Siblings sharing a double bed?

[Apennyforthem56]

Have DD4 and DS2.5. They get on well and in the same sleep pattern at present. DD4 is a dodgy sleeper and would certainly benefit from the presence of someone else in her bedroom. I remember in my childhood wanting to share a room with a sibling but not being allowed, as individual space and independence was thought to be important. Instead I spent many nights terrified and remain quite a pathetically scared adult at nighttime.

I’m considering buying a double bed for DC to sleep in but keeping a single bed in DS’s room for if they want their own space. Has anyone had children that bed share? Or did it as a child themselves? I just imagine it would be hugely comforting to them, but not sure if I’m projecting. Any glaringly obvious cons apart from when they’re ill and wake each other up?

Why can't they sleep in two single beds in one room? That way they have their own space and still get that closeness of someone there. I knew a friend at school who had sisters who shared a double bed out of necessity rather than choice. They were very embarrassed about it, hated it and wanted it kept a secret from others. I wouldn't advise creating this situation as when they get older they will find it increasingly difficult.

I'd put two singles in instead of a double that way they've still got their own space but know each other are there for reassurance. I shared with my sister for years from around that age (we had a single bed each then bunks) and we both loved it.

Should have said - two single beds will be very cluttered in the room unless we remove toys. Bunk beds would work but I don’t think DD would want to sleep on the top and DS is too little. Embarrassment shouldn’t be an issue as there’s definitely no necessity and they have two completely separate and beautiful bedrooms. It’s more that when we go on holiday DD sleeps better for having him in with her and she keeps asking.

I’m considering this with my two, I know they sleep well in a shared bed as they’ve done it before on holidays etc and neither of them sleep that well separately. My plan is a double in the older ones room as he’s very tall so will no doubt be wanting a double to himself in a few years anyway, then a single for my younger one in his own room and they can choose where they sleep each night as long as they’re both happy with it.

They are opposite sex. Why would you put them in a bed together. Your dd is 4 now but some girls have early adolescence and start periods at 9. Better to get 2 single beds then you can keep them in same room for 2 years or so then move DS into own room and he will be used to own bed. I think children will be embarrassed if you put opposite gender in double bed together. Would you like to share bed with your brother?

Bunk beds. Why are you anticipating she won’t sleep at the top?

This is all about your daughter and what she wants and needs, and you've said nothing about your son. He isn't an emotional support animal, he's a human being, and just because he's a toddler doesn't mean he doesn't have needs and preferences too! I don't see anywhere in your post where you've taken that into account.

Could you get ziplock divan beds to future proof? Then they can have as a double now but potentially separate down the line. Or would that take up more room?
Your idea sounds logical to me.

So if your ds has a room anyway why not just put two singles in your DD's room and make Ds's room a playroom and DD's room purely a bedroom if that's all there would be room for in DD's room.

We have had low-height bunk beds for our DCs, from that age onwards. I expected my eldest to sleep on top but she didn’t want to, so my 2-yo did (gleefully). The first day, he stood up on the top bunk, but I shouted at him very quickly and very loudly (I’ve only ever done so twice in his life… the other time was when he tried to climb the outside of our staircase!). He never stood up on the bed again. He knows that’s a very firm rule. I did however put a thick-pile rug under the bed out of an abundance of caution. Thankfully its fall-cushioning ability has never been put to the test.

This sleeping arrangement has now served us well for nearly 2 years. My DCs LOVE sharing a room, even though we technically have space for them to sleep separately. I think it’s really deepened their relationship.

It feels like you're projecting a lot of your emotional unmet childhood needs onto your DCs.
I don't think it's a particularly good idea for different sex siblings to share a bed unless it's something like a holiday and unavoidable.

I'd go for bunk beds. Your DD mat well surprise you and be happy on top, if you don't plant the thought that she won't be.

You can also get triple sleeper bunk beds which have a queen/double on the bottom and a single on top.

So there are separate beds, but if DD sneaks down to the bottom there's still space.

if you do it then put them in single beds and out the toys in the other bedroom.

They should have their own beds.

2 x single beds and other room as play room for a couple years

If you can fit a double bed in the room then you can fit two singles in there. Sharing a double bed is stupid.

My two dds shared a double bed for a few years. They had been in the bed with me before that, so wanted to stay together. Then the eldest moved into a room of her own, but as teenagers they still sometimes choose to sleep in her double bed together.

We have 3 kids who all have their separate rooms. One room has a single over double bunk bed for sleepovers. They always sleep all together in the bottom bunk every night (2 boys and 1 younger girl). Lol! Get the double!

No just keep theM in their own rooms

I don’t think it’s appropriate to be honest.

You could get a single bed with a pull out trundle? until they have their separate rooms. I think bunk beds (top bunks are for age 6± anyway?)

My 4yr old struggles on a top bunk when he's tired (my now 6yr old did too at that age).

A trundle is a good idea but tbh they're so little at that age they could share the bed,either next to each other or top and tail.

I'm sure some posters would be mortified at the idea of a boy and a girl sharing a bed but I'm not one of them

Well mine are both girls but honestly I don’t think it’s inappropriate at their current ages. Your DD won’t want to share in a few years!

My older one has a double and younger a single, younger one goes into older one most nights. They’re both happy with it. As am I as she was going into me until DD1 got a double, she clearly prefers her sister! I do think your son should have the option to sleep on his own if he wants though.

I don’t think bunk beds are a good idea with a 2.5 year old. I’d not sleep myself for fear of him climbing up and falling out!

I know lots of now adults who shared beds with siblings due to sleep issues or space issues. I honestly wouldn't hesitate to do it if it works for your family.

Didn’t the OP say there will still be a single bed in the other bedroom so they can have space if they want.

Wow, such differing opinions. Another hesitation with single beds is that, like another poster said, they’d possibly just end up sleeping in the same bed and be more cramped/restless sleep because of that. And we’d have bought another single bed for no reason, whereas a double bed could replace our creaky guest one in time.

And funnily enough, my son isn’t a therapy animal. They both have very different personalities. My DD has more complex needs and rituals to help her sleep that he doesn’t show any signs of (she did at the same age).

I’m definitely not of the opinion that opposite sex siblings sharing a bed is strange up until the point that they’re not comfortable with it or at the first sign of puberty.