When to move baby to crib in own room—it’s the question that haunted me in the hallway. I remember holding the baby monitor like it was my lifeline, wondering if it was time. I didn’t feel ready. I read articles. I asked friends. Some said 3 months, others said 6 or even 12. I was lost in it all.
I turned to expert advice—from the AAP and NHS. I read blogs. I searched for answers. Most of all, I searched for what felt right. In this guide, I’ll share what worked for us, what didn’t, and how I finally knew when it was time. Let’s walk through it together.
Why the Right Time Matters When to Move Baby to Crib in Own Room
The timing of moving your baby to their own room matters. It affects your baby’s sleep. It affects your sleep too. This move is about safety and emotions—not just age.
At first, sharing a room has real perks. You can feed your baby faster. You can hear them. I used to glance over and watch her breathe. It helped me relax.
The AAP says you should share a room (not a bed) for at least 6 months. Up to 12 months is even better. Why? It helps bonding and cuts the risk of SIDS.
But this change is emotional. Babies feel change, even if they don’t understand it. As parents, we fear the move too. We ask, “Are they really ready?”
So, what’s the answer? It depends. On your baby. On you. On your space. You may not find your answer in a book—but in your heart, at 2 a.m.
What I Did
I thought I’d wait till 6 months. That’s what books said. But at 4 months, my baby woke at every sound. One sneeze, and she cried. We kept waking each other.
Short answer: I planned for 6 months, but moved her at 4 months.
I took a breath. I set up the baby monitor. I moved her crib into her room. It felt early. But it also felt right.
How I Knew It Was Time

She started sleeping 5–6 hours at night. She liked the crib more than the bassinet. And I kept creeping around like a ninja.
Short answer: She slept longer, outgrew the bassinet, and we both needed better rest.
She didn’t need me much at night anymore. And I needed space to breathe again.
The Hard Parts
I felt guilt. Moving her “early” felt selfish. But leaving her in our room later made sleep worse. At 6 months, during a growth spurt, I tried bringing her back in—and none of us slept.
Short answer: Moving early gave me guilt. Waiting didn’t help. It got harder.
I learned there is no perfect time. One way, you wake up from noise. The other, you worry about being apart. It’s never easy—but it’s doable.
How Sleep Changed
Once she was in her own room, she slept better. I didn’t wake her with my bathroom trips or tossing. I was shocked.
Short answer: We both slept better right away.
I still checked the monitor every hour. But being able to move, stretch, and rest? It changed everything.
Moving Baby to Own Room at 1 Month
Safety Concerns
Short answer: Experts say 1 month is too early. It raises SIDS risk and makes night care harder.
At 1 month, babies need you close. They wake often and want comfort. The AAP says room-sharing—not bed-sharing—is safest for at least 6 months.
Snippable insight: Moving baby to their own room at 1 month can raise SIDS risk and make nights harder.
Even with a monitor, I still got up to check her. I needed to see her. Many parents feel the same.
Why Experts Say No
Short answer: It goes against safety advice and makes life harder.
At 1 month, baby sleep is all over the place. You’ll be up many times. Going to another room each time? It’s exhausting.
The NHS also says: keep baby in your room for at least 6 months.
Snippable insight: Both AAP and NHS say 1 month is too soon. It’s about safety, closeness, and peace of mind.
And let’s be real—your baby still needs your heartbeat nearby. And you need the comfort too.
Moving Baby to Own Room at 2 Months
Table of Contents
Short answer: Some feel ready, but experts still say wait.
At 2 months, you might get a few good nights. But most nights? Still hard. I wondered if it was time. But I found out it wasn’t that simple.
Pros and Cons
Short answer: Pro—some sleep better. Con—SIDS risk is still high.
Pros:
Baby may sleep in longer blocks
Parents might sleep better
Might reduce sleep crutches
Cons:
SIDS risk is still high
Many wake-ups at night
Bonding is still key
Snippable insight: At 2 months, moving baby may help sleep—but experts say it’s too soon for safety and bonding.
My baby gave me a 4-hour stretch. I was thrilled. But soon after, she had diaper blowouts at 3 a.m. The gains didn’t last.
Are You Ready or Is Baby Ready?
Short answer: You may want space—but your baby still needs you close.
I missed reading in bed. I missed chatting with my husband. But each cry pulled me back in. Most 2-month-olds can’t self-soothe yet.
Ask yourself:
- Can I get to baby fast at night?
- Will I lose sleep from worry?
