How do you transition your baby to their own room?

Moving your little one from your bedroom to their own room is one of those parenting milestones that can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. You've likely grown accustomed to those reassuring little sounds of their breathing just a few feet away, and the thought of your baby sleeping down the hall might stir up a mix of emotions – from pride in their growing independence to anxiety about being further apart. If you're feeling uncertain about when or how to make this transition, you're not alone. Many parents grapple with this decision, wondering if they're doing it too early, too late, or in the right way. The good news is that with the right information and approach, this transition doesn't need to be stressful.

The Science

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants room share without bed-sharing, preferably until age one but at least for the first six months. This recommendation is based on evidence that suggests that room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.

Beyond safety considerations, emerging research suggests that sleeping in proximity to parents can influence the developing brain's neural connectivity patterns during the early months of life.

However, other research has also identified potential sleep-related challenges associated with room-sharing. The INSIGHT study found that room-sharing at ages 4 and 9 months is associated with less nighttime sleep in both the short and long-term. This study also found that babies were more likely to transition to bed-sharing at some point during the night when sharing a room with parents.

Long-term research suggests that room-sharing during infancy has positive consequences in later childhood. In that study, early room-sharing was not related to sleep problems or behavior problems, and more weeks of room-sharing were positively related to higher maternal ratings of child sleep quality and more prosocial behavior.

Overall, the current body of research strongly supports room-sharing in the early months for safety reasons, but it also suggests that there may be benefits to sleep when transitioning to separate rooms after a baby is past the most vulnerable period.

Steps to Transition Your Child to Their Own Room

Deciding when and how to move your baby to a separate room depends on individual family circumstances, your baby's developmental readiness, and practical considerations like space and sleep quality for all family members. Note that if you plan to move your baby into a room with a sibling, you'll find instructions on how to do that here.

Timing the Transition

There isn't a perfect time to make this transition. We recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old, per the AAP recommendations. Try to avoid moving your baby during phases of intense separation anxiety (often around 9 months) if you can, because your baby may be particularly sensitive to being apart from you during that time. It's also a good idea to wait to make the move until night feedings are reduced to a point that is manageable (remember, you'll now have to get up and go to your baby's room for feedings, which might disrupt your sleep). It's also a good idea to discuss your plan with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is developmentally ready to make the move.

Prepare the Sleep Environment

Before making the move, ensure your child's new room is optimized for sleep. Make sure your child's crib meets current safety standards and that the room is fully childproofed. The room should be dark, quiet, and a comfortable temperature. It's also a good idea to set up a video monitor so you can observe your baby during the night.

Maintain Consistent Routines

Your nap and bedtime routines should remain exactly the same, just in a different location. If you typically read a story, sing a lullaby, or have other calming activities before bed, continue these in the new room. This will help your baby understand that sleep is happening in the new location.

Consider Sleeping in Your Baby's Room at First

It may be helpful to sleep in your baby's room for the first few weeks to help your little one adjust to sleeping in the new place. This isn't required for a successful room transition, but many families find it makes the adjustment easier.

Start with Naps

Rather than an abrupt change, consider a gradual transition. You might start by having your child take one nap in the new room per day. This will allow your baby to become familiar with the new environment when sleep disruption is less impactful. Once your baby is able to take one typical nap in the new room, you can increase the number of naps your baby takes there.

Split the Night if Possible/Needed

After a week or two of successful naps, you can begin to transition your baby to the new room for nighttime sleep. If you have two safe sleep locations, consider moving your baby back to your room at some point during the night. For example, you might start by having your baby sleep in the new room until midnight, bringing your baby back to your room for the second half of the night. Once your baby is used to the new space, you can extend the time your baby sleeps there until you work through the entire night.

Optional: Pair the Move with Sleep Training

There is no reason that you need to do sleep training when you move your baby to a new room (or at all for that matter!). However, some parents will find that it makes sense to implement parent-led sleep training as part of the process of moving to a new space. It's ok to do this as long as you are thoughtful about how you implement your plan. We have a number of posts on different parent-led interventions, including the Ferber Method, Camping Out, and Pick-Up-Put-Down, which may be a good fit for you. We also cover how to make the transition in our Sleep Training Class.

Consider Your Family's Needs

Remember that this transition should work for your entire family. If room-sharing is still working well for everyone and your child is sleeping safely, there's no rush to make the change. Conversely, if room-sharing is disrupting sleep for your baby or you, it may be time to consider making the transition.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Moving your baby to a new room is a big milestone. It will take time and patience, but you will be able to make the move successfuly if you make a plan and implement it thoughtfully. If you are not sure where to start or just want to talk through a plan with someone, we are happy to help in a one-on-one consultation.

We always appreciate it when you share our blogs and resources with other parents who could benefit from the information. If you need a little help to figure naps out or if you are facing other challenges, then please check out our other blogs, our 0-6 month class, and sleep training class. We have blogs on schedules, travel, toddler issues, and more! We are always happy to help!

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths: Updated 2016 recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162938.

Beijers, R., Riksen-Walraven, J. M., Putnam, S., de Jong, M., & de Weerth, C. (2019). Parent–infant room sharing during the first months of life: Longitudinal links with behavior during middle childhood. Child Development, 90(4), 1220-1236.

Kurth, S., Riedner, B. A., Dean, D. C., O'Muircheartaigh, J., Huber, R., Jenni, O. G., ... & LeBourgeois, M. K. (2016). Traveling through the night: The effect of sleep pressure and circadian phase on sleep structure and electrophysiology. Sleep, 39(8), 1607-1617.

Paul, I. M., Hohman, E. E., Loken, E., Savage, J. S., Anzman-Frasca, S., Carper, P., ... & Birch, L. L. (2017). Mother-infant room-sharing and sleep outcomes in the INSIGHT study. Pediatrics, 140(1), e20170122.