When Can Baby Sleep In Their Own Room? Sleep Safety and Emotional Readiness Explained

“When can baby sleep in their own room” is a question baby and child sleep specialist Gemma Coe hears often. Today she’s sharing her expertise on moving your little love into their own room.

Some parents are eager to have their room back to themselves and others not so much! It’s a big step – for you and for them – and while it might feel like a practical change, it also raises important questions about sleep safety, emotional readiness, and what’s actually right for your family. So here’s what you need to know…

What the safe sleep guidance says about when baby can sleep in their own room

The Lullaby Trust and NHS recommend that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months. This is based on evidence that room-sharing reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Some families choose to room-share for longer, which is also completely fine – it’s about balancing safety, sleep quality, and emotional readiness.

There’s no strict cut-off, but from six months onward, you can consider transitioning your baby to their own room if you feel they (and you) are ready. 

Signs your baby might be ready to sleep in their own room

There’s no magic formula, but a few signs that your baby may be ready for their own room include:

• They’re sleeping longer stretches at night

• They can self-settle (even if they still need help now and then)

• They’re becoming more aware of their surroundings and easily disturbed by your movements or noise (remember you can wake them, as well as them waking you!)

• You’re ready to give it a try

And even when you observe one or more signs remember every family is different, and this isn’t a milestone to rush. If your baby is still waking frequently or going through a leap or regression, it may be better to wait a little longer. For example, my son Charlie had multiple health issues and we just couldn't have guaranteed his safety if he moved away from us, so he was with us for about 10 months until his health improved. 

Making the transition smooth

If you’ve decided the time feels right, here are some tips to make the move go as smoothly as possible:

• Spend time in their new room during the day
  Start with naps or playtime in the nursery so it doesn’t feel unfamiliar at bedtime. Familiarity brings comfort. And comfort is of course important for associating a space with calm and therefore sleep.
• Stick to a predictable routine
  Whatever your bedtime routine looks like – bath, book, cuddle, bed – keep it consistent. Routine and predictability is incredibly grounding for babies (and us as adults!) and signals that sleep is coming, no matter where they’re sleeping.
• Consider a gradual transition
  If the move feels like a big leap, start small. Try naps in their room first, or even start bedtime in their cot but move them back to your room when you go to bed. You can also stay in the room (camping out on a blow up) next to them for the first few nights while they settle in their new space.
• Create a safe sleep environment
  With any new sleep environment, and perhaps a change to their sleep space such as an upgrade from a side sleeper to a ‘big cot’, it’s wise to revisit safe sleep guidance.
   
  • Always place your baby on their back for sleep

  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface (a cot mattress that meets safety standards)

  • Keep the cot clear of loose bedding, toys, and pillows

  • Maintain a comfortable room temperature (16–20°C) and dress your baby in appropriate tog rated sleeping bags and clothing layers rather than using blankets

Common worries (you’re not alone)

It’s completely normal to feel a little wobbly about moving your baby into their own room – especially if it means relying on a baby monitor rather than your own ears. It can take a few nights to a couple of weeks for everyone to adjust. Honestly, most parents are usually so in tune with their baby that they hear them from across the hall regardless of a monitor!

Some parents find they sleep better once their baby is in their new room; others realise they miss the closeness. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here – it’s about what works for you, your baby, and your sleep.

Also - it always surprises me how many parents don’t ‘go back’. If you try it for a few days and it doesn’t work out - that’s fine! Just go back, wait a few weeks and try again. ‘Going back’ is ok! This is the same for lots of sleep transitions like dropping naps, moving out of a cot or from a sleeping bag to a duvet. Go in with a ‘trial’ for a few nights and then decide if you want to commit. 

Room-sharing alternatives

Not quite ready for full separation? That’s okay. Some families opt for a floor bed or camping mattress (for them to sleep on, next to baby’s cot) in the baby's new room during the early stages of transition, so the parent can stay close until the baby is more confident in their new sleep space. 

Safety Tips:

• Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
• Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
• Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.

Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier 

Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures 

Benefits of Bringing a Stroller

• Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
• Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
•  Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.

Safety Tips for Strollers

• Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
• Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
• Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.