Room Sharing With Your Newborn: How Long Is Recommended?

There are many factors to consider when deciding how long a newborn should stay in your room. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months of a baby's life, and ideally for a year, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, some experts disagree, citing a lack of scientific evidence to support these guidelines. Studies have shown that babies who sleep independently before four months tend to sleep longer and have more consistent bedtimes. Additionally, room-sharing can lead to unsafe sleep practices, such as bringing the baby into the parents' bed or having loose bedding nearby. Ultimately, the decision depends on what works best for each family, taking into account factors such as the baby's growth, sleeping patterns, and the family's dynamic and living space.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies share a room with their parents for at least the first six months of their lives, ideally for a year. This recommendation is based on the belief that room-sharing can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by as much as 50%.

The AAP advises that babies should sleep in a separate crib or bassinet in the same room as their parents, rather than sharing a bed. This distinction is important because bed-sharing can be dangerous and increase the risk of SIDS. Hazards of bed-sharing include suffocation, entrapment, and strangulation.

There are several reasons why room-sharing is thought to be protective against SIDS:

• It is easier to notice if the baby has rolled onto their belly, which is a SIDS-related suffocation risk for infants under one year old or those who have not yet mastered rolling from their tummy to their back.
• Breastfeeding is facilitated by having the baby in the same room, and breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Background noise from other people's periodic movements may prevent babies from falling into too deep a sleep, which is thought to be a factor in SIDS.

While room-sharing is recommended for at least the first six months, it is important to note that it may not be the best option for all families. Some studies suggest that babies who sleep in their own rooms after four months sleep longer and have more consolidated sleep. Additionally, room-sharing can lead to more sleep interruptions for both parents and infants, which can have negative consequences for parental health and well-being.

Ultimately, the decision of how long to room-share should be made based on what works best for each individual family, taking into account factors such as the baby's sleep patterns, parental sleep needs, and the family's overall health and well-being.

Sharing a room can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sharing a room with your newborn can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants share a room with their parents for at least the first six months of their life, and ideally for a year to reduce the risk of SIDS. This recommendation is based on studies showing that when babies sleep in the same room as their parents, the risk of SIDS is reduced by up to 50% in the first three months.

However, it's important to note that room sharing and bed sharing are not the same things. Room sharing means that the baby has their own separate sleeping space, such as a bassinet or crib, in the same room as their parent(s). Bed sharing, on the other hand, is when a baby shares a sleeping space with another person, and the AAP states that babies should never sleep in the same bed as their parents due to the increased risk of SIDS.

While room sharing can provide several benefits, including reducing the risk of SIDS and supporting breastfeeding, it's not without its drawbacks. Studies have shown that babies who share a room with their parents don't sleep as well and are more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night. Additionally, parents may also experience interrupted sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation and affect their health and wellbeing.

Ultimately, the decision to share a room with your newborn depends on what works best for each baby and family. It's important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of room sharing and make a decision that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of both the baby and the family.

Babies in their own rooms after four months slept longer and for longer stretches

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing with newborns for at least the first six months of their lives to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, a study published in the June 2017 journal Pediatrics contradicts these guidelines, finding that babies who slept in their own rooms after four months slept longer and for longer stretches than those who continued to room-share.

The study, led by Ian Paul, analysed data from 230 families, with half the mothers encouraged to consider moving their children to their own rooms at three months old. The results showed that infants who slept independently after four months slept for longer stretches, averaging 9 hours compared to 8.3 hours for those who room-shared between 4 and 9 months, and 7.4 hours for those who continued to room-share after 9 months. By 9 months old, room-sharing infants slept an average of 9.75 hours per night, compared to 10.5 hours for those who slept alone from 4 months, and 10 hours for those who transitioned between 4 and 9 months.

Additionally, the study found that room-sharing infants were four times more likely to end up in their parents' beds during the night, and twice as likely to have unsafe items such as pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals in their sleep environment. These unsafe sleep practices are known to increase the risk of SIDS. The study also noted that by 2.5 years old, all the children got a similar amount of total daily sleep, although those who had room-shared through 9 months got 45 minutes less sleep at night.

