Will have 3. When is a good time for first 2 to room share?

melaniedel

We have four bedrooms, but one is a full gym. One day we may have to give the boys kore space, but for now wanted them to room share. Ds1 will be 38 months, and Ds2 will be almost 20 months when LO three arrives. When is a good time to transition? Is older (closer or after LO arrival) best or younger so they adapt easier. My oldest likes his space so I am a little worried. Any advice or experiences?

laura1

My older 2 shared from when DD#1 was 6 months until she was 20 months.  We had moved from a  2 bedroom apt to a 4 br house, so we now had enough room for her to have her own room.  We actually didn't move her in right away - they shared for about 6 months in our new house because they loved it so much.  We moved her out when DS was moving into his big boy bed - i didn't want him roaming around the room and bothering her.  

We found out we were expecting #3 about a month later.  Our 4th bedroom is on the first floor while the others are on the second.  We didn't feel comfortable with one of the kids being downstairs, so we ended up having #3 share with one of the other 2.  We actually had left DS's crib set up in his room, so when DD#2 was 6 months we tried to move her in with her brother.  It was a disaster.  DS is a light sleeper so when she cried he would wake up.  He would also wake her up.  So she moved back in with us for another 6 months in a pnp, before we tried her in with DD#1. They have been much better together.  DD#1 is a fabulous sleeper so she doesn't wake up when DD#2 cries, and she goes to sleep quickly and doesn't keep the baby awake.  

I have no good advice for you, but if it doesn't work out, you can always change things up!  We did

jf198400

We are currently TTC number 3, and plan to move DS in with DD before new baby arrives. Dd is 3.5 and DS is 2, they are best friends. We are already planting the idea with them of how fun it will be to share a room. I would probably try moving them in together at least 2months before baby comes so they have time to adjust. If it doesn't work out, you can try again later. I'm sure the new baby will be with you for a few months anyways.

jesselayne8

I would do it now so everyone is settled and over the transition well before the baby arrives.

drcolleen

DDs 5y and 2y4m started sharing a room by their decision over christmas break and it worked out well since we planed to have them share when DS needs a room (assume he'll transition to a crib around 9mo like DDs did) and we move this summer anyway -- like you we will use our 4th BR at the next house for a gym.

I'd start planting the seed now and see what they say, if they are excited about it pick a time when a few nights of sleep deprivation will be tolerable in case they wake each other or are too excited to sleep.  Our biggest problem is DD2 wakes between 6 and 630 then talks REALLY loudly to her sister, even if DD1 would sleep in.