When to move your baby to their own room
One of the most common questions new parents have is when it becomes safe for a baby to sleep in a separate room. The short answer from NHS guidance is clear: keep your baby in the same room as you for every sleep during at least the first 6 months of their life. That includes daytime naps, not just nights.
Understanding the reason behind this recommendation, and knowing what a safe sleep setup actually looks like, can help you feel confident during these early months and prepared when the time to transition does arrive.
Why the first 6 months matter
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) can affect babies up to 12 months of age, but it is most likely to occur within the first 6 months. During this window, having a parent nearby during sleep is considered a key protective factor. NHS guidance recommends placing your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep throughout this period.
Room sharing in this context means the baby has their own sleep surface right next to you, not that you are sleeping in the same bed. The two are meaningfully different when it comes to risk.
Setting up a safe sleep space in your room
The sleep environment matters as much as the location. Whether your baby sleeps in a Moses basket, a bedside crib, or a standalone cot in your room, the following principles apply.
- Back to sleep, every time. Always place your baby on their back, with their feet touching the foot of the cot. This position is recommended for every sleep from birth. If your baby rolls onto their front and cannot yet roll back on their own, reposition them. Once they can roll both ways independently, you do not need to keep repositioning them.
- A firm, flat surface only. Mattresses should be firm and flat, not inclined or padded. Nothing should be placed on top of or around the mattress that could cover the baby's face or head.
- A clear cot. Keep the sleep space free from pillows, duvets, bumpers, soft toys, pods, and sleep nests. These items can restrict airflow around the baby's face and increase risk.
- Room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. A room thermometer is a simple way to keep track. To check whether your baby is too warm, feel their chest or the back of their neck. Cool hands and feet are normal and not a sign that your baby is cold.
- No additional heat sources near the sleep area. Avoid placing a cot near a radiator, heater, or fire, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Do not use hot water bottles or electric blankets.
What to avoid during sleep
Certain situations carry a higher level of risk and are worth understanding clearly.
- Sofa and armchair sleeping. Falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair is one of the most hazardous situations for a young baby. If there is any chance you might doze off during a feed, move to a safer position first.
- Sharing a bed when certain conditions apply. NHS guidance recommends not sharing a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke (even outside the home), have recently consumed alcohol, have taken medication or drugs that cause drowsiness, or if your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or had a low birth weight of under 2.5 kilograms.
- Covering the baby's head. Hats and hoods should be removed before sleep, both indoors and outdoors.
Other things that support safer sleep
Alongside the sleep environment, a few other factors are associated with a lower SIDS risk according to NHS guidance.
- Breastfeeding. Where possible, breastfeeding is recommended. It is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
- A dummy at sleep times. Using a dummy when settling your baby to sleep may help reduce risk. If you are breastfeeding, it is generally suggested to wait until feeding is well established before introducing one. Do not force the dummy if your baby does not want it, and do not reinsert it once your baby is asleep.
- Keeping vaccinations up to date. Following your baby's vaccination schedule is associated with a lower SIDS risk.
- A smoke-free environment. This applies both during pregnancy and after birth. Exposure to smoke significantly increases SIDS risk.
When your baby is ready to move to their own room
There is no single moment when the transition has to happen. After the first 6 months, many families choose to move their baby to a separate room when it feels right for their household. The protective benefit of room sharing is most relevant in that first 6-month period, but there is nothing wrong with continuing to room share beyond that if it works for your family.
When you do make the move, the same safe sleep principles apply in the new room. A firm, flat, clear cot. A comfortable room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees. Baby placed on their back to sleep. The location changes, but the environment should not.
It is also worth noting that babies who were born prematurely or who had a low birth weight may have different considerations. If this applies to your baby, speak with your health visitor or neonatal team about timing before making any changes.
Frequently asked questions
When is it safe to move my baby to their own room?
NHS guidance recommends keeping your baby in the same room as you for every sleep for at least the first 6 months. After that point, room sharing remains safe, but the strongest protective benefit for SIDS risk applies during this first 6-month window.
Why does room sharing reduce the risk of SIDS?
SIDS most commonly affects babies in the first 6 months of life. Having a parent in the same room means someone is nearby to notice any changes. Room sharing also makes night feeding more practical, which can support breastfeeding, itself associated with a lower SIDS risk.
What should my baby sleep in before they move to their own room?
A separate cot or Moses basket with a firm, flat mattress in your room is recommended. The sleep surface should be kept clear of pillows, duvets, bumpers, soft toys, pods, and nests, as anything near the baby's face or head increases risk.
What room temperature is safe for a sleeping baby?
The recommended range is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. A room thermometer is a useful tool. If your baby feels hot or sweaty on their chest or neck, remove a layer of clothing or bedding. Cool hands and feet do not mean your baby is cold.
Is it safe to move my baby to their own room before 6 months?
NHS guidance specifically recommends room sharing for at least the first 6 months for every sleep. SIDS risk is highest within this window, and babies who were born prematurely or had a low birth weight under 2.5 kilograms may need additional care. If you have any concerns, speak with your health visitor or doctor.
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