


What are the pros and cons of siblings sharing a room?

Gemma Caton

Health visitor

If there's only a year or two between your children, sharing a room can be a great idea. They're likely to sleep and eat at similar times, so you can probably put them to bed together too.

You also won't need to worry about finding the space or money for a second bedroom. Sleeping together will give your children an extra chance to bond as siblings, too.

Happily, many toddlers aren't bothered by their younger sibling crying, even when they're in the same bedroom.

However, if one of your children is keeping the other awake, try moving the better sleeper into a different room for a few nights. This will give you a chance to help your troubled sleeper become a bit more settled.

If there's a big age gap between your children, or if one of them has a disability or special needs, their sleep requirements may be very different. If they're going to bed at different times, or one needs feeding in the night, then sleeping in the same room may not be ideal.

Whether your children share a bedroom or not will depend on your family circumstances. Think about how similar or different your children's sleep habits are, and try different approaches to see what works best.

Bear in mind that, as your children grow older, their space and privacy needs may change. Listen to their preferences and, if possible, give them extra space when they need it.

Learn how to help your children bond with each other, and discover what to do about sibling rivalry.

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