Babies are generally safest sleeping in the same room as their parents (but in their own crib/bassinet) for at least the first 6 months and ideally up to 12 months, and many families choose to move baby to their own room sometime between 6–12 months depending on safety, sleep, and comfort. There is some research suggesting that after about 4–6 months, some babies and parents may sleep better once baby is in their own room, so the “right time” is usually when safety guidelines are met and the family feels ready.

Key safety guidelines

  • Health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend room‑sharing (same room, separate sleep surface) for at least the first 6 months, preferably up to a year, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • Room‑sharing means baby sleeps on a firm, flat surface (crib, bassinet, or play yard) with a fitted sheet only—no pillows, bumpers, loose blankets, or toys.
  • Most sleep‑related deaths occur in the first 6 months, so that early period is considered especially important for keeping baby in the parents’ room.

When many parents move baby

  • Many families start transitioning baby to their own room somewhere around 6–9 months, once baby is older, often sleeping for longer stretches, and growing out of a bassinet.
  • Some experts and sleep consultants note that between 4–6 months, babies may sleep longer and more independently in their own room, though this has to be balanced against the SIDS‑protection benefits of room‑sharing.
  • After 8–9 months, babies often become more aware and may develop separation anxiety, so some parents prefer to move them a bit earlier (after the 6‑month safety window) to make the transition easier.

Factors to help you decide

  • Age and health: At least 6 months old, growing well, and no special medical monitoring needs makes the move more reasonable for many families.
  • Sleep patterns: Longer night stretches (around 6 hours), fewer feeds, and your sense that you’re waking each other unnecessarily can be signs baby might do well in their own room.
  • Space and setup: A safe crib in a nearby room, working monitor, and quick access to baby (e.g., room across the hall) all support a safer transition.

Tips for a smoother transition

  • Start with naps in the new room, then move to the first part of the night, and finally full nights once baby seems comfortable.
  • Keep the sleep environment consistent: same bedtime routine, similar lighting, white noise, and safe crib setup.
  • Use a reliable baby monitor and check that you can hear and respond to baby easily, especially in the early weeks after moving rooms.

What parents say on forums

  • Many parents on parenting forums describe waiting until around the 6‑month mark because that’s the common guideline, but they emphasize that comfort level and layout of the home matter a lot.
  • Others share that they moved baby earlier or later based on their own anxiety, cultural norms, or how disruptive night wakings were, reinforcing that there is no single “perfect” age once basic safety guidance is followed.

Bottom line: For most families, a baby moves to their own room sometime after 6 months, when you can balance SIDS‑reduction recommendations with your baby’s sleep, your home setup, and your comfort level.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.