thread: 3 year age gap, to share a room, or a bad idea?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Melbourne
    238

    3 year age gap, to share a room, or a bad idea?

    We have a few weeks before ds becomes a big brother, and dh and I still haven't come to a decision on whether they should share a room or not. Dh thinks they should, I'm not so sure.

    We have a spare room, which we are trying to empty because it's currently full of dh's stuff. So, technically they should be able to have a room of their own if that's what we decide. If you had the option, would your kids share a room, or have one of their own?

    Ds will be almost three when dd arrives, and he regularly still wakes up during the night.

    What works, or doesn't work for you?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Moderator

    Oct 2004
    In my Zombie proof fortress.
    6,449

    Almost 3 years between DD1 and DD3. They currently share a room, but only started when DD2 was 2 1/2, prior to that she was co-sleeping with us. So I can't really comment on putting a baby in with a sibling.

    At the moment the sleeping arrangements mostly work. There is the odd fight about lights out and what music to put on (they have sleepy music). Most of all they seem to like each others company. DD1 will complain of being lonely if DD2 sneaks back into our room.

    All you can do is try it and see how they go.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Melbourne
    6,745

    We have 3 years 8 days difference and my girls have shared a room since dd2 was about 11m old. They love it! Sometimes they fight about music but dd1 often goes to bed later so dd2 is already asleep. I'm sure as dd2 gets older they will have other issues lol. We have all their toys in the spare room so they share that too. They are currently 6 and 3 and the are really good buddies, play mates and sharers. They miss each other if they are not in the same room at night.

  4. #4
    Senior Moderator

    Nov 2004
    Chickens.
    4,989

    My boys are 2y4m apart and have always shared.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Add ~clover~ on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    travelling
    9,557

    My DD1 & DD2 are 3 years & 6 weeks apart. They started sharing when DD2 left our room at 9 months old & shared for a few months til we had a bigger house.
    They started sharing again at 3 & 6, but it was a nightmare. I took DD1 out & gave her a smaller room coz she was being a nightmare.

    Then I kept DD1 in her own room & had DD2 & DS share (2 years 9 months difference). They were fine. Neither complained, because I don't think they were old enough to care.

    Now DS & DD3 (2 years 6 months difference) share. I'm actually considering getting them a double bed They usually both end up in my bed & wrapped around each other! DD1 & DD2 are sharing again. Neither of them are thrilled about it, but thats life. I've had enough of trying to keep them happy!

    DS wouldn't sleep in his room if he didn't share. He likes having someone else for comfort iykwim.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2006
    Queensland
    2,039

    Oh wow congrats! dont't know if you remember but we were in the same belly buddies group!! I personally would puyt them in seperate rooms, our oldest 2 share a room now and we have 3.5month old twins that share a room so I think room sharing is a great idea but for a newborn and toddler i think if you have the option not to share i would take that option., just for ease with day sleeps, baby being asleep and toddler wanting things out of room etc etc

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Melbourne
    238

    Thanks so much for your wonderful advice!

    I think the plan is to clear out the spare room and set up the room for the baby. She will probably sleep in our room for the first little while anyway, and then we'll see how they are both sleeping. I'll probably be able to ask ds what he'd prefer by the time dd is ready to sleep in another room too. I am an only child so if they want to share when they are older I am totally fine with that, I would have loved to have some company. As long as they aren't waking each other up!

    I can hear a garage sale coming...

    Hi Jas!!! Wow, 3.5 month twins? Huge congratulations!!! So nice to hear from you

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Country Victoria
    5,945

    No way... DD was 2 yrs 11 months when DD2 arrived. Even now I wouldnt even consider it. DD would be up all night wanting to play with her/touch her/kiss her.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Gold Coast, QLD
    1,563

    Hold off until your baby girl is closer to 6 months. Your son will want to love her to death.

    My 2 are about the same age difference and I also have an older boy, baby girl. They sleep in separate rooms because their rooms aren't big enough, but I did want them to share.

    However, when we've gone away on holidays they have shared a room and it hasn't been a problem. My ds is a heavy sleeper and dd doesn't wake him when she cries out for a feed.


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