Expecting again, when/how to transition older child to own bed?

[laliu]

It's still a little ways off, but I found out I'm expecting again probably in May or June of next year. My 14-month old has slept with us since birth and continues to do so quite comfortably... I don't feel he is ready to "move out" yet, but am wondering how close to the impending new arrival do we begin transitioning him to his own bed? (This will probably be a mattress/toddler bed in our room)

I don't feel comfortable with the though of an almost 2 year old sharing with a newborn or I'd keep them both with me

Has anyone had similar experiences? How did you and your little ones handle the changes?

Thanks!!

[jen&james]

with my first DS he slept between DH and I and didn't move into his own room till about 4yrs old. The baby slept on the outside and I had a rail up so he wouldn't fall out. I am expecting my 3rd in 12 weeks and I decided to try to move my 2 1/2 yr old. I used to lay with him until he fell asleep and that sometimes took a hour or more but just a couple of weeks ago I decided to tuck him in and sit in the chair in his room till he fell asleep. He didn't resist and would just lie and stare at me until he noddded off. Then this last week I decided to try to leave the room. I really didn't think it would work, I thought he would get upset or keep coming out of the room but he didn't. I wouldn't have let him feel distressed and would have backed off it he seemed upset. He has come out of the room a few times usually for some water or to say goodnight again. I just get him water and tuck him in again. He must have just been ready, maybe it was becasue he has a older brother who goes to bed in his own bed. My children are always welcome to come to our bed if they need us or just want to cuddle at night. I guess it was just the right time for him. It definately wasn't for my first at this age. You will just have to wait and see how your little one is before the baby comes. All kids are diffrent and still can't believe I can tuck my 2 1/2 yr old in and leave. It has been nice to have the extra time with DH at night.

[laliu]

thanks for letting me know your experience...

Did you ever have trouble with both the newborn and the toddler wanting to nurse at the same time? With my son, he has since birth nursed through the night. Even now, he's off and on every hour or two sometime for extended periods of time. I can picture being in the middle of a tug of war night after night with no sleep But that might just be expecting the worst.

I like your idea of a rail for the newborn as that would minimize impact on the toddler. Will have to give that a try and maybe try night-weaning before the new arrival.