Parent's Room to Own Room Transition: A Guide for Parents of Children Ages 0-5
Transitioning your child from your room to their own space is a big milestone for both parents and children.
Based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) safety recommendations, it is recommended to share a room with the child for up to 6 months. Afterward, it's the parent’s choice on how you want to proceed.
To help you navigate this transition smoothly, we’ve put together tips on how to make the move according to your child’s age, what the child’s room should be like, and how to execute the transition.
The Child’s Room
Creating a safe, comfortable, and sleep-friendly environment in your child’s room is essential.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Safety First: Ensure the room is baby-proofed, securing furniture to walls, covering electrical outlets, and ensuring cords from blinds are out of reach.
Comfortable Sleep Space: Invest in a big crib or toddler bed that meets safety standards, with a firm mattress and fitted sheet and sleep sack/bag to maintain their body temperature all night. Avoid pillows, blankets, or toys inside their sleep space.
Temperature Control: Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
Lighting: Blackout curtains to ensure a dark sleep space to give your child the quality of sleep they need
Sound: Consider using a white noise machine
When And How To Do The Transition
When you’re ready to make the move, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth transition.
You can start by familiarizing your child with their room, spending more playtime in it, and giving them the chance to stay alone in the room. Tell them you will go do something and come back. Go back and forth into the room to allow them the chance to feel safe in their new room.
The transition is different depending on your child’s age, so here are some tips according to your child’s age.
Always remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should transition your child to their own room, it’s your choice at the end of the day.
The below plans are suitable for children who are already sleeping in their own cribs/beds in the parent's room, if you are coming from a bed-sharing set-up then you will need to let the child be familiar with the crib/bed first.
6 - 18 Months Old
Start by playing in the room first
Introduce naps first in the room
You can, if you feel more comfortable, sleep with your child in their room for a couple of nights until your child is used to their new sleeping space and they feel safe. Then you can leave back to your room, or you can skip this step if you are comfortable
18 Months +
We start with communicating about this new change.
You can use visuals and flashcards to explain the transition that will happen.
You can also role-play with your child sleeping in their room to get them ready and understand and process the change that will happen.
Sleep with your child for a couple of nights in their room, until they are comfortable and used to their new room.
Stay consistent once you make the move. Stick to the new sleeping arrangement, as this can confuse your child.
What To Do If Your Child Comes Back To Your Room In The Middle Of The Night
It’s normal for children to come back to your room during the night, especially in the early stages of the transition. Here’s how to handle it:
Guide Them Back To Their Room: Calmly and gently walk your child back to their room without engaging in lengthy conversations or play. This reinforces that their room is where they should be sleeping.
Comfort, But Don’t Engage: Offer comfort, such as a hug or kiss, but avoid turning the middle-of-the-night wake-up into an extended interaction. The goal is to keep the environment calm, so they can easily fall asleep.
Consider a Night Light: A soft night light can help children who are afraid of the dark feel more secure in their room.
Stay Patient: Understand that this process takes time. Be patient and consistent; eventually, your child will adjust to sleeping in their room.
Transitioning your child from your room to their own is a significant step in their growth and development. With careful planning, patience, and consistency, this transition can be a positive experience for both you and your child. Remember, every child is different, and it’s essential to move at a pace that feels right for your family. Trust your instincts, and soon your little one will be sleeping soundly in their own space.
If you are ready and need help with this transition, you can book with us through WhatsApp and get started.
