Rooming In

Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing moment, and how you spend those first few days together can make a big difference. One option many families choose is rooming in, which means your baby stays with you in your hospital room throughout your stay.

This simple choice offers powerful benefits — for both you and your baby. 

Why Rooming In Matters 

Keeping your baby close helps create a calm, nurturing environment. Babies who room in tend to sleep more soundly and cry less. Being near you lowers their stress levels and helps them feel safe and secure. After all, you are “home” to your baby.

Rooming in also supports breastfeeding. Mothers who room in often find that:

• Their milk comes in sooner
• Their babies feed more frequently
• They’re more likely to exclusively breastfeed
• They continue breastfeeding longer

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life by the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other health organizations. Rooming in helps make that goal more achievable. 

Health Benefits for Your Baby 

The advantages go beyond feeding. Babies who stay with their mothers:

• Cry less often
• Develop less jaundice
• Gain weight more efficiently
• Sleep more deeply

These early days are also a special time to bond. You’ll have more chances to touch, hold and gaze at your baby, learning their cues and rhythms. You’ll begin to recognize signs of hunger and comfort needs, which helps you feel more confident and prepared when it’s time to go home. 

What About Sleep? 

One common concern is whether rooming in affects your rest. Studies show that mothers get the same amount and quality of sleep whether their baby is in the room or not. The key is to sleep in smaller blocks of time — rest when your baby sleeps, even during the day.

To make rest easier:

• Limit distractions and visitors
• Try laid-back or side-lying feeding positions so you can relax while nursing
• Ask your care team for help finding comfortable ways to feed and rest 

A Gentle Start Together 

Rooming in gives you and your baby a gentle, connected start. You’ll build confidence in caring for your newborn, and your baby will benefit from your closeness, warmth and love.

If you have questions or concerns about rooming in, talk with your nurse or provider. Download our Skin-to-Skin Contact and Rooming In PDF to learn more.