When you first brought your baby home, there was probably no question of them not sleeping in your room. Keeping their bassinet close in those first months can be a huge help for both bonding and safety. Not to mention that it can make late-night feeds much easier.
At around six months, though, you should think about putting them in their own room. As can be seen from resources like https://www.nhs.uk, there are various health benefits to this move including better sleep and reduced risk of obesity. On top of which, getting your bedroom back can help you and your partner reconnect.
The trouble is that, if they’ve always done it, sleeping in with you will be all your baby knows. As such, making this transition is about more than just leaving your little one out in the cold. If you want to get this right, then, it’s first worth asking the following questions.
Are you ready to let go?
It isn’t just your youngster who has gotten used to sleeping near you. You’re also used to being able to check your baby by just rolling over. Don’t underestimate how hard it can be to take a step back. You may panic that your child is hurt or otherwise in distress when they aren’t right there with you. You may also struggle to take this first step towards your little one’s independence. And, if you aren’t ready, you may fuss too much or even go back on a change after it’s in place. That’s sure to cause increased distress. Make sure, then, that you’re ready to give them the space they need to feel the health benefits mentioned above.
Is your child familiar with the space?
No one likes sleeping in a room which is entirely unfamiliar, and a child is no different. If you suddenly shove them in a place they don’t know, there’s no way they’ll settle. One way to get around this would be to use the same bassinet for at least a while. Simple things, like the same toys or even nursery blankets like those found on for-your-little-one.co.uk can also help. Or, you might want to let your child adjust by taking naps here before you leave them all night. Either way; familiarity is key to a good night’s sleep.
Are you moving them at the right time?
Consider, too, whether this is the right time to move your child into their own bedroom. If they’re teething or otherwise unwell, such a significant change is never going to be welcome. Instead, make sure that you select a time when they’re happy, healthy, and in a position to cope with this shift. Then, you can bet that your chances of success will be much higher than they would be otherwise.
Asking these questions and others like them might not be easy, but it is vital. As hard as it is to make the transition, you’ll never look back once your baby is sleeping peacefully on their own.
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