To get a double bed for toddlers...

[mammothtrain]

To share?

DH and I are really struggling with sleep deprivation. Dc1 is 3 and has been an absolute nightmare staying in his bed since the cot to bed transition. We have tried and nothing works other than going through to sleep in his tiny toddler bed with him at 1/2am until he wakes at 5/6am. Usually wakes several times throughout the evening asking for a cuddle.

Dc2 is almost 2 and has started to climb out of his cot. No idea how as he does it still in his sleeping bag. We are now going to have to do the toddler bed transition.

If by chance they fall asleep during the day on the sofa at the same time they snuggle together and sleep for hours.

Is it mad to get a double bed and put them both in it? They currently share a room. I'm convinced they would sleep much better. DH thinks it's best for separate beds but isn't sure why.

They'd be in their own beds and rooms within a year or so it's not like I'm suggesting they forever share a bed!!

Do whatever works. Everyone needs sleep 💤

Why not? I think it’s a great idea!

It’s definitely worth a try. Sleep deprivation is horrendous!

I think that actually sounds really sweet op - it's definitely worth a try as it sounds like they could keep each other company if they woke.

Maybe a double floor bed to avoid any rolling out issues?

Do it. Sleep deprivation is the worst!!

Yes double mattreas or futon on the floor.

If it doesn't work you can share with one and DH the other!

Honestly whatever you think will work.

I did this with my eldest two when they were 4 and 2. They both had double beds in their rooms and just chose each night which to sleep in. Worked really well. They are 10 and 8 now and I still sometimes wake to find them in each others beds. We have two younger ones now (5 and 3) and if they wake up in the night we just pop them in with one of the elder two. Everyone gets more sleep!

Also from a practical perspective, now really useful for sleepovers.

We did this with both ours - they moved from cot to double beds at two and it's worked a treat. We can hop in with them or they can share. Most of the floor area of our house is covered with beds

I'd be tempted to get two singles and push them together. That way, if it doesn't work, you aren't out of pocket.

Excellent idea.

Put the little one's mattress on the floor for a few nights and see what happens. Sharing is fine as long as it works for them both, but ideally it's nice to keep a separate bed too, in case anyone wants a breather.

Alternatively you could look at zip and link beds. Might be too high for a one year old though.

We did this with ours. They shared from the ages of 2 and 3.5 (having previously each coslept with one parent). They are still sharing now aged 5 and 7. I've asked if they want their own beds or own rooms (we have the space) but they love sharing their double bed.

Do it

Yes I did this with mine. Now they’re in a low bunk bed now that big one is 5 and little is 2.5

My hubby co slept with his brother when they were young.
Our toddler has a double bed so we can join him when called and take it turns.

One of the mums at nursery does this and gets way more sleep than we do!

Plus I'll never have to buy my ds another bed. He's in it until he leaves home. Then it's a guest bed.

Maybe you could get a day bed so you can put the 2 beds together now and when they get older it can be 2 separate beds

Thank you all so much for the replies. Sleep deprivation really is killer, isn't it!!

Im going to go for it, Random you make a very good point in that at least we can each share with one if it doesn't work...and on a comfortable bed. We're both hobbling for a couple of hours in the morning after sleeping on the toddler bed.

Definitely going to make sure it's a very low one or mattress on the floor to start with.

Thank you again, wish us luck

What a brilliant idea!

I would try a sleep consultant first, probably.

I never co slept with mine, couldn't stand it but as other cultures show us and all the land mammals sleeping on ones own isn't usual for offspring...

If mine had been poor sleepers they would have shared with DH and I'd have slept in their bed or they could have had a mattress on the floor. Honestly life is so so so much better when everyone is getting enough quality sleep!

My twins shared a single bed (top and tailed) until they were 4.

They slept well until their feet started to meet.