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Tiny Siblings, Big Concerns

Common Sibling Issues When Children Are Close in Age

It is difficult to predict this early on, but there is a good chance that you will need a second crib, according to Dr. Bartell. "A 17-month-old may still not be ready to give up his crib and forcing him to do so, in order to have it for the baby, will create anxiety for him and probably a great deal of resentment toward the baby," she says. "It is very important to have at least a couple of months between taking your older child out of the crib and putting the new baby into it – even when your child is old enough to transition. This will help him avoid feeling that you are taking his crib away and giving it to the baby. Sometimes it is even helpful to dismantle the crib once a child is ready for a bed, and then reassemble it for the baby a few weeks later. This will really help an older child feel that he is not giving anything up for the baby."

Dr. Bartell says that a toddler bed is not necessary as a transition. "Most children will move easily to a standard-size bed, thereby freeing up the crib mattress for the baby who really needs it," she says.

It is fine to have all three children in the same room, especially if you have lmited space, Dr. Bartell says. "Siblings can bond very well and become close when they share a room," she says. "Of course it is possible that until the baby sleeps through the night, it may be disruptive to your older children. However, if you keep the baby in your room in a bassinet or a crib for about three months, and work toward helping him or her to sleep through the night, then after a while, it should be easy to introduce the baby to the room with your older children. Certainly, since your twins are so young, they will easily accommodate having the baby in their room. Good luck."

Want to see more?

• Tiny Playmates: Welcoming Siblings with Smiles
• Make Way for Siblings: Creating a Room to Share
• Toddlers That Don't Have Much to Say: A Look at Speech Delays Among Siblings
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