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Sleep

When should my baby move into their own room?

Why six months is the line

Room-sharing (baby in their own cot or Moses basket in your room, not in your bed) is one of the strongest protective factors against SIDS, which is why the NHS and Lullaby Trust guidance says at least six months — and notably, it applies to daytime naps as well, the part most families miss.

Making the move when you're ready

There's no deadline after six months — some families move at seven months, some at eighteen. Signs the move might go smoothly: baby is sleeping in predictable stretches, the room is ready (16–20°C, blackout if summer evenings are an issue), and you're not mid-way through another disruption like teething or starting nursery.

  • Start with naps in the new room for a few days before committing nights.
  • Keep the bedtime routine identical — same order, same phrases, new location.
  • Expect a few noisier nights — new acoustics cut both ways.

A video monitor genuinely eases the anxiety of the first weeks apart — our baby monitor guide compares the reliable options, including non-WiFi units that keep working when broadband doesn't.

Go deeper: Best baby monitors

Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Spotted something out of date? Email editors@clevermum.co.uk.