There comes a time when the baby in the family may be ready to join their sibling in a shared room. And although there is no one perfect age and stage for this, there are some signs when the transition can be easier. Read on to see what can make the move less challenging. Show
What’s the right age to move my baby and toddler in together?Some parents who’ve had the experience of their children sharing a room say that the adjustment is easier when kids are younger. Others say it’s better to wait until they’re older and can be reasoned with. Do what is right for you and what suits your situation. Why would I want my kids to share a room?There are many reasons why parents can want their children to share a room. Generally, children aren’t the ones who say they want to move in together and it’s parents who see the benefits. Room sharing can be a purely practical decision, though for some parents, it is based more around emotional benefits. Sharing a bedroom may be the only option when a family needs to downsize their house, or need to move and don’t have the choice for their kids to be in separate rooms. In large families, having the younger children in together can make sense. Grouping similar ages can help with nappy changing, settling, play and general routines. It can also help with relationship building and supporting a closer connection. Some of the more common reasons for room sharing are:
What are the signs that it’s time to start room sharing?From a safe sleeping recommendation, the safest place for babies to sleep is in their own safe cot in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to twelve months. Once your baby is old enough to move from your room, the practical solution may be for them to share with their toddler sibling. Your baby becomes old enough to transition from a cot to a toddler bed and this shifts your view of them being a baby to a child. Once they are tall enough to place a leg over the top cot rail or show signs of being ready to climb out of their cot, this becomes a safety issue. Managing two beds in a room may be easier than a cot and a bed. What can help the process?Speak with your toddler about what’s going to happen. Some toddlers are very sensitive to change and need a lot of explanation and reassurance. Others are more flexible and just go with the flow. Similarly, some babies need a little more time to adjust. Be confident about making room changes and your children will be more likely to your lead. Set up a changing area in the shared room so everything your need for nappy changes is in the one place. Reduce clutter in the shared room. If you have the choice, keep toys to a minimum and floor space clear. A bed/bed or bed/cot combination in a room can take up a lot of room. Organise separate storage places for your toddler and your baby in the one room. This will help you to stay organised and keep clothing under control. What to expect when your baby and toddler share a roomTry not to anticipate problems which may not eventuate, though it’s fair to give your children some time to adjust to their new shared sleeping environment.
When is room sharing not recommended?Sometimes sharing a room is not a good idea:
5 top tips to help with room sharing
Baby Sleep CyclesTo understand more about how much sleep your infant or toddler needs, download our sleep charts. Each table contains easy to view, practical and evidence based sleep recommendations. Did you know you can book a call with our sleep consultants right now?Our experienced, professional sleep consultants speak with parents to help answer questions and concerns you have about helping newborns to 3-year-olds get more sleep. No video required, no having someone over to the house or having to get yourself ready. Book a time that best suits you. Nurture CallsWhen you have a newborn, it can really help to have someone to call for guidance, support, confidence and advice. Our Nurture Calls are 20 minute calls, designed specifically to support parents with newborns. The first 10 weeks can be hard. Our team is here to listen, help and guide you with the issues relevant to you and your baby. Book your call. Written for Safe Sleep Space by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse ReferencesReading and storytelling with children | Raising Children Network RN3356_Cot_Bed_DL_Oct2018_web.pdf (rednose.org.au) Room sharing with baby | Red Nose Australia Sharing a bedroom: babies & older kids | Raising Children Network ← Previous Post Next Post → How can a toddler and baby share a room?10 Room Sharing Tips for Baby and a Big Kid. Wait until baby is sleeping fairly consistently. ... . Change your older child's bedtime routine location, but keep everything else consistent. ... . Get baby used to the room as it is set up for your older child. ... . Make it fun. ... . Employ a (safe) bumper. ... . Make the rules very clear.. Can a 1 year old and 3 year old share a room?The simple answer: any age, but I recommend waiting until the youngest is at LEAST 2.5 years old (sleep regressions before then happen almost every 6 months, yikes!). If you decide to move your children into the same room, read the below and follow the steps, and manage your own expectations.
How do you sleep with a toddler and a newborn?One option is to place the newborn in a crib or co-sleeper that is right next to the bed, and place the other child in the bed with you. Another option is to have one parent in the middle of the bed, with one child of either side of her.
At what age can baby share room with sibling?I generally don't recommend that babies share a room with a sibling until a MINIMUM of 6 months of age, but preferably until they are at least one. This is for several reasons… First, the AAP recommends that babies share a room with their parents until 6-12 months in order to prevent SIDS.
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