Room sharing for DD 2yo and DD 7mo

[sleeplessintown]

Hi

Have looked at a couple of other threads on this area - wondered if anyone had any advice on doing it with the two of them in routines that has them going to bed at different ties. DD1 (2.1y) goes to bed about 45 mins after DD2 (7mo). She then spends about 30mins getting out of bed and coming downstairs - we're doing the repeated taking back to bed, saying 'it's bedtime darling 1st time, 'bedtime' 2nd time, then silently taking her back every other time.

Also, when we put DD1 to bed, we watch a bit of Peppa Pig, do her teeth, read a book - all that would be in the room while DD2 is asleep, unless we did it elsewhere then took her to bed in the dark and quiet.

Anyone got any idea what I mean, and any advice or experience?

Much appreciated, in advance...

[LUCIA22]

Whilst we are having problems getting DD (2.5) to stay in her bed at the moment we have opted to do as you say. DS (10 months) goes to bed first. I read to DD in our room and then take her in once he is asleep. I explained that he is asleep and she needs to be quiet and she seems to understand.

[sleeplessintown]

Hi Lucia

Thanks for your reply. We're going to give it a go - will report back.

I've heard of the mumsnet/gina ford spat, but don't know much about it. Is it based on a collective mumsnet dislike of routines?

Cheers

Jonny

[MumNWLondon]

We tried room sharing at that stage, and it only worked when we read the older one stories etc in our room.

Then either move to her room or let her fall asleep in your bed and transfer when asleep.

Also how much daytime sleep is your older one getting? - we found that by cutting down daytime sleep she was so tired she'd happily to straight to bed. Had to cut DD's daytime sleep right back to 20 mins at 2 years and out altogether by 2 years and 3 months or she wouldn't go to bed nicely. For me going to bed nicely before 8pm (ideally 7pm) more important than daytime sleep.

[dipsymum]

My two DDs are sightly older and have shared since DD1 was 2.5 and DD2 was 13months. We started with staggered bedtimes but found that DD2 was staying awake waiting for her big sister to come to bed, we now get them into their pjs downstairs, watch little princess while DD1 has a small glass of milk and DD2 starts her bottle, they then both go upstairs at the same time, DD1 gets into her bed and DD2 sits on my lap whilst we read a story and then it's kisses put DD2 in cot and leave. I found that since they went up at the same time they both settled a lot quicker and DD1 didn't try and get out of bed. The other plus side of this is they are both in bed and normally asleep by 6.30pm!