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Expert Q&A

 

By Susan Bartell
Licensed Psychologist

My preschooler asks all the time if he can sleep in the crib with his 1-year-old brother. Would this be OK?

It probably isn't a great idea to have your children sleep together in the crib. A crib is small and not as stable as a bed. It could result in your children not sleeping well or even accidentally hurting each other. In addition, your older child is old enough to climb out of the crib and a toddler can easily break an arm or leg jumping from a crib.

Instead, perhaps your children could sleep together in a bed. If you put the 1-year-old on the inside or use a bedrail, they should be comfortable and safe. This is likely to help your toddler overcome his need to be in the crib. In addition, you can allow your older child in the crib with the baby for short periods of time to play or read, while you closely supervise. Good luck."

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