Updated in November 2025 by Gemma Coe, Sleep Specialist
Should my baby sleep in their own room?
Considering moving baby into own room? Many parents choose to transition their baby to their own room around 6 months of age when the risk of SIDS reduces slightly. This transition often involves moving from room sharing or co-sleeping arrangements to your baby sleeping more independently in their own space.
Most parents will move their child at some point before their first birthday. Some families choose to room share for longer and in the end, it’s a unique decision for each family. Moving a baby to their own room is an important milestone that indicates growing independence for both the baby and the parents.
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Room sharing vs own room
The NHS and other organisations such as the AAP recommends room sharing until your baby is at least six months of age. This helps to reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. It’s easy to compare our babies to other babies! Try not to be swayed by other NCT buddies or baby groups and their decisions about moving baby into own room. This is a really personal decision for every family and let’s be comfortable and feel ready with our decision when moving our baby to their own bedroom.
Our son, Charlie, had a range of health issues from birth, moving him to his own room at six months wasn’t possible as we wouldn’t have been able to keep him safe. We moved him closer to a year, when his health improved. Equally, I needed to be in a better place psychologically to trust he would sleep safely and consequently allow my own body to relax into sleep!
Do babies sleep better in their own room?
Well, yes and no. Honestly, it depends on how they slept before you made the transition and even thought about moving your baby! The first six months can be a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of baby sleep. We can have days and nights mixed up, multiple night feeds, issues with gas, teeth, learning to roll (not to mention the 4 month sleep regression!). Needless to say, after baby arrives, sleep will look very different for quite a while. Moving baby into own room may just not be a priority and that’s ok.
Some babies fall into great sleep habits and routines pretty easily, others take time and require more support from their care givers. If your baby sleeps well prior to the move, then they’ll probably continue to sleep well in a separate room! There may be a little transition period in between, but they shift will be easier than a baby who is waking multiple times and won’t sleep for long periods.
Equally, what’s the current set up? Are they in their own sleep space or are you bed sharing? You may find it’s easier to transition from bed sharing to a separate sleep space (e.g. cot in your room) and then transition to a separate room to improve the quality of your baby’s sleep.
There is research that reports we sleep better (measured by longer stretches) in separate rooms. However, as with most sleep related research there’s points open for debate!
In short, if we are in the same room, we may be more likely to wake each other. Room-sharing can impact nighttime sleep by leading to less overall sleep and increased wakefulness. The baby may wake when they hear a parent coming to bed at night. Or, the adults may respond (too) quickly! When in fact, had the baby been given a few moments they may actually have fallen back to sleep by themselves. Some babies are particularly restless sleepers. Shimmying, shuffling, squeeking etc. That may keep the parents awake, but equally some adults are like this too and it may be the reverse. In this case, moving baby into own room may be more of a priority.
Is Your Baby Ready for Their Own Room? Signs & Checklist
Preparing for the transition of moving baby to own room is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience. Before making the move, consider the following factors:
First, think about your baby’s age. The American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines ecommends room sharing until at least 6 months, ideally up to 12 months, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This guideline helps ensure that your baby is ready for their own room.
Next, evaluate your baby’s sleeping habits. If your baby is a light sleeper or wakes up frequently, it might be best to wait until they are a bit older before moving them to their own room. Babies who have established healthy sleep foundations and can self-soothe are generally better candidates for this transition. You don’t need to have completed a strict period of sleep training, just set some healthy sleep habits.
Lastly, consider your baby’s developmental progress. If your baby is developmentally ready for their own room, it can be a great opportunity to promote independence and self-soothing skills. Moving your baby to their own room can be a significant milestone, so ensure they are ready for this change.
How to Set Up Your Baby’s Own Room for Sound Sleep
Creating a sleep-friendly environment is essential for your baby’s sleep and safety, avoiding unnecessary sleep related infant deaths. Before moving baby into own room, here are some tips to consider:
Ensure the room is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 16-20°C (60-68°F). A comfortable sleep environment can significantly impact your baby’s sleep quality. Investing in blackout curtains or shades can help block out any light, creating a dark environment conducive to sleep.
Using a white noise machine or a fan can create a soothing background noise that masks other household sounds, helping your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, keep the room well-ventilated and free from any hazards, such as cords or small objects, to ensure a safe infant sleeping environment.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for your baby’s sleep and can help signal to them that it’s time for sleep. Before moving baby into own room, here are some tips to consider:
Develop a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities like bath time, reading, and singing. Keeping the routine short and sweet, around 20-30 minutes, can help your baby understand that it’s time to wind down.
Make sure the routine is calming and relaxing, avoiding stimulating activities or exposing your baby to screens. Gradually transition your baby to their own room by starting with naps and then moving to overnight sleep. This gradual approach can help your baby adjust to their new sleep environment more comfortably.
How can I help my baby transition to their own room?
Before moving baby into own room, let’s spend time in their room playing in the day at first. It can help them recognise the environment and it can start to feel more familiar. Perhaps perform nappy changes and other tasks in their own room. If you have a chair in the room then take a seat for a bit, read some stories, and feeding can be a great way of spending time together. You can then continue to build up time in their room, and do one or more of these suggestions:
Start performing the bedtime routine in their new room. Then settle them for sleep in the same room as yourself.
You can move their new cot from the nursery into the shared room so they become more familiar with that in your room first.
Daytime naps: Try one daytime nap a day in their new room to create a safe and conducive sleep environment. You can try the first nap of the day. You may need to support your baby to fall asleep if they notice their new environment. If they do well, then increase the number of naps.
