Can a Baby and Toddler Share a Room?

The arrival of baby number two is an exciting time—but things can get tricky if you plan to have baby share the nursery with an older sibling. When it comes to sleeping through the night, you’re back to square one with a newborn, and that could signal some sleepless nights for your toddler.

First of all, you shouldn’t expect baby to sleep through the night until after four months or so. Since it can take awhile for baby to settle into a routine, you may want to temporarily move your older child out of the room.

Be sure to make the move fun for your child. Some ideas? Make up a special bed in your room (using your child’s mattress), let him decide where to put it in the room, and thank him for helping to teach baby how to be a good sleeper. You can give him a special treat like stickers or a new pair of pajamas. You may also want to purchase or borrow a white noise machine for your older child’s new sleeping space. This will help him sleep through any crying or noises you and your partner may make during the night. Tell him that he may hear baby crying in the night but that you’re making sure baby is safe.

Even though true sleep training usually can’t be started until baby is at least four months old, our advice in the meantime is consistency, consistency, consistency. Before you start any sleep teaching program, however, make sure baby is healthy, hasn’t received shots within the past 48 hours, and isn’t experiencing a major life transition (e.g., mom going back to work). Pick a regular bedtime, incorporate a calming bedtime routine and follow tips for creating a sleep sanctuary.

When it comes to the best sleep teaching approach to use, it’s really a personal decision. You’ll have the most success if you pick one you and your partner can both commit to and stick with.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.