7 Tips for Room Sharing
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Let’s talk about room sharing! Sometimes we need to move our little ones into the same room due to space limitations, but other times families just want their kids to share a room. Whatever the reason, it can be daunting to think about having your children share a sleeping space. Here are 7 tips for room sharing!
1. Start with solid sleepers. If one or both of your children are struggling with sleep, then it is NOT the time to start room sharing. Wait until both are sleeping well before you make the transition.
2. Have your little ones help you get the room ready. Let them help you decide where their beds should go (ensure they are far enough apart that they can’t touch!). Ensure both children have a bit of personal space.
3. Sit down with your older child and explain the changes so that they feel included in the process. Let them know that you will be able to see their younger sibling on the monitor and will be responding when needed so that they don’t worry about it. If they’ll room sharing with a baby, clearly explain important safety information like not climbing the crib or putting blankets or stuffies in the crib.
4. Have a consistent bedtime routine and roleplay what it will look like when they go to bed. For example, if one child will already be asleep when their sibling goes to bed, have that child practice tiptoeing into the bedroom quietly.
5. Have white noise on at night to help muffle noises. Here are my recommendations.
6. If both your little ones are still napping, have them nap separately (at least to start). Daytime time is different than night sleep and the chances of your children disrupting each other is more likely during a nap. Generally, it’s best to move the baby or younger child to a separate nap space (a pack ‘n play in your room for example).
7. Be patient and consistent! This is a big transition for little ones so know that it may take a couple of weeks for them to fully adjust. Bedtime shenanigans, stall tactics and general boundary testing are common with a big change so try to anticipate their needs and ensure your boundaries around are firm from one night.
