siblings sharing rooms

[Valerie1979]

we have a nearly 4 year old son and about to have another baby
how do you feel about siblings sharing rooms?  Is it a good idea or a bad idea?  we are in a limited space situation and we would like them to share rooms but not sure if we should start out that way or what we should do

[articx]

I think you should wait for a few years before making the siblings share a room. Babies sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night crying and it wouldn't be fair if the four year old had to deal with it. The baby should sleep in the same room with the parents if there is enough space.

[Valerie1979]

I think you should wait for a few years before making the siblings share a room. Babies sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night crying and it wouldn't be fair if the four year old had to deal with it. The baby should sleep in the same room with the parents if there is enough space.

thanks -- we are not wanting the baby in our room - that was one thing we did NOT do with our son and hence he hasn't been really sleeping with us and we want to stay with that pattern for baby # 2 - we will probably have this new baby in our room the first 3-6 months so baby doesn't wake up big brother too much

[sommap]

I agree that the new baby should not be in with the four year old.  New babies usually don't sleep very well and you don't want a tired cranky four year old.

[tashamjoy]

For your situation I would say when they get older because what others say they wake up in the night but I think siblings sharing rooms when older can be good bonding but of course teenagers want space but I think elementary and middle school age sharing rooms is good

[GramPolly3]

It would be easier for all of you if they don't share a room until both are a little older. A crib can fit in many areas not actually designated as a room which could meet all your needs.
My twin grandsons are now 7 and have shared space literally from conception so their sharing a room is only natural. It's about the only situation where I can see this working until the siblings are older.

[bungholiotgn]

It can depend. I had my own room as a kid and my sister had her own room. My sister has 2 kids now (six and three) and they share bunk beds in a big room. Sometimes it is ok for them to share, but a baby with a young child, I am not sure because with the baby (assuming it is newborn) would be crying a lot. Might want to keep them separate for now.

[BizELady]

I think you should wait for a few years before making the siblings share a room. Babies sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night crying and it wouldn't be fair if the four year old had to deal with it. The baby should sleep in the same room with the parents if there is enough space.

I agree.

[froggylover227]

I shared a room with my sister for 22 years. It had its good and bad moments. If the children are of the same gender, than I would say yes, there is nothing wrong with them sharing a room. Plus, a four year difference in age is nothing to worry about for now. Me and my sister were 3 years apart. When they get a little older, maybe you can work something out where the older one gets his own room, but for now, it shouldn't be a problem. They most likely will bond over it, especially when it comes to facing those "monsters under the bed"! Good Luck!

[surveydad]

A crib can fit in many areas not actually designated as a room which could meet all your needs.

I always shared a room with my brothers, first my older brother who is four years older, and then my younger brother who is four years younger and never had a problem.

I remember when my brother was a baby, my parents (who had a room downstairs and  did not want him in there room) set up his crib in the dining room.

but I think it depends on your baby if after a few months of being in a crib somewhere out of the siblings room you can get the baby on a good sleeping schedule, I would not see it as a problem  for them, and especially if your tight on space, they will adjust...but thats just my opinion

Good Luck 

[clickers]

we have a nearly 4 year old son and about to have another baby
how do you feel about siblings sharing rooms?  Is it a good idea or a bad idea?  we are in a limited space situation and we would like them to share rooms but not sure if we should start out that way or what we should do

Valerie,

Sharing is fine especially for younger children. My kids always shared rooms I feel it makes them closer. If space is an issue then definitely let them share. if it's not then you can do it there's nothing wrong with that either:-) Best wishes for you & family 

[footemama]

My brother and I shared a room from the time he was born (I was 2 1/2) to the time that we moved into a house when I was 12. We pretty much used our room only to sleep in so it was never a problem.

[Barbaralynne]

Not only do babies wake up four year olds, four year olds can wake up babies, and tend to have a exaggerated sense of what they are capable of,for the first few months, I would advice having the crib set up in your room or right outside your room,for ease of access.

[javadog597]

I shared a room with my older brother for around 6 or 7 years and it was great! We did everything together and it is a great childhood memory that I will have for the rest of my life! If there is another room available I would suggest giving it to the new child but if there is a space situation its still a great idea.

[edominik]

What is wrong with sharing rooms?   It has only been in the last 20-30 yrs that every kid was deemed to have their own space/room.   I grew up with 3 boys in one room.   Never hurt us!  It actually made us closer.   Don't worry!