7 Tips To Room Sharing With Your Baby or Toddler

7 Tips for Room Sharing With Your Baby or Toddler

By Dana Land, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Room sharing can be a beautiful bonding experience — and for many families, it’s a practical necessity. Whether you’re following the AAP recommendation to room share for the first 6–12 months or simply making the most of limited space, sharing a room with your baby or toddler doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sleep.

Here are 7 Tips to help you and your family sleep better, safely and peacefully, in the same room.

1. Create a “Separate” Sleep Space

Even in a shared room, babies and toddlers sleep best with a clearly defined sleep zone. Use a cot or bassinet positioned several feet from your bed if possible. To ensure a safe sleep environment, you really want to stear clear of bed-sharing with your baby/ toddler and always follow the AAP and/or Rednose Foundation reccommendations. 

Pro tip: Try a room divider to visually signal boundaries with your child. This promotes more independent sleep without needing a separate room.

2. Use White Noise Strategically

White noise can be a lifesaver when you’re sharing space. Placing a sound machine between your baby’s sleep area and yours helps muffle adult movement, coughing, or creaky floorboards. It creates a consistent auditory environment, which is incredibly calming for infants and toddlers alike.

3. Stagger Bedtimes

If your little one goes to bed earlier than you do (which is most appropriate!), let them fall asleep before you enter the room. This allows them time to fall into a deep sleep and unnecessary stimulation. 

4. Keep Night Interactions Low-Stimulation

When your baby wakes at night — whether it’s for a feed, a quick reassurance, or a nappy change — stay in night mode. So use dim lighting, minimal movement and no talking except small whispers.  This helps reinforce the difference between day and night. And before you ask, yes... you can make eye contact with your baby! God, what weird advice we get told as first time parents. 

5. Don’t React to Every Noise

Babies are famously noisy sleepers. Grunting, squirming, and brief cries are more common that you think — and not always a call for help.
Practice the “pause and observe” method: wait a few seconds before jumping in. Often, they’ll resettle without intervention.

6. Stick to a Consistent Routine

A calming bedtime routine is your best friend, especially in a shared space. Even in a small room, consistent steps like bath, book/ song, feed and then bed sends  powerful sleep signals. Consistency builds comfort, which builds better sleep — wherever your child lays their head.

7. Think Long-Term

Room sharing doesn’t have to be permanent. Many families successfully transition their child to independent sleep around 6 to 12 months. Some like the company and don't transition until they are 4,5 even 7 years old! Whatever age you decide to room share till,  use this time to build strong sleep habits — so when you're ready for the next step (like moving baby/toddler/child to their own room), the transition will be smoother.

Final Thoughts As A Baby Sleep Consultant

Room sharing can work wonderfully when approached with intention and a few strategic tweaks. Remember: it’s not about perfect sleep — it’s about restorative, age-appropriate rest for both your child and you. These small changes can lead to big improvements in the way your whole family sleeps.

If you need help transitioning your child to their own room seamlessly, with minimal sleep disruptions, book a 45 minute consult or full support package at www.hushlittlecubs.com