5 Tips for Families Who Room Share

We know there are many families who room share with their little ones. Whether it's by choice, due to space constraints, or necessitated for various reasons. We are honored to help families in all circumstances get the sleep they deserve! So, we've curated a list of our top tips for those who room share. We are covering safety, implementing healthy sleep habits, and so much more.

Here are some tips for families with shared spaces to get you all the zZz!

Tips for Families Who Room Share

Create a Separate Space

• We recommend that the baby sleeps in a crib away from your bed. Having some distance between you and your baby will help in the sleep training process, especially if you have some kind of divider so the baby cannot see you.
  • The crib should be less than 5 years old and have a new mattress, a mattress cover, and a tightly fitting crib sheet.
    • We recommend a dual-firmness crib mattress like the Sleep & Grow Crib Mattress. It features extra-firm support that infants need on one side and less firmness on the other side to provide the comfort that toddlers prefer so that it will grow with your baby and their nursery!
  • There should not be any pillows, stuffed animals, loose blankets, and interactive toys (including mobiles) in or near the crib. The crib should be free of all stimulation. That cute mobile can be hung over the dresser, and the perfectly chosen pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets can be placed on the floor or in a decorative basket.
• SlumberPod is the first portable, private sleep nook that allows babies to sleep in their safe and familiar playard, mini crib, or toddler air mattress with room to sit up or stand up inside.
  • (use code MOC for 5% off your purchase)

Routine

• Follow along with Moms on Call’s ‘Typical Day’ schedules located in the Moms on Call Books and Scheduler App.
• Keeping a consistent routine for babies helps build positive sleep habits. Having a consistent sleep schedule will help babies sleep better and longer and likely make room sharing a bit easier!
• You may also find it helpful to stagger your and your baby's bedtimes, giving them time to settle down without being able to hear and smell you! (Which, If you're breastfeeding, it may be like smelling their favorite kitchen...and who could sleep through that?!)

White Noise

• White noise is reminiscent of the noise babies hear inside the womb.
  • The white noise machine should be kept on all night long and kept 12-24 inches from the head of the crib.
• Pro tip: White noise machines are not just for babies! They help create a calm and peaceful sleeping environment for adults too!

Environment

• We want this space to emanate sleep.
  • Remove any televisions or other distractions from the room.
• Babies sleep best in cooler temps!
  • The room should be kept at a cool 68-72ºF.
• You can find more tips for creating the ideal sleep environment here.

Swaddle Well

• If you are looking for a sleep miracle, this is it!
  • When done correctly, the Moms On Call Swaddle Technique will calm and soothe a fussy baby within minutes.
  • The Moms On Call Swaddle Blanket was specifically designed with flannel fabric to provide exactly the right amount of elasticity.
  • Swaddling is recommended for babies under 12 weeks and 12 lbs.
    • For babies 3 months and up, check out the Moms on Call sleep guidelines in our Books and Online Courses.

You’re already a great parent! We are here to help support you and your little one! Visit the Moms on Call Shop to view all of our resources. Our resources will help you to sleep, feed, laugh, and love birth through toddlerhood! Connect with one of our Certified Moms on Call Consultants for personalized support!