At what age does a child sleep in their own room?
Co-sleeping or own room? This question occupies many Swiss families – and there is no universal answer. What there are, are clear guidelines, helpful considerations, and a look at what children truly need at different developmental stages.
What experts recommend
The Swiss Society of Pediatrics (SGP) recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for the first year of life – ideally in their own crib or a co-sleeper. This demonstrably reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
From the first birthday onwards, there is no longer any medical recommendation for or against a child having their own room. From this point on, the decision depends on the child's developmental stage, the family situation, and the individual child.
The most important developmental phases
0–12 months: In the parents' room
In the first year of life, proximity to parents is important – for safety, for breastfeeding, and for emotional bonding. An own bed in the parents' room is the recommended solution.
12–18 months: Transition phase
Many children are ready to move into their own room at this age. Others are not yet. The decisive factor is not age, but behavior: Does your child sleep through the night well? Do they not show strong separation anxiety? Then they are often ready.
18 months – 3 years: Ideal time window
Most families make the transition during this period. The child is old enough to understand the situation, but still young enough to adapt quickly. Separation anxiety is common at this stage – it can be well managed with the right preparation.
From 3 years: Later transition
Children who still sleep in their parents' room at three years old can move easily – it just takes a little more preparation and patience. Older children understand the situation better and can be actively involved.
Signs that your child is ready
- They sleep through most nights
- They show interest in their own room
- They can entertain themselves for short periods
- They understand simple explanations ("You're sleeping in your room now")
- Separation anxiety is not pronounced
Signs that your child is not yet ready
- They wake up several times a night and need intensive comforting
- They show strong separation anxiety even during the day
- They are currently experiencing another major change (starting daycare, sibling, moving)
- They are ill or in a developmental regression
How to make the move to their own room successful
Preparation is key
Talk about the transition two to three weeks beforehand. Show your child their new room, let them help decorate – choose bedding, decorations. The more your child experiences the room as "theirs," the easier the transition will be.
Proceed step-by-step
If your child is hesitant, you don't have to make the change overnight. Start with naps in the new room. Then individual nights. Then the whole week. Gentle transitions often work better than a big, abrupt change.
The bedtime routine remains the same
The only change is the location. The routine – bath, brushing teeth, story, good night – remains identical. This continuity gives your child security.
The sleeping environment is right
A new room can feel strange. Help your child to make it familiar: their favorite plush toy, a night light, their usual bedding. And a bed that feels safe – with soft padding and an organically shaped bed rail that provides security without restricting.
What about family co-sleeping?
According to surveys in Switzerland, around 20 percent of toddlers regularly sleep in their parents' bed. This is a personal decision that each family must make for themselves. Medically, there are no contraindications from the first year of life – as long as everyone involved sleeps well and feels comfortable.
If family co-sleeping works well, there's no reason to change. If it impairs everyone's sleep quality, a gentle transition to their own room makes sense.
Frequently asked questions about a child's own room
My child absolutely doesn't want to go to their own room – what should I do?
Pressure doesn't help. Start gradually: naps in their own room, then individual nights. Make the new room as inviting as possible. And be patient – the transition will succeed when your child is ready – not when it would be convenient.
Is it harmful if my child still sleeps in the parents' room at 3?
No – there is no evidence that sleeping in the parents' room until preschool age is harmful. The crucial thing is that everyone sleeps well and feels comfortable.
What to do if my child comes into the parents' bed at night?
This is very common and normal. Decide as a family how you want to handle it. If you don't want it: Calmly and consistently bring them back, without a big fuss. After a few weeks, the behavior will subside.
Does my child need a night light?
Not necessarily – but many children sleep more peacefully with a dim, warm white night light. Blue or white light should be avoided as it inhibits melatonin production.
The most important things at a glance
There is no "right" age for a child to have their own room. Most families make the transition between 18 months and 3 years – with good preparation, a gentle transition, and a sleeping environment where your child feels safe. The transition will succeed when your child is ready – not when it would be practical.
Sources: Swiss Society of Pediatrics (SGP); University Children's Hospital Zurich; Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU); swissmom.ch.
