newborn sleep in their room. They prefer to keep the little one there at least during the first few weeks or even months for practical and safety reasons.

While parent-child bonding is essential according to attachment theory, there comes a time when mom and dad need to regain their privacy. It's also often said that infant sleep is better when they sleep in their own room. Indeed, the environment will be calmer there, which proves more conducive to less light sleep.

If you're wondering at what age baby should sleep in their own room, you'll find the answer in what follows.

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The importance of baby-parent attachment relationship

From birth, infants naturally seek proximity to an adult, who subsequently becomes their attachment figure. This type of relationship is prioritized during the first months. It allows parents to reassure and comfort the child.

Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that new parents let baby sleep in the parental bedroom for the first 6 months. It's more practical for nursing mothers and safer to prevent unexpected infant death.

However, it's better to have the baby sleep in the same room, but not share the same bed. The essential thing is to be able to keep an eye on them and for the little one to feel their mother's or father's presence. Various options exist for putting them to bed, such as a co-sleeper crib, Moses basket, carrycot, cradle, crib...

The bed reducer can also be used to minimize space in the cradle, baby bed, or even the conjugal bed. It helps reassure little ones more and makes parents' tasks easier, especially for breastfeeding. Moreover, it prevents waking other children while the youngest isn't sleeping through the night yet.

When should baby sleep in their own room?

Generally, it's possible to consider having your baby sleep in their own room between 4 and 6 months. But in truth, there's no pre-established right time. Each couple can choose according to their needs and desires. Pediatricians mainly advise taking into account the little one's developmental stage.

Some parents keep the little one only for two weeks after birth, as the baby might make noise. Others wait for the first signs to appear. A child can sleep in their bed and personal space from 4 months.

Moreover, at this age, they don't often need night feeds and start sleeping through the night. The period of risk for sudden infant death has also passed. Additionally, your movements might disturb their lighter sleep when co-sleeping.

From the sixth month, the child will enter the separation anxiety phase. It will be more difficult to plan a separation at this time. From 6 to 12 months, baby sleeps through the night or almost. They also start sleeping better at night than during the day.

How to make the transition smoothly?

At first, having a baby sleep alone in their room can prove difficult. The first nights might be terrible. It's better to proceed gently so the child adapts gradually.

Start by putting them in their personal space during nap time, to help them get used to their new environment. Don't hesitate to set up their play mat or some toys. Little ones also love bedtime rituals like kisses, cuddles, or nursery rhymes before falling asleep.

The transition will be easier if the baby still sleeps in a Moses basket. Simply place it in their little cocoon during naps or nights.

Prepare your baby to sleep alone in their room

A child needs help before they can sleep well alone in their room. The first step is to set up bedding and a space that suits them.

Put baby to sleep in an appropriate bed

For your little one to sleep through the night in their own space, it's important to choose the right sleeping arrangement. Opt for a cradle or crib that meets safety standards, with a mattress adapted to baby's morphology. The child must also sleep in a completely secure place.

As for bedding, ensure it's cotton, non-slip, and doesn't cause any allergy problems for little ones. No need for pillows, duvet or blanket - a sleep sack or baby sleeping bag with pajamas is sufficient. You should know that it's necessary to put the baby to sleep on their back.

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Create a pleasant environment

Your child's room environment should be pleasant to encourage them to stay there alone. You need to maintain a good temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, specifically around 19°C. This is very conducive to deep sleep. Give your child time to get familiar with their space so they can easily recognize it when they wake up.

Stuffed animals can decorate the room. However, they are real dust traps. Babies can more easily fall asleep holding their favorite comfort toy. Don't hesitate to use a night light to combat night terrors or help you make a small visit during the night.

A baby monitor also allows you to hear their cries or babbling when the little one is awake. However, it's better not to rush in at the first cry, as it's quite likely they'll manage to calm down and fall back asleep on their own.

Adopt a regular sleep schedule

Nothing better than putting baby to bed at regular times. You should look for their first signs of tiredness to help you determine bedtime for the coming days. Gradually, your little one will understand that it's time to go to bed for sleep.

You should also help the child distinguish between day and night. For this, avoid waking them up every evening for feeding, unless they ask for it. You only need to give them their bottle or last feed after their bath, then put them to bed.

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