How and When to Move your Baby into Their Own Room

If you're like most parents, you're having a difficult time deciding how and when to move your baby into their own room. Learn more.

Sleep is one of the things that parents worry about most, and it can be the most exhausting part of your child’s first years of life. In addition to causing physical fatigue, parents also have to deal with a lot of doubts and questions related to sleep. So, in today’s article, we’re going to talk about how and when to move your baby into their own room.

When should you do it? Will it be too soon? They’re still so young. Am I too late? Maybe they’re too old to keep sleeping with us. How do I do it without issues?

Parents experience a lot of guilt because they want to do everything right. However, in doing so, they forget to listen to themselves and their little ones. Instead, they get overwhelmed by all the external opinions, theories, and advice. However, what you need to keep in mind is that this needs to be a personal decision. The only thing you should be worrying about is your family’s well-being. 

Is it too early or too late?

Generally, babies will sleep with their parents during their first months of life. That’s because they need almost constant attention and care. However, after a while, parents should start to consider moving their baby to their own room. That’s when a lot of fears will arise.

Parents want to do what’s best for their child’s development. On the one hand, they feel sorry and guilty about leaving them alone in a different room. However, on the other hand, they’re afraid of waiting too long and making their child too dependent.

The truth is that there aren’t any studies currently that support the idea that sleeping with parents for several years is harmful to the child. Therefore, the answer to whether it’s too early or too late to move your baby into their own room will depend on your family. When you’re making this decision, you need to consider your child’s needs as well as your own.

When to move your baby into their own room

In general, there are no specific rules or times that you need to follow. However, there are certain guidelines that can help you decide when to make this shift. When making this decision, you should consider the following questions:

• When your baby is eight months old, they will begin to perceive themselves as a different being from you, their mother. Until that time, they’ll perceive you and themselves as a whole. As a result, they can experience high levels of separation anxiety during that stage. Because of that, you shouldn’t try to move them during that developmental stage because it will be more difficult and painful. In addition, we don’t recommend moving your baby into their own room when they’re going through other changes in their lives. For example, you should avoid doing it when a new sibling arrives or when they’re starting pre-school.
• If you’re still breastfeeding your child throughout the night, it’ll be more difficult to have them in a different room. Once your child starts crying, it will take you more time to get to them, which will make them more awake. Similarly, you will also have to get up and go to another room, which will make you more awake. Therefore, it may be best to wait until your baby starts sleeping through the night.
• Listen to your baby. Some children are more independent and will prefer to sleep alone. In fact, they may even express annoyance when sleeping with their parents. Other children are more demanding and will want your presence and physical contact to fall asleep. Your baby’s behaviors will help you decide when they’re ready to transition.

How to move your baby into their own room

Once you’ve decided to make this change, it’s important that you’re sure of the decision and that you form a common front. The first few days might be difficult, so you and your partner will need to give each other strength.

To help with this, make it into a happy, exciting, and engaging event for your baby. Let them participate in how their new room will be decorated. Or, you can help them associate the space with games, laughter, and pleasant experiences. 

For the first few days, you can stay by their side until they fall asleep and do what they ask you. In doing so, they’ll calm down and get a good night’s sleep.

Above all, remember that your little ones perceive and take in your emotions. If you feel worried and full of guilt and anguish, it’s very possible that your little one won’t take it well. Be sure to act with love and without regret so that your child can feel calm and enthusiastic about their move as well.