Let’s get real: sharing a bed with your children can be a bit of a nightmare at times. Nobody wants to wake up to a little foot in their face or a tiny finger prodding their eye. While I’ve heard the argument that bed-sharing can actually lead to more sleep since you don’t have to get up to tend to your baby, I can attest that as kids grow, bedtime can become a less-than-peaceful affair.
However, there are plenty of parents, myself included, who are deeply attached to the concept of a family bed. After a decade of cozy nights, I can say that neither my kids nor I have suffered because of it. In fact, we cherish it (most days!).
Of course, bed-sharing isn’t suitable for everyone, and each family must find what works best for them. But for those of us who choose this path, there are many delightful aspects to it. Even if we sometimes long for uninterrupted sleep, we wouldn’t trade our snuggly nights for anything else. Here are some reasons that keep us coming back for more:
- Convenient Feeding
Especially during those exhausting early months, having your baby close means you can feed without leaving the bed. You can even doze off while nursing, which is a game changer. Even with lively toddlers, it’s a relief not to have to get out of bed to comfort them. Lazy parents unite! - End-of-Day Reconnection
Let’s face it: life gets hectic. While we can often connect with our kids during the day, nighttime can be the perfect opportunity to unwind and engage fully. Those quiet moments before sleep can be incredibly special, helping to mend the gaps of a busy day. - Adorable Sleepy Faces
Nothing compares to the sight of a peacefully sleeping child. All the challenges of parenthood seem to dissolve in those moments, reminding you of the joy they bring. Those soft cheeks and gentle breaths are simply irresistible. - Easier Sleep Away from Home
A common concern for parents is that kids may struggle to adjust to new sleeping environments, especially on vacation. However, children who bed-share often feel secure enough to sleep soundly anywhere, as they have the comfort of their parents nearby. - Waking Up to Smiles
Sure, sometimes it involves a toe to the eye, but there’s genuinely nothing sweeter than greeting the day with your child’s beaming face. It sets a loving tone for the day ahead, and that boost of affection can make any tired parent smile. - Extra Morning Sleep
This isn’t always the case, but I’ve noticed that kids who share a bed tend to sleep in longer. When they wake up, having you right there often helps them drift back to sleep instead of jumping out of bed as soon as the sun peeks through the curtains. - Health Monitoring
Sharing a bed means you’re more in tune with your child’s health. You can quickly sense if they’re running a fever or having trouble breathing, allowing you to react promptly. Being close provides a sense of security during those worrying moments. - Happiness Factor
Most children love the warmth and safety of sleeping near their parents. This closeness does not hinder their independence; in fact, many bed-sharing kids are quite confident and manage separation well during the day and even at night. - Sibling Bonds
While my kids don’t sleep right next to each other, they often end up cuddling at night. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about witnessing that sibling connection, and it’s a sight that will melt any parent’s heart. - It Just Feels Right
Not every family bed is for everyone, but for those of us who embrace it, it feels instinctively right. Being close to our little ones at night seems to be where we’re meant to be.
If you’ve never tried bed-sharing or had a negative experience, it might seem odd to you. But for us, it’s simply a joyful part of parenting. Even when bed space is tight or a child is sprawled across us, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be—most of the time!
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In summary, while bed-sharing might present its own unique challenges, the many benefits make it a cherished experience for countless families. The closeness, convenience, and joy it brings far outweigh the occasional night-time disturbances.