Gentle sleep guidance on moving your baby into their own room
Before making the transition to a cot, it's important to assess your reasons. If it's due to practical reasons, such as your baby outgrowing their current sleep space or co-sleeping no longer working for your family, then it's certainly time to consider the change. However, if you feel pressured to move your baby to a cot in their own room at six months because you believe it's expected or because others are telling you it's time, pause and think about what's best for you and your little one.
There is no universal ‘right’ time for this move. While it's important to follow safe sleep guidelines, such as those here in the UK which advise keeping your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months, the decision of when to transition to a cot should be based on when you feel comfortable doing so and your baby's needs. This is YOUR decision, so make the change when you and your baby are ready.
Will transitioning to a cot improve sleep?
Maybe…maybe not! Your baby isn't magically going to sleep better just because they've moved to a cot, despite what some might have you believe. If your baby wakes regularly during the night, your sleep might suffer even more due to having to get up and go to their room. I found it harder to fall back asleep compared to when my baby was in my room. For my third and fourth babies, I kept them in my room longer than my first two for this exact reason. So, don't let the hope of better sleep be the main reason for making this move.
So you’ve decided the time is right
Before surging forward with the practicalities, reflect on your emotional state. This transition is a significant step not only for your little one but also for you. Ensuring that you approach this process from a calm standpoint is important. Remaining calm is not only beneficial for you but also aids in assisting your baby in regulating their emotions. Ask yourself: Is the time right for both you AND your baby?
It’s all in the prep
If the cot is going to be in a different room, make sure to get the room sleep-ready before making the move! Ensure the room is baby-proofed and consider adding blackout blinds, a night lamp and perhaps white noise to create a sleep-conducive environment. Keep the temperature ideal, between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. The cot should be a clear space with no soft toys, cot bumpers, or pillows.
Start familiarising your baby with the new room by dressing and undressing them there, reading books together, and maybe doing part of the bedtime routine in that room. This helps your baby get used to the new environment gradually.
Getting familiar
Spend time with your baby in the room where the cot is located during the day when they’re happy and alert. Start by playing with your baby on the floor beside the cot, making lots of eye contact, smiles, and happy chatter. Once your baby is content with that, try playing with them while they are in the cot. Games like peek-a-boo, clapping, and singing rhymes are great for this. Then, move on to having your baby in the cot while you potter about in the background. If they become upset at any time, pick them up and try again later or the next day.
Importantly, these sessions should not coincide with nap times. The goal is to have your baby wide awake, acclimating to the environment. Through these interactions, the cot becomes a positive, safe, and comfortable space for your baby to be.
Sensory Attachment
Your baby attaches through their senses, feeling most safe and secure when they can see you, hear you, touch you, smell you, and yes, even taste you! To help with the transition, spend a few nights sleeping with the cot bedding and baby sleep bag. The infusion of your scent onto these items can significantly aid in making the transition smoother for your baby. By recognising the world through their senses, your baby will find comfort and familiarity in the scent associated with you.
Start with naps? Or bedtime?
Start with the easiest time of day for you and your baby. I’d recommend beginning with the first nap of the day, as it tends to be the time when babies fall asleep more readily and you probably have more energy and patience than at bedtime. Initially, put your baby in the cot asleep to make the transition easier. Once they are settled and sleeping well in the cot, you can progress to putting them down awake—if that’s your goal.
Transitioning from successful naps in the cot to bedtime is a natural next step in the process. This gradual approach allows your baby to become comfortable with the cot during shorter sleep periods before tackling longer stretches at night.
Adapting to a new sleeping arrangement is a big step for your little one so go at their pace.
Time
Transitioning to a cot takes time. It's perfectly normal if your baby isn't thrilled with the change right away. Even if the cot is in the same room, it's still a new and unfamiliar environment for them. Just as we as adults might find it strange to sleep in a different bed or environment, your baby may need time to adjust.
It's important to recognise that every baby is different. While some may adapt easily from day one, others may need more time, especially if they're more sensitive souls. Be patient - it's a journey for both of you!
And of course the three Cs!
Stay calm, be consistent, and give your baby plenty of connection. Your calmness brings calm to your baby. Consistency provides predictability. And perhaps most importantly, maintaining a strong connection with your baby through cuddles, the tone of your voice, and time together gives your baby a sense of safety and trust.
The Vulnerability of Sleep
Sleep is a vulnerable state, and it's rooted deeply in our survival instinct. Babies, in particular, have a strong need to be in close proximity to their caregivers for their survival, which explains why they often want to be with us 24/7. This innate desire for closeness and security is a fundamental part of their development and is essential for them to feel safe, secure, and comfortable enough to fall asleep and sleep well.
Is it cot or bust?
And don't feel that your baby has to sleep in a cot—there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach! Floor beds present a fantastic alternative to traditional cots or cribs. They're worth considering, particularly if your baby is having difficulty adjusting to the cot. More on that in a future blog!
