The simple answer: any age, but I recommend waiting until the youngest is at LEAST 2.5 years old (sleep regressions before then happen almost every 6 months, yikes!). If you decide to move your children into the same room, read the below and follow the steps, and manage your own expectations.
Age. In theory, siblings of any age could share a room, but a good time to make the move is when the younger kid is sleeping through the night, so as not to disturb the other child, says Edwards, who runs Wee Bee Dreaming Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Kamloops, BC.
While it's not illegal for them to share, it's recommended that children over the age of 10 should have their own bedrooms – even if they're siblings or step-siblings. We know this isn't always possible. If kids are sharing, try to have regular conversations with them about how they're feeling.
Staggering bedtimes is the key to getting two kids to sleep peacefully in the same room. Generally, putting one child to bed at 7:00 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m. is a fairly solid set up. This gives the first child enough time to be fully asleep when the other child gets in bed.
children aged 5 to 17 shouldn't share a bedroom with a child of the opposite gender aged 4 and under. single household members aged 18 and over, and any children who aren't related need a separate bedroom.
Well, there's no right time as to when should a child have their own room. What is undeniable, is that children do need their own space as they grow. Having a space to call their own makes children more independent, more responsible and lets you enjoy the privacy of your bedroom.
There are no 'siblings sharing a room law' Australia enforces, so your perspective of the sibling dynamic is what matters most.
When can my toddler and baby start sharing a room? Ideally, you'd want to wait until your baby hits the 6-month mark. Before then, try to keep your newborn's crib or bassinet in your room if you can.
From a safe sleeping recommendation, the safest place for babies to sleep is in their own safe cot in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to twelve months. Once your baby is old enough to move from your room, the practical solution may be for them to share with their toddler sibling.
The simple answer: any age, but I recommend waiting until the youngest is at LEAST 2.5 years old (sleep regressions before then happen almost every 6 months, yikes!). If you decide to move your children into the same room, read the below and follow the steps, and manage your own expectations.
Kids Will Be More Empathetic
child and family therapist and parenting expert Joanna Seidel says, “Kids who share a room will learn how to respect each other and develop patience and understanding. This can help children become more caring and empathetic.” But the road to empathy will likely be paved with squabbles.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the best place for a baby to sleep is in his parents' bedroom. He should sleep in his own crib or bassinet (or in a co-sleeper safely attached to the bed), but shouldn't be in his own room until he is at least 6 months, better 12 months.
If children are of the same sex, sharing a room as long as both children are comfortable doing so is just fine. If your children are close and feel comfortable sharing their space and possessions, sharing a room can build a bond that will last a lifetime, so a children's bunk bed may be the perfect option.
The easiest option when transitioning siblings to sharing a room is to make the move once they are both on the same (or very similar schedule). We waited to transition my toddlers to room sharing until my younger son moved to 1 nap.
Dr. Basora-Rovira says there is no specific age that is “too old” for co-sleeping. She encourages parents to not begin practicing co-sleeping in the first place. And, if you are already co-sleeping with your child, to transition him or her out of your bed and into his or her own room as soon as possible.
Although room sharing, particularly in close quarters, often involves compromises (between siblings, and between parents and children), it is manageable and may even have benefits, such as helping anxious children sleep better.
Night time independence offers children the opportunities to reassure and calm themselves down if old childhood fears re-emerge, or if they are stressed and anxious. This will also mold them to be an independent and resilient individual.
The AAP does not recommend bed sharing for at least the first year – this applies to babies sleeping with parents and/or siblings (even multiples). For the first year, your baby should have his or her own separate sleep space. See my Safe Sleep Checklist for more.
Basically standards require one bedroom for each person in the household, unless they are an adult couple, two children of the same sex under 18 years old, or two opposite-sex children under 5 years old – these people, and only these people, can share a room.
Locking a child's bedroom door is a violation of many fire codes and can be a pretty big red flag for child protective services. And yet, with a particularly determined child in the throes of a sleep regression, it may be necessary to restrict their ability to leave the room, at least for a little while.
Having a space for themselves from early childhood will help children become independent and responsible as they grow. Learning to sleep alone is one of the first steps in becoming independent. There are really great kids bedroom ideas you can use to make their stay in a separate room comfortable.
Prevent your toddler from getting out repeatedly
Instead, make sure to close the door so that she can't roam the house. You can also reuse your baby gate. Place it just outside the door, preventing her from getting out. She can still open the door, but won't be able to leave.