Where should your baby sleep for the first few months?

During your stay at the maternity ward, your baby was able to sleep right next to you, and you could keep an eye on them at all times. Now that you are back home, the question of your newborn’s first nights arises: in your bedroom or in their own room?

Here is what health authorities recommend, and practical solutions to settle your baby safely, at night and during the day.

In the parents’ bedroom or the baby’s room?

The official recommendation is clear: for the first 6 months, your baby sleeps in their parents’ bedroom, but in their own bed. This closeness helps prevent sudden unexpected infant death and makes night-time care easier. You have two options: a bedside crib attached to your bed, or a crib or cot placed next to it.

Option 1 - The bedside crib, attached to your bed

A bedside crib is a small bed with one side that opens and attaches to the parents’ bed. Your baby sleeps within arm’s reach: you can feed or comfort them without getting up, and they then go back to their own sleeping space. Attach it firmly to your bed, with no gap between the two mattresses. Some models, such as the iDream Deluxe, also rock your baby automatically.

Be careful: co-sleeping in a bedside crib does not mean letting your baby sleep in the same bed as their parents. That could be very dangerous, with a risk of suffocation or falling. Your baby must always sleep in their own bed!

Option 2 - A crib or cot next to your bed

If you prefer a separate bed, simply place a crib or cot in your bedroom, close to your bed. In the first weeks, your baby sleeps as much during the day as at night and wakes up several times (hunger, need for comfort): the closer they are, the faster you can respond. The move to their own room will come after 6 months (see below).

Why not try a cot from the very first months?

A cot that meets safety standards is a safe option: the gap between the bars must be between 4.5 and 6.5 cm (European standard), so that your baby cannot get their head stuck. Choose a firm mattress of the right size, with no gaps at the sides. Your baby can also see what is happening around them, and if the cot is in your bedroom, you can keep an eye on them from your own bed.

There are several models and sizes of cots. You can easily opt for a small model for the first months, which is easier to move.

Setting up your baby’s cot

In your baby’s bed, there should be nothing but a firm mattress and a fitted sheet of the right size: no cot bumper, no pillow, no duvet or blanket, no large soft toy. These items can cover their face and make breathing difficult. To keep your baby warm, use a baby sleeping bag of the right size. And your baby always sleeps on their back, lying flat, even for a short nap.

Please note: bouncers and swings are designed for awake time, not for sleep. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them back to their bed.

Where should your baby sleep during the day?

For naps, the rules are the same as at night: your baby sleeps on their back, lying flat, in their own bed (crib, bedside crib or cot), even for a short nap. A sofa, an adult bed, an armchair or a beanbag are not suitable. An infant car seat is for the car only: in a sitting position, your baby’s head can fall forward and obstruct breathing.

Have naps in daylight and keep darkness for the night: this helps your baby tell day from night.

When can your baby sleep in their own room?

Health authorities recommend the parents’ bedroom until 6 months. After that, you can move your baby into their own room when the whole family is ready. To make the transition easier: keep the same bedtime routine, the same sleeping bag, a well-aired room at 18 to 20 °C, and a bed with no soft objects. If you use a baby monitor, place it away from the bed and switch it off when it is not in use.

For sleep: what is suitable and what is not

For baby’s sleep	Yes / no	Why
Bedside crib attached to the parents’ bed	Yes	Your baby sleeps close to you in their own space (firmly attached, no gap between the mattresses)
Crib or cot in the parents’ bedroom	Yes	Gap between the bars of 4.5 to 6.5 cm, firm mattress of the right size
Parents’ bed (bed-sharing)	No	Risk of suffocation and falling
Sofa, armchair, beanbag	No	Risk of suffocation, even for a short nap
Infant car seat	No (except in the car)	Your baby’s head can fall forward and obstruct breathing
Bouncer, swing	Not for sleep	Designed for awake time: if your baby falls asleep, move them back to their bed

And why not swaddle?

Swaddling is a technique used by more and more parents. It consists of wrapping your baby in a light swaddle cloth. Their movements are limited, which reminds them of the security they felt in the womb and can soothe them.

Use a light fabric and do not wrap too tightly: you should be able to slide a hand between the cloth and your baby’s body. If you swaddle your baby: always lay them on their back, leave their hips and legs free to move, never cover their face, and stop as soon as they start trying to roll over. If in doubt, ask your paediatrician or midwife for advice.

Finally, also plan plenty of time for free play and babbling, on a play mat or in an activity swing under your supervision! Movement is very important for your baby’s development: they need to practise touching their feet, grabbing your hair… to build their muscles.

The LEO bedside crib on video

A look at the LEO 4 in 1 convertible bedside crib: attaching it to the parents’ bed, adjusting the height, then using it as a rocking crib and a playpen.