Baby has arrived and suddenly your bedroom looks like a mini-maternity home with camping accents? You're not alone. The first few months after birth are like a trip into the unknown, and sleep becomes a rare, precious, and negotiable resource. So, naturally, the question arises: Is it okay for your baby to sleep in the room with you? If so, for how long? Room-sharing with your baby is not only a practical choice, but also one recommended by most pediatric specialists. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that your baby sleep in the same room with your parents for at least 6 months, and ideally up to 1 year. Why? Because it's safer, more comfortable, and, surprisingly, sometimes even more restful.
But that doesn't mean you have to turn your bedroom into a nursery indefinitely. There is a right time for the transition, and the right choice takes into account the baby's pace, the family's balance, and your need to have the bed exclusively again. Let's see when, how, and why it's good to sleep with your baby in the room, and when it's time to all take the step towards separate rooms, without trauma, without crying, and without insomnia.
Co-sleeping – between maternal instinct and medical recommendations
Many mothers feel an instinctive need to hold their baby close, especially in the first months of life. It is normal, biological and deeply human. The baby, in turn, regulates its breathing and sleep according to its mother, which is a fascinating and, fortunately, very beneficial phenomenon.
Experts say that sleeping in the same room (not in the same bed) reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50%. It sounds scary, but it's a reality we can't ignore. Having the baby close by helps parents respond more quickly to any noise or change, and the baby feels protected and calm.
What is important to remember is that we are not talking here about sleeping in the same bed with the baby, but about room-sharing, meaning a separate crib, such as a co-sleeper , but located in the same room.
The advantages of a shared dormitory, like in college
Sleeping with your baby in your room is not only safer, but also more practical. Raise your hand to those parents who have run to another room 15 times a night for a pacifier, blanket, or other check. Exactly.
When your baby is with you, you can intervene quickly, especially during the period when he wakes up frequently to breastfeed. In addition, the mother's presence regulates the baby's circadian rhythm, which learns the meaning of night and day. Babies who sleep in the same room with their parents in the first months have fewer episodes of agitation and calm down more easily.
And let's not forget an absolutely important benefit: space. Not everyone has a spare bedroom ready for a new family member. So co-sleeping also becomes an excellent logistical solution. In such situations, convertible cribs are a perfect and ideal solution to give you exactly what you need, but also much better mobility. You can move, adjust, transform and use them for longer, without having to make other investments in the future.
How long is it recommended to sleep with your baby in the room?
Most experts recommend at least 6 months, but parents can extend this period up to 12 months, depending on the family's needs and the baby's development. Why 6 months? Because this is the period with the highest risk of SIDS, and physical proximity helps prevent these situations.
After 6 months, the risk decreases, and the child begins to have a more structured sleep. If you notice that the little one is sleeping well, has a stable schedule and seems ready, you can start the transition to his own room. But there is no rush. Some children take the step at 9 months, others at 1 year or so. And, frankly, some parents don't feel ready to sleep separately either.
Signs that your little one is ready for their own room
There are several signs that your baby is ready for independence. The most common are the following:
it sleeps between 6 and 8 hours straight, without waking up;
it calms himself down at bedtime;
it no longer needs to breastfeed at night;
it becomes restless during sleep if he feels you around (some children sleep better alone).
Transition to your own room
Moving your baby to his own room can be a smooth process if done gently. There’s no need for complicated plans or rituals. Start by spending time with your baby in the new room throughout the day: playing, reading, changing diapers. This way, the space becomes familiar and safe. Then, introduce daytime naps in that room, and gradually you can let him spend nights on his own. Offer him familiar objects, such as his favorite blanket and sleep toy.
You can sleep next to your baby in a temporary bed for a few nights to make the transition easier. Or you can use a high-performance video monitor to keep your peace of mind.
It can be quite difficult to choose the ideal furniture for your baby, especially if you want a small, convertible model that will fit in your bedroom. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to come to Camera Bebeluşului and talk to one of our specialists. Our team is ready to offer you useful advice and guide you towards those pieces of furniture that will give your little one the peace and comfort they deserve.
Sleeping in the same room with your baby is not only a natural choice, but also a recommendation based on safety and well-being. The first months of life are a sensitive period, and physical proximity provides emotional comfort for both the baby and the parents. However, as the baby grows, the time for independence also comes. The transition to their own room must be made with patience, of course respecting the rhythm of your little one. There is no magic age and no fixed rule, there is only what works for you.
So, enjoy these nights together, even when they're not perfect. In a few years, you'll remember them fondly, even the ones where you fell asleep half-falling out of bed, holding a tiny hand.
