How do I get my two kids to nap and sleep in the same room?

Question

I have two kids, 20mos and 6mos, and up until now they've both had their own rooms. We are downsizing to save money (1 income) and they are going to have to sleep in the same room. What can we do to make this as successful as possible? The 6mos child wakes up once in the night.

Answer 1

Perhaps I am missing something here, but me and my little brother shared a room until I was 14 and he was 12.  When it was bed time, we went to bed.  We would talk and mess around at times, and I use to tell him a story; but when either Mom or Dad yelled that it was time to be quiet and go to sleep ...we did!  I realize that the 6 month old is too young for all of that, but when the child wakes up take him outside of the room for a feeding and change so as not to disturb the 2 year old!

Answer 2

They are young enough that the switch shouldn't affect them to much, but if you feel it could why not move one of the beds now into the other room? So they get used to it before the move actually happens?

Answer 3

I think the only issue is whether your 20 mos old is a light sleeper or not. Because when he/she wakes up in the middle of the night, you'll have to go in and get her/him and put him/her back after nursing/bottle/diaper change... it might be too much for your 20 mos old.. unless he/she sleeps like a log and you know for sure wont hear a thing.

Why dont you put the 6 mos old baby in your room till he/she sleeps thru the night, and then move her/him into a shared bedroom.

Aside from that, maybe you could tell your oldest, that his/her sibling will be sharing the room, and putting some of the baby's stuff in there so as the older child gets used to the idea. It should be fine!

Answer 4

try sleeping with you and the 6months old in one room, and the other and your spouse in with the other kid, at least for a while....it might work

Answer 5

They'll get used to it, just give them time. If needed, you can sit at the door and escort the 20 month old back to the bed if needed. After awhile, the 20 mo. old will learn to sleep through the younger's noises (as long as its not screaming).