In the realm of parenting, many “experts” (which can be anyone with an internet connection) often caution against the practice of co-sleeping with your little one. Their concerns usually stem from safety issues, but some argue that it might encourage your child to demand your bed well into their adult years—perhaps until they hit 40 or finally move out, whichever comes first.
Personally, I tend to steer clear of co-sleeping, except for special occasions, weekends, or the second Tuesday of every month. I only indulge when my child insists on dragging me out of bed for the umpteenth time. Logically, it seems like a better idea to just reach over and gently “shush” them rather than pacing down the hall to their room. However, that’s not always the case.
If you haven’t yet made the leap into the world of co-sleeping but are contemplating it, here are a few things to think about:
- No matter how spacious your bed is, a child has an uncanny ability to make it feel as cramped as a tiny capsule hotel. You might even feel like they’re attempting to relive their time in the womb.
- It’s not enough for them to be nearby; at least one part of their little body needs to be in contact with you at all times. It’s like they possess some mysterious skills that turn them into a “nightmare for parents”—think of tiny hands and feet that disrupt your sleep while also finding pressure points.
- Children are essentially little furnaces, running at an average temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Dress them in a sleep sack or footie pajamas, and you’re in for a long, sweltering night.
- Kids have heads that are surprisingly dense. When that Charlie Brown-shaped noggin collides with your nose at 3 a.m., they won’t even blink; you, on the other hand, will be left in tears.
- Have you ever jolted awake to a little one grabbing your face, turning it towards your partner, and yelling, “Whose face is that?!” I have, and let me tell you, it’s terrifying.
So, there you have it: co-sleeping. The “co” is a bit of a misnomer; someone may be sleeping, but it definitely won’t be you. Despite all of this, it’s likely you’ll find my little one snuggled up in our bed tonight because there’s something undeniably adorable about waking up to a child with bed-head, their face all scrunched up like a Shar Pei.
According to the so-called experts, I have about 37 more years to cherish these moments. Sweet dreams!
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In summary, co-sleeping is a humorous contradiction that many parents navigate. While it can lead to sleepless nights filled with unexpected surprises, the moments shared with your child are often worth the chaos.