Why and how to get baby to sleep on their own

Getting baby to sleep on their own… A step that can be tricky for parents and baby alike. Sleeping with baby strengthens your bond, which is why separating is a difficult step, even though it is a necessary one.

At what age can baby sleep on their own?

Getting baby to sleep alone is a big step. It shows that baby is growing up, and for some parents it can be heartbreaking. However, most paediatricians advise having baby sleep alone in their own room from 6 months. It is not recommended before then because of the risk of sudden infant death. It is therefore safer to be close by so you can step in if needed. After this period, as the risks are lower, baby can start sleeping alone in their room.

How do you get baby to sleep on their own?

Moving from your room to their own room can sometimes prove tricky. If baby struggles to fall asleep in their room, there are a few little tricks to help them feel confident in this new place.

To reassure them and help them drift off, you can sing them a lullaby, cuddle them, massage them or talk to them softly. Once you have left the room, baby may well make their displeasure heard. To avoid this, a Premiers Moments Night Light (wide choice of designs), comforters or a musical lullaby toy will help soothe them. If baby starts crying in the middle of the night, parents can let them know they are there, talk to them and reassure them to help them get back to sleep.

It is also recommended to take it one step at a time. Before having them spend a night in their room, start with a daytime nap. You can try to get them used to their new room by playing with them in it and decorating it to make it a peaceful, reassuring place.

Finally, it's important to adopt a routine. Repeating the same things every day before bedtime will help them understand what is happening and get them ready for a long night's sleep.

What are the benefits?

When you feel that baby and you are both ready, getting baby to sleep on their own will bring you real benefits. Having baby sleep alone in their room lets you get time together as a couple again, and not just be parents. It also helps you sleep better. The same goes for baby: it has been shown that, beyond a certain age, a baby who sleeps alone sleeps better. And for worried parents, you can check that baby is fine with a baby monitor.

You now know all about baby's sleep, and we hope our tips will be useful to you!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.