Your Guide to Peaceful Room-Sharing With Baby
When you welcome a new bub, you also welcome a new roommate! To help keep babies safe while they sleep, experts recommend room-sharing (not bed-sharing!) for at least the first 6 months. This not only lowers the risk of SIDS, but also makes it easier to settle your little one during the night.
But let’s be honest: Even though room-sharing is safe and sensible, it’s not always a breeze. Babies and grown-ups often have very different sleep habits! If you’re feeling a bit cramped or out of sync, we’ve got your back. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help make room-sharing smoother for you and your sweet bub.
Choose the right bassinet.
Even though room-sharing is encouraged, sharing a bed with your baby isn’t safe. That’s why the first step is to create a separate sleep space for your baby. When searching for the best bassinet, consider looking for these features:
- A compact footprint that fits comfortably in your bedroom—ideally close to your bed
- A sleek design that blends with your room’s aesthetic
- Safety features like a firm mattress and breathable mesh sides
- Smart tech that helps you and your baby sleep better and longer
SNOO Smart Sleeper ticks all these boxes. Not only does it boast a modern look, it’s also the only bassinet that secures babies on their backs. It also automatically responds to your baby’s cries with soothing white noise and gentle rocking—often calming bub in under a minute!
Keep the room comfortably cool.
Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS, so it’s important to keep bub’s sleep space comfortable—not too warm. Aim to keep your bedroom between 20 and 22°C. Pro tip: A simple room thermometer takes the guesswork out of it!
Darken the room.
Babies sleep better in the dark—it reminds them of the cosy womb and helps the body produce melatonin, the sleepy hormone. Try blackout curtains or block-out blinds to create a dark sleep environment. Bonus: You might just score some extra shut-eye too!
Use a gentle nightlight.
When it’s time to settle bub in the wee hours or if you’re heading to bed after them, avoid switching on bright overhead lights. A soft, amber-toned nightlight gives you just enough glow for feeds and nappy changes without fully waking anyone. A tap-on nightlight like the SNOObie is a game-changer—and it comes in soothing shades like sleep-friendly orange and red.
Play white noise all night.
White noise isn’t just calming—it’s backed by science. Dr Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, includes white noise as one of his proven 5 S’s to soothe babies. It mimics the soundscape of the womb and blocks out everyday household noises (think toilets flushing or floorboards creaking). For parents, it helps mask baby’s normal sleep grunts and snuffles. Pro tip: Stick to consistent, low-pitched “shhh” sounds—nature tracks and waves aren’t as effective.
Keep essentials within easy reach.
The less fumbling in the dark, the less chance of a wide-awake bub. Be prepared for midnight feeds or explosive nappies with a small basket beside your bed stocked with:
- Nappies and wipes
- Burp cloths
- Extra swaddle or sleep sack
- A snack and water for you
- Pumping gear if needed
Create a cosy baby corner.
No nursery? No worries. Even a snug bedroom can make space for bub. Try:
- Shifting furniture to make room beside your bed
- Choosing a mini cot or compact bassinet
- Hanging a lightweight curtain or using a screen to create a separate baby zone
Prioritise your sleep, too.
Room-sharing means you hear every wiggle, squeak, and snore—and that’s totally normal. But if one partner needs solid sleep (say, they’re heading back to work), consider taking turns, wearing earplugs, or alternating nights “on duty.” A well-rested parent is a more patient and joyful one!
Plan ahead for moving bub to their own room.
Room-sharing doesn’t last forever. Around 6 months, you might feel ready to move your little one to their own sleep space. Here’s how to ease the shift:
- Start with day naps in the nursery
- Gradually move the bassinet further from your bed
- Keep bedtime routines and white noise consistent
- If using SNOO, unsnap the SNOO Sack at the shoulders and try Weaning Mode*
Discover more about making the transition smooth
The Takeaway
Room-sharing is a brilliant way to bond with your baby and support safe sleep. With a few smart tweaks, helpful tools, and flexible routines, your shared space can become a serene sleep haven for the whole family.
More Sleep Help for Aussie Families:
- Sample Sleep Schedule for Baby’s First Year
- What to Do When Bub Only Sleeps on You
- What Are Wake Windows?
- Age-by-Age Guide to Bub’s Naps
* Some Happiest Baby App features require a Premium subscription
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