WW PG+35 do?

JilliansMoma · May 2014

I'm trying to work around logistics of the sleeping arrangements in my house once #4 arrives.

We have a 4 bedroom house with an office that has no closet so eventually they can all have their own rooms. There are three bedrooms down a central hallway but the office and guest bedroom are in the front of the house and far from the master bedroom. Right now DD#1 has her own room and DD# 2&3 share the room closest to us (my 3YO is in a full size crib and the baby is in a mini crib). I like that we are all off the same hallway and they are close to me and DH and their windows face a fenced side yard. The rooms are good size so I have no problem with them sharing.

I'm wondering if I should put DD#2 in a big girl bed? My oldest took the decision from us because she climbed out of her crib at 18 months but DD#2 is doing well in her crib and is so small she can't climb out of it. I'm worried giving her freedom will mess with her good sleeping habits. And if I put her in with DD #1 that they will play instead of sleep. I really don't want 3 cribs though.

What advice do you ladies have for me! I know I'm over thinking things but I can't decide and DH is really no help!

JM

rcbuko · May 2014

That is a bit tough. I have moved each of my kids into their big girl beds right at 2 years old because a new baby was coming (I am due with our fourth in about three weeks). We only have a three bedroom house so the kids definitely have to share a room. Right now we have my almost 6 year old and almost 4 year old girls in one room each in a twin bed. Our 18 month old boy is in another room and will share a room with our soon to be newborn girl. I won't change him to a bigger bed until he climbs out of his bed since we bought a second crib for the new baby. My eventual plan is for the two youngest to be in low bunk beds so I don't want to rush him out of his crib.

I would try to move your three year old into a twin bed at this point while you are still pregnant and can change her back if she has horrendous issues with running around. My two oldest went into their twin beds with bed rails and never ran around. We made a big deal about it being their big girl bed. Also, bed time is a business. I imagine it has to be no matter what the more children you have. We bathe, change into pajamas, read a story, turn on the sound machine, turn off the light, and give hugs and kisses. Then I go next door to put the baby down. I warn them that if I hear them talking, that I will take away whatever toy they have been able to take to bed to sleep with. I also warn them that they will be tired in the morning. This generally works for my kids because they are often tired in the morning even though they get about 11 1/2 hours of sleep and they cherish sleeping with their toys.

I am also nervous about adding a fourth to our bedtime routine. I have it down right now but am scared that the new baby and the 18 month old will keep each other up.

harmonicbabe26 · May 2014

My personal opinion is that if a kid sleeps well in a crib and doesn't climb out, leave them be. Especially if you know they are the adventurous type and would use that freedom to get out and play instead of sleeping.

My DD is like that. She's a crazy monkey but for some reason she hasn't figured out how to climb out. So I am planning to keep her in the crib as long as i possibly can.

We have her room and the guest room (what I guess should be kid 2's room) adjacent to each other. But I decided to put #2 in the bonus room/office instead, at least for a while, because I'm worried he/she will cry at night and wake DD. She is a great night sleeper and i want nothing messing with that. I'm going to need every bit of energy to deal with both.

So I am planning to get a used or cheap non-convertible crib for #2 and when that kid is 2 or so, well, hopefully by then DD (she'll be 5 by then) will be ready for a big kid bed...
I figured even if she starts climbing out in the mean time, or whenever she potty trains, I will just drop one side of her crib and have her use it as toddler bed.

I guess my point is, consider putting the new one farther away so he/she doesn't wake others at night, and put him/her in a bassinet/pack n play or crib... JMO...

JilliansMoma · May 2014

Thanks ladies for your input! Both opinions are exactly why I'm torn!

Pinkmom19 · May 2014

I'm with @harmonicbabe26‌. If it's working for her and she's showing no signs of wanting a big girl bed - I'd leave her be. Getting multiple little ones to sleep - and staying asleep - is tough. We even used a crib tent to but us an extra year with DD5. She was<2, not as old as yours, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Want a personalized experience?

WW PG+35 do?

Re: WW PG+35 do?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards