How to Stop Co-Sleeping and Transition Your Baby to Their Own Bed

Co-Sleeping Worked… Until It Didn’t

Maybe you fully intended to co-sleep when your baby was born and absolutely loved it. Or maybe it was a survival choice when nothing else worked. Either way, it got you through those early months—and that’s something to be proud of.

But now… you’re feeling the shift. You’re waking at every wiggle. Your baby is waking more too. You’re out of space, out of patience, and ready for your bed back.

You want your baby to sleep in their own crib, in their own space, and ideally—through the night.

And yet... actually doing that feels like standing at the bottom of a very tall, very emotional mountain.

When Exhaustion Collides With Guilt

Let’s be honest—this transition can feel loaded.

✶ You want more space in your bed, but feel selfish for saying so.
✶ You miss sleeping deeply, but feel guilty even considering change.
✶ You know your baby is ready, but you second-guess yourself constantly.

You’ve probably Googled "how to stop co-sleeping without crying" and found a mess of contradicting advice—from hardcore sleep training to "just wait it out."

You're stuck between wanting better sleep and worrying you’ll damage your bond if you push it. It’s a draining, emotional loop—and it’s not sustainable.

Here’s the truth: Wanting your baby in their own sleep space doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you a tired one. And there’s a better way forward.

The Solution: A Calm, Supported Shift

You can transition away from co-sleeping without chaos, trauma, or letting your baby scream endlessly in the next room.

The Cozy Baby Sleep Course gives you the step-by-step roadmap to get there—realistic, emotionally-aware, and designed by a mum who’s done it both ways.

Step 1: Prep the Space Thoughtfully

What will baby sleep in? A mini crib, full-size crib, or travel crib/pack-n-play?

Honestly… it’s totally up to you. My eldest moved from a bassinet into a full-size crib. But when I had my second, the crib was occupied—so we got creative.

We set up a vented closet with a mini crib (yes, ventilation is key if you go this route). She’s still in that mini crib at 18 months and doing great. Mini cribs are a fantastic, space-saving option for babies under 2.

👉 Click here for my Amazon shop with all my fave baby sleep gear.

Step 2: Transition Tips That Make a Huge Difference

Whether you're moving baby to their own room or just to a separate sleep surface, these prep steps help a lot:

Bedtime routine in the new room
Start doing the full routine in the space they’ll sleep—even if you’re not putting them down there yet. Familiarity helps so much.

Sleep with their crib sheets first
Sounds weird, but trust me—it works. Your scent = instant comfort. You can do this even if you're still room sharing and just transitioning to a new crib.

Used sleep sack magic
Have baby wear a previously-used sleep sack at bedtime. Bonus if you’ve slept with it first. It’s like a wearable lovey that stays safely on all night.

Step 3: Pick Your Transition Path

You get to choose what suits your baby and your bandwidth. Here’s a breakdown:

Option 1: The Faster Shift
✶ Start with naps in the crib or in their own room
✶ Once naps are going okay, move to nights
✶ Use a consistent sleep teaching method (not necessarily “cry it out!”)
✶ Many younger babies adapt surprisingly well with the right plan

Option 2: The Gradual Move
✶ Shift baby from your arms to a crib in your bed, or nearby
✶ Move them into a bedside sleeper or pack-n-play in your room
✶ Gradually increase the distance while offering support (e.g. hand-holding, then sitting outside the room)
✶ Use tools like the PUPD method, or Gradual Fading method (yes—they’re all taught in the Cozy Baby Sleep Course!)

You’ve Got Options—And You’re Not Alone

This doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can take your time. You can comfort your baby and make changes. You can create a plan that feels good in your gut—not just one that looks good on paper.

Inside the Cozy Baby Sleep Course, we’ll help you:

✶ Pick your transition style
✶ Prep the space and your baby for success
✶ Choose the right sleep teaching method for your personality and baby
✶ Troubleshoot if things wobble (because… babies)
✶ Finally get your evenings—and sleep—back

👉 Click here to explore the Cozy Baby Sleep Course and take the next step toward more restful nights.

It’s okay to want sleep. It’s okay to want your bed back. And it’s more than okay to want this transition to feel intuitive—for both of you.

Let’s make it happen together! xx