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Dr. Bill and Martha Answer:
How will I know when my baby is ready to sleep in her own bed?

Question:
Our 2-month-old sleeps with us in our family bed. We love having her there and it's so comforting to fall asleep with her snuggled up next to me. I want her to continue to sleep in our bed for as long as she wants, but how will I know when she is ready to sleep in her own bed? She usually takes daytime naps in her bassinet, but we could never get her to sleep there in the night. Is there a certain age that we should try to put her down in her own bed?

Answer:
Just as weaning from the breast is a very personal decision, so is weaning from your bed. Once a baby gets used to sleeping first-class, they're not going to easily accept a downgrade. Most infants will enjoy sleeping in the family bed until around age 2. She's only 2 months now, so I wouldn't worry about when she's going to want to leave the bed. Much will depend on when you want her out of your bed, which is usually before baby wants to leave. Enjoy this nighttime closeness, since it is now working for you, and don't worry about the future.