- Is baby sleeping longer?
Snippable insight: At 2 months, most babies—and parents—aren’t ready yet.
Moving Baby to Own Room at 3 Months
Short answer: Some babies show signs—but it still goes against expert advice.
At 3 months, many babies sleep longer. Parents start to ask, “Is it time?”
What Worked for Others
Short answer: Some babies do well—but not all.
One friend’s baby slept through the night three days after the move. Another cried less. But those babies were chill and slept well already.
Snippable insight: 3 months may work for calm, good sleepers—but not for all babies.
If your baby wakes often or needs rocking? It may not help.
My Thoughts
Short answer: I wouldn’t suggest it unless baby and parent are both ready.
At 3 months, I wasn’t ready. I needed to hear her. I wasn’t ready to sleep through her sleep.
Snippable insight: If you’re unsure or anxious, 3 months is likely too soon—even if baby sleeps well.
Moving Baby to Own Room at 4 Months
Short answer: For us, 4 months was the sweet spot.
She was outgrowing the bassinet. We kept waking each other. It was time.
Signs Baby Was Ready
Short answer: She slept longer and felt calm in the crib.
What I noticed:
5–6 hour sleep stretches
Calm in her crib
Fewer feedings at night
I could breathe again
Snippable insight: Longer sleep, crib comfort, and fewer feedings mean baby might be ready.
Tips for an Easier Move
Short answer: Start with naps, use white noise, and keep a routine.
Start with daytime naps
Use a white noise machine
Keep the same bedtime routine
Make the room safe and cozy
Most of all? Trust yourself.
Snippable insight: A slow, steady transition helps both baby and you adjust.
Signs Your Baby May Be Ready for Their Own Room
Short answer: If your baby sleeps longer stretches, has outgrown the bassinet, enjoys the crib, and you’re ready too—it might be time.
I remember the night she slept for six hours straight. I just lay there, wide awake, staring at the monitor. That’s when it hit me: maybe she was ready—even if I wasn’t.
Sleeping Through the Night
If your baby is starting to sleep 5–6 hours at a time, that’s a sign. They might not need you as often during the night anymore.
Snippable insight: Longer night sleep often means baby is ready for more independence.
Of course, “through the night” doesn’t mean 12 hours. But when those midnight feedings turn into early morning snuggles? It may be time to try the crib.
Outgrowing the Bassinet
One morning, I watched her little feet kick the sides of the bassinet. She looked squished.
Snippable insight: If baby looks cramped or wakes from hitting the bassinet walls, it’s time to upgrade.
Most bassinets have a weight or mobility limit. Once your baby starts rolling or feels cramped, it’s no longer the safest spot. And don’t forget—lowering the crib mattress at the right time is another key to safety as baby grows.
Baby’s Comfort in the Crib
One day, I let her nap in the crib. She napped better. I didn’t expect that.
Snippable insight: If baby naps well in the crib, that’s a good sign they’re ready for more solo sleep.
Try a few naps first. See how your baby reacts. If they seem cozy and calm, it could mean they’re ready to move in full-time.
Parent’s Emotional Readiness
Let’s be real—this isn’t just about baby. It’s about you too.
Snippable insight: Your emotional comfort matters. Don’t rush the move if you’re not ready.
The first few nights were hard. I kept checking the monitor. But I also slept better once I let go of the guilt and leaned into what we needed.
Tips for Moving Baby to Crib in Their Own Room

Short answer: Start slow. Use a monitor. Keep it cozy. And above all—trust your gut.
No one tells you how weird the first night feels. The silence. The space. The wondering, Did I do the right thing?
Here’s what helped me:
Gradual Transitions (Starting with Naps)
Naps were our test drive. I let her nap in the crib during the day before making the big overnight move.
Snippable insight: Start with daytime crib naps to help baby adjust without pressure.
It made a big difference. She got used to the room, and I got used to the monitor.
Using a Baby Monitor
I treated that monitor like a lifeline. I even watched the video screen while brushing my teeth.
Snippable insight: A reliable baby monitor gives peace of mind during the transition.
Choose one with clear sound and video, especially if you’ve ever dealt with annoying high-pitched monitor noise like we did. I shared what finally fixed ours in this guide to fixing baby monitor noise.
Sleep Training Considerations
We didn’t go full-on sleep training, but we did create gentle routines. A lullaby, a cuddle, then down she went.
Snippable insight: Gentle routines help baby associate the crib and room with calm and safety.
