Around 23,000 babies in the US die due to SIDS annually. While the cause is not known, many experts suggest that it is associated with defects in the baby’s brain that controls arousal and breathing during sleep.
Because of this, it is important to know whether your baby should sleep in their own room from birth.
We get that you would like privacy, especially after giving birth, but is it really a good practice to do this? Here is what you need to know.
Key Notes
- AAP suggests letting babies sleep in their beds after six months or a year
- You can begin gradually transitioning your baby to their rooms
- Help them get accustomed to the new room in the day
- When sleep training, stay with them till they peacefully fall asleep
Can Babies Sleep In Their Own Room From Birth?
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests that the best place for a baby to sleep is in the bedroom of its parents. You should provide a bassinet or crib where the baby can sleep safely in your bed to prevent SIDS. Make sure it comes with a co-sleeper that can safely attach to your bed.
They further went on to state that you should continue sharing the room with your infant till they are at least six months old or, ideally, a year old.
These will reduce the risks of such deaths and ensure the safety of your baby.
Some studies also suggest that babies sleep 46 minutes more when they have their own room at four months rather than babies that share rooms with their parents.
In the end, it is up to you when you want to put a stop to the room-sharing process.
How Can You Transition Your Baby To Their Own Room?
After six or seven months, you can gradually begin to transition your baby from your room to their own room. You can follow these guidelines to make this happen:
1. Begin With Small Daytime Naps
Create a new room and accustom your baby to take daytime nips in their crib.
When you do this, babies will begin associating their room with sleeping. It will also help with the transition when you leave them in their room for the night.
Start small, and supervise their naps to check if they are sleeping well.
Doing this will also give you the peace of mind that your child is fine sleeping on their own.
2. Start Spending More Time In The New Room
Before you begin to let them sleep in the room, make sure you start spending more time here.
The baby will become more accustomed to it, and it will not feel like a big change to them when you eventually decide to let them sleep here.
You can use this room during the day for nursing, massages, changing, reading, playtime, and more.
We recommend that you make this place as comfortable as you possibly can. Doing this will help your child to feel relaxed and secure in this room.
Then, when it is time for them to move in, they will know that there is nothing to be scared of with this change.
3. Start Sleep Training
If you are planning to let your baby sleep in their own room, you should also start sleep training so they have a bedtime routine.
It can help the baby develop a positive sleeping pattern throughout their childhood. For example, you can introduce routines such as
- Changing into pajamas at a specific time
- Bath time before bedtime
- Bedtime story reading
These are indicators and cues for your baby that it is time for them to relax and sleep.
After that, you can dim the lights and ensure that they are in a serene and quiet environment to fall asleep quickly.
You can also aid this process by singing a lullaby or telling stories in a soft tone.
4. Stay With Your Baby
Keep in mind that most babies will show signs of frustration, and they will be upset at this change.
This is normal, and it just means that your baby requires comfort and safety. You can provide them with this by staying with your baby in the room for a while till they fall asleep.
If they begin crying, you can pick them and sway or rock them as you softly sing to them.
Skin contact is important for babies to know that they are in a comfortable and secure environment.
Repeat as many times as needed to let your baby fall asleep.
Final Thoughts
It is best not to let your infant sleep in their own room from birth, as it is not a generally safe practice.
Instead, let them sleep with you for a few months before you transition them into their own room.
Such a practice will ease the process and ensure their sleep quality and safety.
