Sleeping close to your baby is comforting for you and him, but at some point, you’ll need to move him out of your room and into his own. Here’s the best way to do it.
Maybe your little one outgrew his bassinet, and you don’t have space for a crib in your bedroom. Or perhaps you’re going back to work and want to teach your baby how to sleep independently.
Whatever the case may be with your unique circumstances, you know it’s time to move your baby to his own room.
But what is the easiest way to transition from the family bed into a space of his own?
Here are 7 tips:
Prepare the nursery with all the essentials
To ensure your baby is safe, comfy, and warm, equip the nursery with all the essentials.
Get a high-quality crib with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Keep the crib completely clear of toys, blankets, and bumpers, as these items pose a risk of SIDS.
Babies also prefer quieter and calmer spaces, so consider adding a white noise machine. White noise machines are a cheap solution for creating a low-level hum that babies find soothing. In addition, a white noise machine can block out any noises coming from the inside or outside the home.
Blackout curtains are another nursery item that can support safe and healthy baby sleep. Especially if you live in a well-lit street that gets plenty of sunshine during the day, blackout curtains are a must.
Keep it simple and low-key
Move your baby to his own room at the right time. Meaning, there shouldn’t be other major changes going on in the house.
For example, major events can include a new baby in the home, moving homes, potty-training, etc. Too many changes can confuse your child and set you back before you’ve even started.
Use the same crib in the new room
If your baby was co-sleeping with you in your bed, you might want to get your little one used to sleeping in his own crib. Before making the transition, move him from your bed to the crib in your room. Once you successfully make the transition from your bed to the crib, you can proceed by moving the crib to the nursery.
Start with naps
Now that everything is in place, a good tip is to start slowly. First, let your baby take naps in the nursery to get him comfortable sleeping in his new space. Once he gets used to the new space, have him sleep in the nursery overnight.
Have a baby monitor
To get a peace of mind, get a baby monitor so that you check on your baby without getting into his room.
You don’t have to buy the fanciest or most expensive monitor. Consider getting a baby monitor with a video option so that you can see what your baby is doing without getting into the room. Many babies make different noises when transitioning through sleep cycles, and if you only have an audio monitor, you’ll be tempted to rush into his room.
However, if the baby’s room is close to your bedroom, you may try leaving all the doors open so that you can hear your baby crying, instead of buying a monitor.
Keep him company
If you’re scared and anxious about leaving your little one to sleep in his own room for the first time, you can stay in his room for the first few nights.
In case the transition doesn’t go well for you or your child, it’s okay to move your little one back to your room and try again at a later time.
Sleep train
Instead of sleeping in your baby’s room, there’s another option that can yield long-term results. It’s sleep training your little one how to sleep independently.
By teaching your baby how to self-soothe, he’ll be less surprised when he wakes up in the middle of the night in a new bed and a new room.
A consistent bedtime routine is a critical part of the sleep training process. It involves following the same set of practices before putting your little one to sleep, including reading a story, taking a bath, or singing a lullaby. By doing the same thing every night your baby will learn what’s coming next and that it’s time to sleep.
Final word
Before you begin the process of moving your baby to his own room, keep in mind that it’s a process that can take weeks. The process will be easier for some babies and more difficult for others. Whatever the case, be prepared to spend a few weeks trying to teach your baby how to sleep in his own room.
If you’re consistent, prepared, and determined, the whole process will be easier to handle. And if there come days when you wish you hadn’t tried transitioning your baby in his own room, know that it’s for the best. Those few weeks you’ll spend addressing the issue will have a great impact on your quality of life.
When it comes to sleep training your baby, you can always do it alone, or you can ask for a professional help from a certified sleep trainer. When you have a sleep trainer working alongside you, you’ll get a personalized plan that fits your child’s temperament and personality. A sleep trainer can ensure you’re on the right track and offer unlimited support throughout the process. In no time, you’ll manage to turn those bedtime battles into regular and restful sleep patterns.
