Herbie Murray
As a new parent, you may be wondering when your newborn can sleep alone. The answer depends on various factors, including your baby's unique needs and your personal preferences as a parent. While some sources recommend room-sharing without bed-sharing for the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), others suggest that babies may sleep longer when they sleep alone. Ultimately, the decision of when to let your newborn sleep alone is a personal one, and you should consider your baby's safety, comfort, and well-being when making this decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleeping arrangement for newborns | In the same room as their parents for the first six months |
| Recommended sleeping arrangement for babies up to 3 months old | 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period |
| Recommended sleeping arrangement for babies over 4 months old | Able to sleep alone, but some sources recommend room-sharing until at least 6 months |
| Benefits of room-sharing | Easier night-time feeding, reduced risk of SIDS |
| Drawbacks of room-sharing | Snoring, stirring, and sleep deprivation for parents |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep practices to prevent SIDS
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While this is generally advised, it is important to understand that each baby is unique, and parents should also get to know what works best for their baby. Here are some safe sleep practices to prevent SIDS:
Room-sharing without bed-sharing
It is recommended to have the baby sleep in the same room as the parents without bed-sharing for at least the first six months and ideally until the baby's first birthday. This keeps the baby nearby and helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. While room-sharing is considered safe, bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
Safe sleep environment
Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial. The baby's sleep surface, such as a mattress, and the sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, should meet the required safety standards. Remove any hazards, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around the baby's neck, and objects with sharp edges or corners. Ensure that the baby's crib is clear of hanging mobiles, wall hangings, pictures, draperies, and window blind cords, which could be harmful if within reach.
Sleep position
Always place the baby on their back to sleep until they are one year old. This is the safest sleep position and significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. It is not safe to place babies on their sides or stomachs, even for a nap. Once babies can roll over on their own, you can leave them in the position they choose after initially placing them on their back.
Avoid sleep products claiming to reduce SIDS risk
Do not use products or devices that claim to lower the risk of SIDS, such as sleep positioners (wedges or incliners) or monitors that detect a baby's heart rate and breathing pattern. These products often do not meet federal guidelines for sleep safety and have been linked to injuries and deaths.
Establish a bedtime routine
Create a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine for your baby. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies and signal the end of the day. Consistency will help your baby associate these steps with sleeping.
Remember, it is crucial to follow safe sleep practices to prevent SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.
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Sleep training methods
It is important to note that newborns cannot establish independent sleep habits and need help to fall asleep. Instead of sleep training, parents should focus on creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for their newborn to optimise sleep.
The "Pick-up/Put-down" Method
This method involves placing your baby in their crib while drowsy but still awake. If they start to fuss, wait a moment, then pick them up to console them. After a few minutes, place them back into their crib. Repeat this process until they fall asleep. Over time, gradually increase the pause time before picking them up and reduce the time spent consoling them.
Bedtime Routine
Establishing a familiar and relaxing bedtime routine can help signal the end of the day for your baby. This can include activities such as bathing, reading, and singing, which can soothe babies and prepare them for sleep. Consistency is key, as your baby will soon associate these steps with sleeping.
Cry It Out (CIO) Method
Also known as extinction or full extinction, this method involves putting your baby through a bedtime routine, then leaving the room. If the baby cries, the parent does not respond. The baby may eventually tire themselves out or self-soothe back to sleep. However, many parents feel uncomfortable with this method as they worry about elevating the baby's stress levels.
Gradual Method
This approach involves gradually increasing the distance between you and your baby at bedtime. Start by having the cot near your bed, then gradually move it further away until your baby is comfortable sleeping in a separate room.
It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sleep training. The best method will depend on what works best for you and your baby's unique needs and comfort levels.
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Room-sharing vs. bed-sharing
The arrival of a newborn baby brings with it a host of questions and considerations, especially when it comes to their sleep. One of the most common dilemmas for new parents is whether to opt for room-sharing or bed-sharing. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the benefits and risks of each option can help guide your decision.
Room-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same room as the parents but in a separate crib or bassinet, is often recommended by healthcare professionals. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months, or ideally, until the baby's first birthday. This recommendation is based on the concern for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as room-sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. Additionally, room-sharing makes it easier for parents to feed, comfort, and monitor their baby during the night, promoting a more restful sleep for both parents and infants.
