How do you get your baby to fall asleep, not wake up at night and when is it time for them to sleep in their own bed? Baby Journey tells you how to get your baby to sleep in their own bed!

The best sleeping habits vary from family to family, as children and parents are different and children's needs change over time. Therefore, there is no specific age at which children can start sleeping in their own bed in their own room. Start with what works best for you at the moment and what solution allows you to sleep as well as possible. There is no risk that your child will always want to sleep in their parents' bed because that is the solution that works best at the moment.

How to get children to sleep in their own bed

When implementing new sleep routines, it is good to do it in small steps. Provide a lot of proximity at the beginning, for example, a parent may need to sleep on a mattress on the floor next to the child's bed. Then gradually phase out the presence as the child copes.

Make the child's bed a cozy place by using a cuddly toy, a blanket or a bedside lamp to create a sense of security. It is good to create a regular evening routine that gives the child a sense of security and helps the child prepare for the night and settle down.

If you want to try letting your child sleep in their own room in their own bed, they will still need help to go back to sleep when they wake up and are sad. Therefore, make sure you can hear if your child cries.

If the child is a little older, up to two years, it is good to talk to the child before they start sleeping in their own bed to prepare. Establishing new routines and habits takes time and patience. Give the process some time and take it in small steps. Also be prepared that the routine may need to be changed in the future as the child develops and needs change.

If your child is not able to sleep in their own bed after you have tried for a couple of weeks, it may mean that they are simply not ready to sleep in their own bed at the moment - try again later. Avoid putting your child to sleep in their own bed when there are other changes in their life or if they are more sensitive for any other reason.

Is it good to share a bed with your baby?

There are many advantages to sleeping in the same bed or having the child's bed close to the parent's bed when the child is young. It is perceived as safe for the child, who can then fall back asleep faster even on their own when they wake up and can quickly see that a parent is there. The child is also closer at hand to be fed and picked up for comfort when needed. Remember that babies under three months of age are recommended to sleep in their own bed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

The disadvantages of sleeping in the same bed as your child are that you can easily wake each other up by sounds and movements. For some, earplugs or having the child sleep in the parents' bedroom but in their own bed can help. It can also be helpful to put lots of pillows between the child and parent to prevent too much physical contact.

Want to hear sleep expert Hanna Bergenkull's top tips on children's sleep? Click here to find out!