Try continuing on from the bedtime routine and settle them for the first part of their night sleep in their own nursery. You can transfer them to the parents room when you go to bed at night or after their first waking.
I’d like to continue room sharing and/or co-sleeping
Awesome! There is absolutely NO pressure when thinking about moving baby into own room. In fact for many parts of the world, a bed share or room sharing with babies is actually the normality. For many families, this suits better for them as they can continue to meet their child’s needs at night (such as breastfeeding and night feeds) without going too far!
As I mentioned earlier, if your child has additional needs, as my son did, and a transition would put them at risk then don’t consider this an option right now. You can move your baby to their own room at any point when it feels right for your family. If your child isn’t ready to night wean or you wish to continue breastfeeding at night for comfort then you may wish to consider room sharing for a few months more to make the night feeding feel a little easier. However, some families will also have a set up in their baby’s room, such as a single bed near their cot as a halfway transition.
What you need to consider when moving baby into own room
When you’ve decided your baby outgrows their current place in your room, you may start thinking it’s time to move your baby. If you feel ready, before moving baby into own room, here are some points to consider.
Think about creating a comfortable temperature in the room. 16-20 degrees is best. You may want to check the temperature in the room during the night too. Many monitors now have thermometers on them. If not, try this gro egg.
Master the pre-sleep routine in their own room rather than your own. This will help make the transition to the cot more seamless, but also, they won’t be ‘leaving’ their own sleep environment for a new one which may feel unfamiliar.
Try letting your baby nap in their new bed for a few days first, just to build up the familiarity with the cot. Sleep training can foster independent sleep in a less distracting environment.
Think about the placement of the baby monitor in the room so you can check on them at night and see if they need your assistance.
Wondering whether to leave bedroom doors open? This is very much a personal decision. If the hallway will let a lot of light into the room then you may consider closing the door to keep a nice dark sleep space, or you may want to leave the doors ajar to feel more connected and hear your baby more easily. Up to you.
Tips for a Stress-Free Transition When Moving Baby Into Own Room
Transitioning your baby to their own room can be stressful for both you and your baby. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:
Start by spending time in the new room with your baby during the day, playing and reading together. This helps your baby become familiar with their new sleep space. Gradually increase the amount of time your baby spends in their own room, starting with naps and then moving to overnight sleep.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it, even on weekends or during vacations. Consistency is key to helping your baby adjust to their new environment. Be patient and flexible, as it may take some time for your baby to adjust to their new sleep environment. Remember, every baby is different, and it’s important to go at a pace that feels right for your family.
Safe Sleep in Their Own Room: What to Know
Safety is a top priority when it comes to your baby’s sleep environment. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind:
Ensure the room is free from any hazards, such as cords, small objects, or sharp edges. Use a firm and flat mattress, and keep the crib or bed away from any windows or blinds to prevent accidents.
Avoid using soft bedding, pillows, or blankets, as they can increase the risk of SIDS. Instead, opt for a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm. Keep the room well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature, and avoid overheating or overcooling. The Lullaby Trust has great guidance here. Following these guidelines can help create a safe infant sleeping environment for your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a newborn sleep in their own room?
No. Current UK guidance recommends that newborns sleep in the same room as a parent for at least the first six months. Room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) significantly reduces the risk of SIDS and helps you respond quickly to your baby’s needs. Newborns should always sleep in a separate, firm, flat sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket placed next to your bed.
I’m worried about SIDS. Is it safer to continue room-sharing?
Yes. Leading organisations including the NHS and The Lullaby Trust advise room-sharing until at least six months to lower the risk of SIDS. Some families choose to continue room-sharing longer for their own comfort and peace of mind, and that’s absolutely okay. These organisations also offer excellent guidance on reducing SIDS risk, from room temperature to safe bedding.
When should I put my baby in their own room (UK)?
Many UK families move their baby into their own room sometime after six months, once safe-sleep guidance allows it. There’s no single “right” age, it depends on how your baby sleeps, how you feel about the change, and how ready the room is. Some babies transition easily at six months, while others may need a slower, more gradual approach.
Can newborn babies sleep in their own room if a parent is present?
Yes. If you are actively supervising sleep, for example, during a daytime nap, your baby can sleep in their own room while you are there. This can be a gentle way to help them become familiar with the new environment. However, unsupervised sleep should only happen in your room for the first six months.
Q. Can a newborn sleep in their own room?
There’s currently a pretty worldwide consensus that it’s best to be room sharing with young babies for at least the first six months. This helps lower the risk of SIDS (cot death) and therefore it’s what I recommend all families do.
Q. I’m worried about SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome), is it best to continue to room share?
There’s excellent advice on keeping your baby safe that is produced by a variety of organisations including the NHS and the Lullaby Trust. These organisations recommend room sharing until at least six months of age. You may choose to room share for longer. There are many other bits of great guidance for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Check out my other blog post on safer sleeping arrangements here.
Q. When to put baby in own room (UK)?
After the first six months, you may be considering the best time to transition your baby from their moses basket into their new nursery. This is a very individual decision and some families are more than ready to move their baby and others not so much!
Q. Can newborn babies sleep in their own room with a parent present?
Yes! Sleep should be supervised, so if you are present, say during a nap, then it’s a great way for them to become more familiar with that space.
Help! I need more support
For more support, tips, and tailored advice for your child’s unique sleep needs, get in touch! My sleep consultations and courses can help guide you through every step of your child’s sleep journey. And if you’re struggling with any challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Preparing for a moving baby to own room? Not settling at bedtime? Tried my tips but still experiencing issues? Need advice tailored to you? Please get in touch – I’m here to help.
