How and when to move a child into their own room

Parents often have high expectations when it comes to a child becoming independent early, and they can then be disappointed that they are unable to move the child into their own room without crying and upset. Unfortunately, there is no universal advice. So how do you do it?

Can sleep through the whole night

There are children who manage to sleep through the whole night very early, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. If your child only wakes toward dawn, you can try moving them to their own room now. One problem that may arise is the silence and calm in the room, which the child may find difficult to sleep in, especially in an unfamiliar environment.

Try it gradually

You can try sleeping in their own little room for one of the daytime naps, so that when the child wakes up, they will not be frightened that they are alone in the room and, on top of that, in the dark. Once they get used to sleeping in the room during the day, you can try it at night too.

After the first birthday

It is often written on the internet that it is suitable to move the child after their first birthday. But this is not exactly a good solution, because the child may be going through separation anxiety at this time, and such a separation could make the anxiety even worse and also prolong the time it takes the child to cope with it. If the child has an older sibling who is already used to their own little room, you can try moving the younger one, because they will not be alone there.

When the child is ready for it

The ideal solution is to wait until the child is ready and says for themselves that they would like to sleep in their own room. That does not mean they will never come to your bedroom again, but it is the first big step, and one that is not forced by the parents.

It is risky during pregnancy

If you are expecting another addition to the family, then try to move the child as soon as possible, so it is not right before the birth and the child does not then feel pushed aside by you. They may then start waking at night crying and calling for you. They will not understand why the baby can sleep with you in the bedroom, while they have to sleep alone in their room.

If you are pregnant and do not want or cannot move the older child to their own room, then get a bigger bed, adjust the bedroom, and give everyone the chance to sleep together. Because co-sleeping is very natural and beautiful. Besides, it will not last long; the children will reach puberty and will not need you anymore. You will then only look back on those shared moments.

Whether those around you are pushing you to make the move to their own room, or you feel your child should already have learned it, trust your intuition. Your child will sense any uncertainty from you, and it will not go smoothly at all. Sleeping together, whether in one room or one bed, is nothing unusual and, above all, it is solely and entirely your business. Do what works for you and do not be troubled by unsolicited advice; you will probably still be getting that even 20 years from now, when your child is long grown up.