Q. Ever since our son was born 7 weeks ago, our 3 1/2 yr old daughter insists on sleeping in our bed.  To avoid any aggressive feelings towards our son, who sleeps in a bassinet in our room, we've allowed her to sleep with us, but would really like to get both children out of our room soon!  Will this phase pass?

A.  It's not unusual for young children to feel threatened by a new baby's presence in mom and dad's room at night, and many parents respond by relaxing nightime routines and sleeping arrangements. However as you've discovered, having a child in bed with you (unless you've chosen to co-sleep) can be disruptive to your sleep, not to mention your sex life. It's unlikely that this phase will resolve itself because most children love sleeping with their parents. But if you're ready to move both children into their own space, the transition should not be difficult. When your daughter sees the baby is moving too, she won't feel he's getting special treatment. Start by telling her everyone is moving to their own beds in three days, then remind her each day. Explain that sleeping with you was temporary and now everyone in the family needs to sleep in their own beds. Explain that she can teach the baby how to sleep in his own room. Allow her to pick out new sheets, a decorative pillow or a stuffed animal for her bed. Ask her to help you set up the baby's crib, to reinforce that he will also be moving out. When moving night arrives, be  gentle, firm and matter of fact about putting her to sleep in her own bed. For those parents who want an older child out of their bed but do not plan on moving the baby to his own room yet, you might consider putting a mattress on your floor for the older child until you're ready to move the baby as well. Once you've set a precedent of having the older child in your bed she may perceive being moved out of your room as a significant rejection, while the baby remains.