Hi, I'm Federica — sleep consultant and founder of the With Love Method 🤍
As you know, in my work I always make sure to contextualize every situation and prioritize the needs and wishes of each family.
That's why I often repeat: there are no universally correct answers, only what is right for your family.

In this article, I want to offer you reflections and practical tips to understand what might be best in your situation, with the aim of helping you serenely choose whether to move your child to their own room before the arrival of a sibling.

As a sleep consultant, if I were to give general advice, I would say that yes — moving the child to their own room before the birth of another little one can be the "safest" choice.

When I say "safest," I'm referring to the fact that we can't know what managing the new arrival will be like, and this transition can help prevent some of the most common difficulties.
However, every family has its own story, and there are many variables.

Variables to consider

👶 The incoming little one

Every newborn is different. They might:

• sleep through the night or wake up often to seek contact;

• require frequent feedings or, conversely, need to be woken to eat;

• have peaceful sleep or sleep disturbed by colic or reflux.

🧒 The older sibling

The older child, on the other hand, might:

• easily accept sleeping in their own room or, conversely, show jealousy with the arrival of the new baby;

• wake up at night disturbing the newborn, or sleep peacefully;

• require more closeness to mom, seeing the attention given to the sibling.

Why moving to their own room can be helpful

In general, moving the child to their own room before the sibling's birth can help to:

🌙 prevent nighttime jealousies;
😴 prevent one's awakenings from disturbing the other;
💛 reduce stress during times when both children are awake simultaneously.

This transition, if done gradually and gently, can represent a positive change for the whole family.

Factors to evaluate before the move

🤰 Pregnancy stage

Any change can lead the child to seek more presence.
If you are at a delicate stage of pregnancy — such as morning sickness or end-of-pregnancy fatigue — evaluate if you have the emotional and physical energy to accompany this phase.

👨👩👧 Support from dad or other figures

If only mom manages bedtime, the change might be more challenging.
Working on interchangeability with dad or other reference figures is very useful, especially in view of the new baby's arrival.

💭 Your ideal situation

Ask yourselves: How would we really like to manage nights?
Where do we imagine our children sleeping?
Parents' serenity is fundamental for the well-being of the whole family, more than any "rule."

🏡 Other ongoing changes

Avoid concentrating too many transitions in the same period: starting daycare, moving house, pacifier weaning…
Every child has their own sensitivity, and you parents must also feel ready.

🌱 Child's age and temperament

• From 3 years old and up, the child better understands changes but can develop more concrete fears.

• Under 2 and a half years old, the transition is often more natural.

In any case, avoid linking the transfer to the sibling's arrival: it's better to do it beforehand, so as not to create negative associations.

General advice for a serene transition

💫 Make the change in good time, not as a consequence of the birth.
💫 Prepare the room together, making it cozy and familiar.
💫 Stay present in the first few days, even just with your voice or a caress.
💫 Celebrate small progress, even if there are setbacks.

My personal experience 🌷

As an almost two-time mom, I want to tell you about our choice.

Despite believing it was "safer" to move Leo to his own room, we decided to keep him in our room, in his crib, for several reasons:

• we had just faced many changes (moving, new nanny, different environment);

• the sister's birth was close;

• we liked having him close;

• and, honestly, I also felt the emotional need to keep him by my side.

This was the best decision for us, even if it's not the only one possible.
I believe every family should choose what feels most right in their heart, without fear of "making a mistake."

Frequent questions from parents

“What if I move him and he no longer accepts his room?”

You can always go back, calmly. Sometimes a break is enough to regain balance.

“How long should I wait after childbirth to make the transition?”

It depends on the child and how they experience the arrival of the sibling. There's no fixed rule: listen to their signals and proceed when you both feel ready.

“Can I keep both children in our room?”

Yes, but with attention to safety: it's better for each to have their own space, and for mom and dad to be able to take turns managing.

In conclusion

The choice of whether or not to move your child to their own room does not have a universal answer.
Every family has its own balance, its own desires, and its own timing.

With the With Love Method, my goal is to guide you in making conscious and serene choices, without judgment, but with deep listening and respect for your family's unique story.

There are no perfect solutions, but there are paths full of love 🤍

✨ If you wish to delve deeper and receive concrete support, here are the services I have created to accompany you at every stage of your child's growth

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2. Introductory webinar (Click)

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3. Method & Approach (Click)
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