How can you help your baby get used to sleeping alone in their room?
Summary
According to the World Health Organization, it is recommended that babies sleep in their parents’ room for the first 6 months after birth (in a crib or through co-sleeping). But then comes an important milestone: their first nights alone, in a space that belongs only to them. At what age is a baby ready? How can you make the transition safe? How can you reassure them and guide them gently through it?
Behind these questions often lies a shared desire: to provide your child with a comforting haven that fosters peaceful nights and beautiful childhood memories. Here are the essential guidelines to help your baby transition to their own room, in a safe and reassuring environment tailored to their needs.
My child doesn’t want to sleep alone: how can I reassure them?
When a baby doesn’t want to sleep alone, it’s not just a whim. In most cases, separation anxiety begins between 8 and 12 months of age. The child understands that a parent can leave, but hasn’t yet grasped the concept of coming back. At night, this feeling of insecurity is amplified.
To help your baby sleep in their own room, the first key is consistency. A stable sleep routine reassures the brain. Same bedtime, same actions, same words. This bedtime ritual should be short and predictable. A warm bath, a calm meal, a story, a reassuring phrase, the presence of a transitional object (security blanket). In a soft, harmonious room, these small gestures take on even greater meaning: they become concrete cues that guide the baby toward sleep. Each repetition reinforces the sense of security and has a truly soothing effect.
A few more tips for parents who think their baby is ready to sleep in their own room:
Choose a transitional object (security blanket) that smells like Mom or Dad;
Always follow the same routine every night;
Watch for signs of tiredness to try to put your baby to sleep at the right time;
Spend time with your baby in their own room for activities other than sleeping (bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, playing...).
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Choose a transitional object (security blanket) that smells like Mom or Dad;
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Always follow the same routine every night;
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Watch for signs of tiredness to try to put your baby to sleep at the right time;
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Spend time with your baby in their own room for activities other than sleeping (bottle-feeding, breastfeeding, playing...).
Create a safe and soothing environment in the new nursery
A complete bedroom set in the Gustavian style
Creating a structured, stable, safe, and consistent environment for your baby is also very important to help them adjust to this transition. Sleep is a process that develops gradually; by observing your baby and adjusting their environment, everyone will eventually find their own rhythm. Choose the right crib to ensure your baby gets a good night’s sleep.
According to experts, a comfortable sleeping arrangement tailored to a baby’s needs should include:
A firm baby mattress suitable for the infant’s weight;
A snug-fitting fitted sheet;
No pillows, thick blankets, or bulky objects (only a security blanket is allowed in the bed);
A crib that meets European safety standards (for both naps and nighttime sleep).
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A firm baby mattress suitable for the infant’s weight;
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A snug-fitting fitted sheet;
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No pillows, thick blankets, or bulky objects (only a security blanket is allowed in the bed);
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A crib that meets European safety standards (for both naps and nighttime sleep).
Choosing the right furniture is therefore worth your attention. A crib is much more than just a place to sleep: it is your child’s first personal space, where they gradually learn to fall asleep and grow in confidence.
A sturdy crib, made from durable, non-toxic materials, reduces risks and ensures optimal back support for little ones. That’s why at Rêves & Merveilles, every piece is carefully selected: high-quality wood, meticulous finishes, non-toxic paints, and direct sourcing from recognized brands. The dimensions of a crib also affect comfort from birth. To better understand the recommended standards, consult our guide on crib dimensions.
If you want to plan ahead for your baby’s growth, convertible cribs are a wise choice. They grow with the child, maintain their sense of security, and make transitions smoother. This helps reassure the baby and helps them fall asleep, particularly thanks to the long-term use of the furniture. For older children, a junior bed extends this continuity.
When it comes to crib bumpers, caution is still advised. Current health recommendations suggest limiting accessories in the crib during the first few months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To understand when and how to safely incorporate this item, check out our article on choosing a crib bumper.
Create a nursery tailored to your baby's needs, day and night
VOX Vintage Room
During the day, the bedroom can remain a quiet place to play, so that children gradually come to associate this space with relaxation. Carefully designed, the bedroom becomes a comforting haven where every detail contributes to a sense of calm: soft lighting, natural materials, harmonious furnishings…
At Rêves & Merveilles, we design collections built to stand the test of time, to grow with your child, and to blend seamlessly into the story of every family. Since 2011, we’ve been helping parents create bedrooms that are beautiful, functional, and comforting, drawing on our experience and collaborating with designers chosen for their high standards and craftsmanship.
We choose timeless designs, soft colors, and pieces you won’t find just anywhere, to create a truly unique atmosphere. Designing a nursery isn’t just about filling a space; it’s about creating a world that accompanies nights, mornings, and first memories—a place where a child can feel safe and at ease.
A baby who feels safe in their room is more likely to sleep there. When the space is comfortable, thoughtfully designed with consistency, softness, and high standards, it naturally fosters more peaceful nights.
