Siblings sharing a room

[Oopla]

Hello posted this in sleep but thought would try here too as is kind of a larger family issue.

I'd like to hear about when and how you moved siblings into a room together and how it worked for you.

I have two boys 12m 3.5 and a girl 9. Ideally I'd love the boys to share a room but youngest is still a terrible sleeper. Is there a magic age or time to try it or is a case of biting the bullet and expecting a week of lots of wake ups?

[anonymosity]

I would put the two boys in a room and let the younger one settle himself in that environment. That's what we did with our two when they were 3-4 months and 19-20 months. The older one was woken and a bit put out a few times but got used to the younger one and eventually slept through night-time wake ups. We tried separating them when they were 2 yrs and 3 yrs but the 2 yr old suddenly had problems settling (as it normal) and we moved them back together. They're now 5&6 and moving them apart looms, but they love being in a room together, still.

[Beatrixpotty]

My 2 eldest (2&3.5) have shared a room since the youngest was 8months.They were both in cots until DS1 was 3!Sharing has worked really well for them,they like the company and disturbing each other was only a problem when DS1 was getting too old for a lunchtime nap and wouldn't let his brother sleep either.Definitely put your boys in together.

[Oopla]

Thankyou anon & Beatrix

Quite tempted to have a go now after reading how well it worked for you.

[happynappies]

I moved ds (who had just turned 2) in with his sister (who was 4) when we had another baby, 6 months old, needing the cot... There were a couple of nights when they were quite 'excited' going to bed, but then it settled down and 2 years later they are still sharing happily. Just on the verge of moving dd2 in with them so that dd3 can have the cot. I think children love sharing - the only time it ever causes a problem is when the older one has friends round to play and wants to play in 'her' room and I have to remind her that it is her brothers' room too, and he can go in to. They keep each other company, and it is lovely to hear them chatting away at the crack of dawn early in the morning!!

[Oopla]

Hello guys.

Ok so took the plunge lastnight and put them in together.

Worked like a dream from baby's bedtime till about midnight. Was really surprised. I gave in and put him in our bed in the middle of the night but was a good start. If I can get him used to the idea he sleeps in there think the wake ups will settle down.

[anonymosity]

well done! I think you have an easier time with the smallest if they have a sibling in their room, tbh.

[Oopla]

Anon Thankyou older ds has gone to bed quite late tonight and is absolutely sparko which is good because little ds is having a bit of a grumble. But is a little grumble rather than the full on wailing and gnashing of teeth. Must be strong sure he's close to dropping off now.

[Oopla]

Well been a few nights now and still going well ds1 hasn't woken up once despite ds2's best efforts.

Ds2 is still waking through the night but I've now stopped bf after bedtime so he's not up for long before he gets bored.
Thanks for your replies, really gave us the push we needed to tackle this

[anonymosity]

Long may it last - at least until they're six and start being boisterous!