You don’t need harsh methods. Just be consistent. Babies feel structure even if they don’t understand it yet.
Creating a Comforting Environment
Her room became her nest. We added soft lighting, a cozy sleep sack, and white noise.
Snippable insight: A warm, familiar sleep environment makes the crib feel like home.
Keep things minimal—no loose blankets or bumpers. Just safe, soothing, and calm. Think womb vibes, but with a ceiling fan.
Safety Checklist Before the Big Move
Short answer: Before moving your baby to their own room, make sure the crib, room, and routines are safe, calm, and comforting. Here’s what worked for us—and what experts recommend.
Crib Safety Standards Matter
When I first set up the crib, I thought, It’s just a bed, right? But no—there’s more to it.
Short answer: Your baby’s crib should meet the latest safety standards—no drop sides, no loose screws, and slats no wider than a soda can.
We double-checked everything. No pillows, no blankets, and definitely no stuffed animals. Just a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. It looked bare—but that’s what safe sleep looks like.
Snippable insight: A bare, firm, and properly assembled crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep.
If you’re using a secondhand crib, look up the model to make sure it hasn’t been recalled. And always check for cracks, peeling paint, or wobbly rails. Safety first—even if the hand-me-down has sentimental value.
Keep the Room Comfy (Not Cold or Hot)
That first night, I kept touching her cheek to check if she was warm. I didn’t sleep much—but at least I knew she was cozy.
Short answer: Keep your baby’s room between 68°F and 72°F (20°C–22°C) for safe, restful sleep.
We used a simple digital thermometer to track the room temp. A cotton sleep sack helped her stay warm without the risk of blankets. I also made sure air flowed well—no fan directly on her, but enough to keep things fresh.
Snippable insight: A room that’s too hot or cold can mess with sleep and raise risks. Aim for a steady, cozy temperature.
Also, dress your baby in layers instead of cranking the heat. That way, you can adjust easily if the room feels off.

Safe Sleep Position + Bedding
I’ll be honest—I used to peek in just to make sure she was still breathing. That whole “back is best” thing stuck with me hard.
Short answer: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress, with no loose bedding.
Even if they roll over later on, you should always start them on their back. It’s one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of SIDS.
Snippable insight: Back sleeping with no pillows, bumpers, or blankets is safest for babies under 12 months.
I know it looks uncomfortable. But babies aren’t tiny adults—they’re built differently. Flat is safe. Flat is best.
White Noise: Friend or Foe?
I used to tiptoe past her room like a ninja. Then we discovered white noise. Total game-changer.
Short answer: A white noise machine can soothe your baby and block out sudden noises—just keep the volume safe.
Stick to below 50 decibels (about the level of a quiet conversation). Place the machine a few feet from the crib. And pick calming sounds—like ocean waves or gentle rain. Not all machines are equal, so check reviews before buying.
Snippable insight: White noise helps babies sleep, but only if it’s quiet, consistent, and safely placed.
Pro tip? Avoid machines with timers. Sudden silence can wake some babies. We kept ours running all night—and it helped us both sleep soundly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling nervous, that’s normal. I triple-checked the crib, adjusted the monitor, and even laid in her room to see how it felt. You’re not just preparing a space—you’re preparing yourself.
Short answer: Safe sleep isn’t about perfection. It’s about small choices that add up to peace of mind.
You’ve got this. Baby steps (literally) and safety checks will get you there.
FAQs – Quick Answers to Common Parent Questions
Is 3 months too early to move baby to own room?
Three months can be early. Most experts suggest waiting until at least 6 months for safety. Learn more about safe sleep timing in our full guide.
Is 6 months the safest time to move baby to crib?
Yes, 6 months is often the safest time. It lowers SIDS risk while helping baby develop sleep habits. Learn why experts recommend this milestone
What do NHS guidelines say about when to move baby?
The NHS recommends keeping baby in your room for the first 6 months. This helps reduce risks during early sleep stages. Learn more about NHS advice.
Can I move my baby at 1 or 2 months if they sleep well?
It’s not usually advised, even if baby sleeps well. Early moving may raise sleep risks. Learn more about what experts suggest in those early weeks.
How can I make the transition smoother for my baby (and myself)?
Keep routines, use white noise, and offer comfort. Stay nearby if needed. These small steps can help ease the shift. Learn more transition tips here
What if my baby wakes up more after moving to their room?
Waking more is common at first. Stick to your routine and give it time. Learn more about soothing techniques that help during the adjustment.
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