At Naturalmat Baby, we know how hard it can be to make the decision to move your little one into their own sleep space. That sense of separation can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge it can be made to feel a breeze.
This guide will give you all the information you need about moving a baby into their own room, including when they should make the transition and tips for making them more comfortable with the change.
NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy Service with a team of highly trained consultants specialising in a range of early-years topics.
Back in March 2022, we were happy to welcome Lucy and Harriet from NEST to the Naturalmat Baby family, as our first ever dedicated Nursery Sleep Experts. Founder Lucy and parenting consultant Harriet together have a combined experience of over 25 years, and are both qualified Norland Nannies.
Together they feel passionate about supporting families to gain the knowledge they need for those early years of parenthood, and to give parents and caregivers the confidence they need to feel they can be the best parents possible.
Lucy and Harriet have put together some top tips to help you with transitioning your little ones into their own room - whether this is from a Moses basket or a next-to-me crib.
When Should A Baby Move Into Their Own Room?
We recommend that you sleep in the same room as your little one until they are at least 6 months old, and then you can start to think about moving your baby into their own room. Under six months, The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping your baby close by when they’re sleeping, as this reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and makes night-time care easier.
The safest place for your baby to sleep when they’re under 6 months old is in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you.
How do I Prepare for Moving My Baby Into Their Own Room?
A few weeks before you intend on moving your baby into their own room, start off by putting them in the room for their daytime naps. If your little one is sleeping in a moses basket, we would encourage you to start off putting the moses basket in the cot - for them to get used to the different environment. Either way, make sure to follow the Lullaby Trust’s Clear Cot Guidelines.
We would encourage you to place a video monitor in your little one’s room when you start introducing these transition naps. This gives you peace of mind, enabling you to keep a close eye on them whilst also getting them used to you not being around.
How Can I Make My Baby More Comfortable In Their New Room?
To help make your little one feel more comfortable, here are some tips for moving your baby into their new room.
Before you make the transition, spend time with your little one in the room - this could be whilst sorting out the washing and their clothes, for example. This will help your little one adjust to the space, therefore making it less daunting when it comes to making the shift.
Build positive associations to the room by spending time and playing in it together. Allow your little one to unwind in their cot and have a kick around whilst you are sorting things out, perhaps putting a mobile above the cot to entertain them while you add some cosy and calming decorations and prints to the walls.
What Do You Recommend for Their First Sleep Space?
Our Quilted Coco Mat is firm and flat - perfect for their first cot.
In line with the Lullaby Trust’s Safer Sleep Guidelines, we recommend a firm, flat and waterproof mattress such as Naturalmat’s Quilted Coco Mat with their Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector.
Make sure to follow Clear Cot Guidelines - meaning no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, soft toys, loose bedding or products (such as wedges or straps) that will keep your baby in one sleeping position. Any room a baby sleeps in should be between 16°c and 20°c. A room thermometer can help to avoid your baby getting too hot or cold.
For more information, see the Lullaby Trust’s Product Guide.
Moving your baby into their new room
Once you feel comfortable that your baby is properly acquainted with the room (usually after a fortnight or so of spending time there together), take the plunge and give it a go! Continue practising your regular bedtime routine together (remember - consistency with the bedtime routine is absolutely key - this will ensure successful bedtimes!), and make sure to use soft lights and calming mannerisms as to not overstimulate them.
For peace of mind, continue using a video and audio monitor hooked up between your room and theirs, and make sure to check on them regularly as you would have done when they were in your room.
With time and patience, you’ll soon have your baby sleeping independently in no time - next thing you know, it’ll be time for their first grown-up bed!
We hope this quick guide has proven helpful - If you have any questions about transitioning your little one into their own room, or their sleep in general, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with NEST.
About NEST
Lucy and Harriet have a combined experience of over 25 years, and are both qualified Norland Nannies.
NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy Service with a team of highly trained consultants, offering bespoke support to families with children aged 0-5 years. NEST works closely with you and your family in a nurturing and non-judgmental way, to support you in your child's early years.
NEST is proud to have a strong ethos ensuring that every family receives a service which is confidential, informative, and exclusively tailored to each individual family and their needs.