When the concept of a “family bed” comes to mind, one might envision a spacious, inviting bed adorned with soft blankets where families peacefully slumber together. However, those who have experienced actual co-sleeping know the reality can be quite different. Instead of restful sleep, parents often find themselves wedged into a corner of the mattress, dodging kicks and elbows, with blankets in short supply. If this scenario seems all too familiar, a recent Ikea hack by a savvy mom could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Samantha Green, a blogger at Exploring Family Life, recently showcased her family’s unique sleeping arrangement that elevates co-sleeping to a new level. With impressive creativity and resourcefulness, Green utilized various Ikea components to design a bed that comfortably accommodates her, her partner, and their five youngest children. The visual transformation is astounding and worth seeing to believe.
Green shared images of her innovative bed on social media, quickly garnering thousands of likes and positive comments. In her conversation with Family Health Weekly, she mentioned that the project stemmed from her frustration of “constantly tripping over children at night,” a sentiment that resonates with many parents.
The reception to Green’s creation has been overwhelmingly favorable, especially given that co-sleeping often stirs debates among caregivers. While common in many cultures, co-sleeping remains a contentious topic in the U.S. According to a national sleep survey, only around 13 percent of American parents engage in some form of co-sleeping or bed-sharing.
Nevertheless, sharing a bed with children can foster numerous advantages. It encourages bonding and breastfeeding during infancy, and as suggested by Dr. Sears, can make children feel more secure through their toddler years and beyond. While my own children may resist sleeping in my bed, for those families who successfully co-sleep and wish to continue this practice, Green’s Ikea hack presents an excellent solution.
What stands out about Green’s family bed is its embodiment of finding what works best for individual parenting styles. Not every parent might choose to combine beds for a seven-person sleeping arrangement, but she did so to meet her family’s specific needs. Her creativity is commendable, and her “whatever works” philosophy in parenting is something to admire. Plus, any mom who devises a way to reduce the number of bedrooms needing tidying certainly deserves high praise.
For those interested in replicating Samantha’s innovative design, detailed instructions can be found on her blog. This article provides practical insights into the creative solutions available for co-sleeping families, and if you’re looking for more information on home insemination, consider checking out this post for additional guidance.
In summary, Samantha Green’s Ikea hack offers a practical and creative solution for families engaged in co-sleeping, promoting comfort and connection while accommodating multiple children.