The findings highlight the complexities of infant sleep recommendations and the need to consider multiple factors, including SIDS prevention, parental sleep, and child development. While room sharing can help prevent SIDS and support breastfeeding, it can also lead to sleep deprivation for parents, which can have negative consequences for the family's wellbeing. Ultimately, the decision of when to transition a baby to their own room should be made based on the unique needs and circumstances of each family, in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Room-sharing infants were four times more likely to end up in their parents' bed

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with infants for at least the first six months of their lives, and ideally for a year, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, room-sharing comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.

Research has shown that room-sharing infants were four times more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night. This practice of bed-sharing is not recommended by the AAP as it increases the risk of SIDS. Bed-sharing infants are also more likely to have pillows, blankets, and other unsafe items around them while sleeping, which further elevates the risk of SIDS.

Additionally, room-sharing can lead to sleep deprivation for parents, which can have a range of negative consequences, including poor bonding with the baby, marital issues, postpartum depression, anxiety, car accidents, and even Shaken Baby Syndrome. Sleep-deprived parents are also more likely to engage in unsafe sleep practices, such as bringing the baby into their bed or using loose bedding.

Furthermore, room-sharing beyond 4-6 months can cause sleep interruptions for infants, affecting their overall sleep quality and duration. This can have a ripple effect on the child's health and development, including emotional regulation, mood, and behavior.

Therefore, while room-sharing is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential challenges and risks associated with this arrangement. It is crucial to prioritize safe sleep practices and ensure that the sleeping environment meets all safety requirements to minimize the risk of SIDS and promote healthy sleep for both infants and parents.

The transition to a baby's own room can be made easier with a video baby monitor

The transition to a baby's own room can be challenging, but a video baby monitor can make the process easier for both parents and infants. Here are some ways a video baby monitor can help ease the transition:

• Reduced separation anxiety: By allowing parents to visually check in on their baby, video monitors can help reduce separation anxiety for both parents and infants. This can be especially helpful if the baby is used to sleeping in the same room as their parents or if they have a sensitive temperament.
• Maintaining a bedtime routine: A video monitor can help parents maintain a consistent bedtime routine, which is essential for a smooth transition. By being able to see and hear the baby, parents can ensure that they are following the same steps each night, such as reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby.
• Monitoring sleep patterns: Video monitors allow parents to observe their baby's sleep patterns and identify any issues. This information can be used to create a more conducive sleep environment, such as adjusting the room temperature or adding white noise.
• Safety and security: Video monitors provide an added layer of security by allowing parents to visually confirm that their baby is safe and comfortable. This can be particularly reassuring for parents who are anxious about their baby sleeping alone in a separate room.
• Two-way communication: Many video monitors have a two-way talk-back feature, which can be comforting for both parents and babies. Parents can use it to soothe their baby without having to enter the room, while babies can feel reassured by hearing their parent's voice.
• Remote pan and tilt: Some video monitors offer remote pan and tilt functionality, allowing parents to adjust the camera angle remotely. This feature is especially useful if the baby moves around in their crib or if there are multiple children in the same room.
• Night vision and temperature monitoring: Video monitors with night vision capabilities can provide clear visuals of the baby even in low light conditions. Additionally, some monitors include temperature sensors, ensuring that the baby's room is comfortable and safe.
• Portability: Video baby monitors often come with portable parent units, allowing parents to move around the house while still being able to check on their baby. This freedom of movement can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of normalcy during the transition.
• Easy setup: Most video baby monitors are easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and features. This simplicity can be a relief for exhausted parents who may not have the time or energy for complicated installations.
• Additional features: Many video monitors offer extra features such as lullabies, white noise, and night lights, which can help soothe the baby and create a calming sleep environment. These features can also contribute to a consistent bedtime routine.

Frequently asked questions