On the other hand, bed-sharing, where the baby sleeps in the same bed as the parents, is a controversial topic. Some studies suggest that bed-sharing can be beneficial, especially for breastfeeding mothers, as it facilitates easier nighttime nursing and can even promote longer breastfeeding durations. Additionally, some healthcare professionals argue that bed-sharing, when done safely, can actually reduce the risk of SIDS. However, it is important to note that bed-sharing also carries serious health risks. Both the AAP and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly advise against bed-sharing due to the increased risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
The decision to opt for room-sharing or bed-sharing is a personal one and may depend on various factors, including cultural norms, family dynamics, and individual preferences. It is essential to consider the potential benefits and risks associated with each option and make an informed decision that suits your unique circumstances.
Transitioning your baby from co-sleeping to sleeping independently can be challenging but can be done gradually. Start by establishing a consistent bedtime routine with soothing activities like bathing, reading, or singing. You can also encourage your baby to play in their crib during the day to create positive associations with the space. As your baby adjusts, you can gradually increase the distance between yourself and your baby at bedtime, eventually moving out of their room entirely.
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Self-soothing techniques
It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, this does not mean that they should share a bed with their parents, as bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS.
Create a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine that is familiar and relaxing for your baby can help them self-soothe and signal the end of the day. Bathing, reading, and singing can soothe babies, and it's important to be consistent so that your baby associates these steps with sleeping. You can also try swaddling your baby, which involves wrapping them in a light blanket. Just be sure to stop once they start to roll, typically around 3 to 4 months old.
Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but still awake
If you rock your baby to sleep or feed them until they fall asleep, they may expect the same treatment when they wake up in the middle of the night. Instead, try putting your baby in their crib while they are drowsy but still awake, as this will help them learn to fall asleep on their own.
Offer a pacifier or comfort object
Pacifiers can help young babies learn to self-soothe, but it's important to limit their use to naptime and bedtime and combine them with other methods like white noise and a consistent routine. That way, your baby won't rely solely on the pacifier. Similarly, you can offer a comfort object, such as a favourite blanket or teddy bear, to help your baby self-soothe.
Don't rush to their side at the first sign of fussing
If your baby starts to fuss, give them a few minutes to see if they can settle themselves back to sleep. They might whine or cry a little, but they may be able to put themselves to sleep without your help.
Address their basic needs
Before assuming your baby is just cranky, review their basic needs. Make sure their diaper is clean and dry, their clothing is comfortable for the environment, and there are no distractions in the room, like a noisy TV. Also, ensure they are not hungry, thirsty, or in need of a burp.
Stick to a schedule
Babies love routine, so try to put your baby to bed at the same time every day and stick to a consistent nap schedule. This will help prevent them from becoming overtired, which can make self-soothing more challenging.
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Establishing a bedtime routine
There is no right or wrong age to start a bedtime routine, but it is encouraged to start as early as 4 to 6 weeks old. In the early days, newborns don’t stay awake for very long, sometimes only 45-60 minutes at a time. Most newborns stay awake for 1-2 hours at most. So, until your baby can stay awake for longer periods of time, it might feel like all you have time for is a feeding and diaper change before they are asleep again.
Once your baby is around 6 to 8 weeks old, you can try starting a bedtime routine. It should be very short at first — maybe just a cuddly feeding and a brief reading of a book. Bedtime routines reinforce babies' natural circadian rhythms, helping teach them the difference between day and night.
- Undress your baby and apply some lotion with lavender for calming comfort. With the lotion, do a little baby massage.
- Put on a clean diaper.
- Place the baby in a bouncer and read books to them.
- Feed and burp your baby.
- Rock or sway the baby gently for a few minutes and lay them down on their back in their bassinet, bedside bassinet, or crib.
- Say some comforting, predictable words to your baby before leaving the room, like "Goodnight, I love you," with a stroke on the cheek and a kiss on the head.
Research shows that rocking—whether in arms or in a rocking bassinet—reduces crying, hastens sleep onset, and improves overall sleep quality. Other soothing activities that you can incorporate include a toasty bath, a loving baby massage, or a soft lullaby.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS. After this, it is a matter of parental preference. Some studies suggest that babies who sleep alone from four months sleep longer at nine months.
Sleep training can help your baby sleep through the night. This involves teaching your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep without help from caregivers. There are several methods, including the pick-up, put down method, and the fading method.
Newborns who sleep alone are at a higher risk of SIDS. They may also struggle to self-soothe and need an adult to calm them.
