Where Should We Put the New Baby?

Updated on May 06, 2008
T.M. asks from Fresno, CA
6 answers

I have 5 children with one on the way. My first 4 babies have always shared a room with someone older. Last time we got rid of the playroom and I was able to have a real "Nursery". The two girls in one room the two boys in another. It has been nice to have my 20 mo old have his own room. I can put him down for naps and bed with out ever being disturbed. Well in 4 mo a new one is coming. Should I move the 20 mo old into a room with the other boys ages 9 and 3? I am afraid his sleep will totally change if he is with others. Or should I keep him in his own room and keep the baby with me for a few months. Eventually the 20 mo. is going to have to adjust to having someone around. Do I do it now before the baby comes or wait?

Any suggestions?

T.

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So What Happened?

Thankyou so much to all who responded. Today I moved the 20 mo. old into a pack and play. I still think he needs an enclosed bed. I put it into his room with his quilt from his crib. Then I took off all the other bedding from the crib and put on new bedding to make the crib look different. He took a nap okay in the pack and play. I think that this is a good first step for him getting out of the crib. I heard someone once say that if I was having another baby, I needed to move the older child out of the crib 4 mo before to reduce sibling rivarly. Thus, I did it today. I will keep the baby in a bassinett in my room for the first 6 weeks. Then move him in with the 20 mo old. We'll see. Good thing I have a little while to figure it out!

More Answers

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B.G.

answers from Sacramento on

I would agree with most, about keeping the new one with you a while until he is able to develop a schedule of some sort. You may consider moving you 20 month old and new baby into the room with the 3 and 1/2 year old since they will be the closest in age, and giving your nine year old boy a room to himself. I understand you have a 12 year old, but she is only one of two girls, and girls seem to have an easier time with this sort of thing. Nine and three is a big gap and will seem even bigger when its 13 and 6, at least when it comes to boys. Through puberty, he may need a little more privacy. Six, four and two seem to be more appropriate ages to be sharing a room, looking into the future of course. Just a thought.
Good luck!

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L.R.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi Tiffany,
I would keep the newborn in your room for a while and leave your 20 month old in his own room. Moving him into your older sons' room too soon may disrupt his sleep and cause you more problems. You must be one organized lady having 5 children under 13 with another on the way! Hats off to you! :)
L.

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A.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I thinkthis is one you have to decied on basied on what is right for your family. But i think you either need to move now or wait for a few months after the baby is born. You don't want you youngest to feel like he is being kicked out of his room because the baby is comeing. If he is still in a crib maybe make a big deal out of moving him into his very own big boy bed. Get him use to the idea that he is a big boy well before the little comes. YOu well probably still have a little regression but not as much if you don' perpare him at all. But you are on number 5 so i am sure you know what you are doing.
Good Lluck with all 5 kids.
A.

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi T.,

Keep your new baby with you and then when you feel ready, put the baby in with your 20 month old. Congratulations on the new arrival!

Molly

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J.C.

answers from Sacramento on

How about keeping the 20 month old in the nursery and have the newborn in a bassinet for a month or two. Then, move the 2 yr old up to the "Big boy room" with his brothers. And give the baby the "baby room".
Make it a rite of passage.

Have fun, and congratulations!

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K.H.

answers from San Francisco on

It is generally recommend (I believe the American Academy of Pediatricians has a statement on this) that newborns and young infants sleep close to their parents (in the same room).

Perhaps start that way and then re-evaluate later when is the best time to change the rooming situation.

K.

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