When to Put a Baby in Their Room

Many new parents wonder whether they should put their baby in their room to sleep. On the one hand, it can be convenient to have your baby close by so that you can tend to them throughout the night. On the other hand, some parents are concerned that their babies should learn to start sleeping in their own room. Every family is unique and must determine what works best for them. However, there are a few things to remember when making this decision:

Babies generally sleep better when they are in their own space. This is because they are less likely to be disturbed by noise or light outside the room.
Having your baby in their room can help you get a good night’s sleep, which is important for both your health and your baby’s development.
If you have more than one child, putting each child in their room can help prevent fights over bedtime and toys.

Ultimately, there is no wrong answer when deciding whether to put your baby in their room to sleep. Every family is different, and you must find what works best for you and your baby.

When Can You Put Your Baby in Their Room?

To decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 50%, infants should sleep in their parents’ room, not in the same bed, for at least the first six months, ideally for the entire year. It’s unclear why room-sharing reduces the chance of SIDS, but it’s thought that having additional people in the space makes the baby sleep more lightly, which may lead to a lower risk. According to research, it’s also easier for a parent to breastfeed if the baby is within arm’s reach. The risk of SIDS is reduced by 70 percent when babies are kept in their mothers’ arms.

However, even if you plan to room-share with your baby, it’s important to start thinking about their room sooner rather than later. Once they reach four months old, most babies are developmentally ready to sleep through the night without needing to feed. At this point, you may want to start transitioning your baby to their room.

How to Transition Your Baby to Their Room

The best way to transition your baby to their room is to do it gradually. Start by moving their crib or bassinet into your room, then slowly move it further away from your bed each night. You can also try putting them down for naps in their room first and then working up to nighttime sleep. If your baby starts crying when you put them down in their room, it’s okay to pick them up and comfort them. Just be sure to put them back in their own space once they’ve calmed down.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment in your baby’s room is also important. Make sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool. A white noise machine can also help soothe your baby and block out outside noise.

How Can You Tell if the Baby is Ready for The Room?

Here are a few things to consider when deciding if your baby is ready to sleep in their room.

First, ensure they sleep through the night without needing to feed.
Second, observe their napping habits. If they can take long naps in their crib during the day, they may be ready to sleep in their room at night.
Third, watch for any signs of separation anxiety. If your baby seems clingy or cries when you leave the room, they may not be ready to sleep on their own just yet.

Ultimately, you will know your baby best and can tell when they are ready to transition to their room. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with your child’s pediatrician before making any changes to their sleep routine.

Can Parent-Baby Room-Sharing Be Dangerous?

A study also discovered that room-sharing might be linked to certain risks, including the possibility of less sleep for both parents and infants. According to the researchers, sharing a room was linked to unsafe sleep habits that were previously associated with sleep-related infant deaths. People may sleep better in their homes since they have more control and privacy.

This may be because parents and caregivers are more likely to engage in potentially dangerous sleeping habits, such as putting the infant in their bed or falling asleep while feeding if the baby is not in their room. For example, they discovered that co-sleeping babies had four times the risk of bed-sharing as those who shared a room alone.

On the other hand, the AAP’s advice considered evidence that parents who go to another room to feed or put a baby to sleep are more likely to place the infant in an unsafe position, like a chair or sofa. According to the AAP, sleeping in a chair or sofa is even riskier than sleeping in a bed. The chance of falling is higher, as well as the possibility of the baby being trapped and suffocated.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when deciding if your baby is ready for their room. Some babies may be developmentally ready to sleep through the night without needing to feed at four months old, while others may not be ready until they reach eight or nine months old. Observing your baby’s napping habits and looking for any signs of separation anxiety is important to help you decide when the time is right. Finally, you’ll be able to tell when your child is prepared to leap. If you have any worries, it’s always a good idea to contact your child’s doctor before making any changes to their sleep habits.

FAQ

When should I start sleep training my baby?

There is no one answer to this question as every baby is different. Some babies may be ready for sleep training at four months old, while others may not be ready until they are eight or nine months old. Before starting sleep training, it’s important to observe your baby’s sleeping habits and look for any signs of separation anxiety.

What are some signs that my baby is ready to sleep in their room?

Some signs that your baby may be ready to sleep in their room include sleeping through the night without needing to feed, taking long naps in their crib during the day, and showing no signs of separation anxiety when you leave the room.

Is it safe for my baby to sleep in my bed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says babies should sleep in their crib or bassinet in their parent’s room for at least the first six months of their lives. After six months, you may move your baby to their room. However, the AAP does not recommend bed-sharing as it can be dangerous for both baby and parent.

If my baby cries when I put them in their room, should I go to them?

Let your baby cry it out at night so they can learn to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own. If you go to them every time they cry, they will never learn to do this alone. However, if you are concerned that your baby is crying for more than an hour, you should check on them to ensure they are okay.

Why is it important for my baby to sleep in their room?

There are many benefits to having your baby sleep in their room. These benefits include increased privacy for both parents and infants, reduced risk of bed-sharing, and improved sleep quality. Additionally, sleeping in a separate room from your baby can help to prevent you from developing sleep deprivation.