Sleeping in the same room as your baby can be super convenient, making feeding much easier and providing reassurance for both of you. So, it’s no surprise that moving them to their own room can be tough. Don’t be surprised if your little one puts up a fight for the first few nights when you leave! Read on for our top tips for transitioning your baby to their own room.
Familiarise your baby with their new room before the switch
Sleeping in a new room by themselves for the first time can be scary for a baby. So, it can be a good idea to spend more time in their room for one to two months before you make the switch. Use the room for enjoying quiet, relaxed times, such as feedings, rocking, massages, or naps. The more familiar they become with their new room, the happier they will be when the times comes for them to sleep in it.
Set up your baby’s room for safe sleep
Before you move your baby into their new room, it’s important to make sure it’s set up for safe sleep. Make sure their cot has a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. You should avoid using bumpers as they’re a hazard for choking and suffocation, and remove any toys and blankets. You may also choose to install a good video baby monitor to allow you to see and hear your little one from any point in the house. Making sure your baby’s sleeping environment is safe can help you to relax as you leave them alone to sleep for the first time.
Stick to a sleep routine
Establishing a sleep routine is essential when transitioning your baby into their own room. Setting routine times for your child’s night-time sleep and naps helps their body clock to release the hormone melatonin. This helps them to get to sleep more quickly. Once they’re asleep, they will cycle through periods of deeper and then lighter sleep throughout the night.
You could go into their room for a nappy change, dim the lights and read them a story. Have some personalised baby blankets on hand for cuddle time. Then turn off the lights and sing to them whilst rocking them to sleep, before placing them in the cot. These events are signals to your baby that sleep is coming and they will be doing it in their room.
Moving your baby into their own room is a big transition. However, it’s worth it when you consider the benefits it can bring. Babies who are moved into their own room when they reached six months old not only sleep better, but also have a lower risk of poor sleep patterns and tantrums.
