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Why My Family Chooses to Co-Sleep
When our little Mia was just a few weeks old, she ended up in the hospital. Night after night, I watched as she lay in her high-tech crib, connected to a maze of tubes and wires, looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. I carefully navigated my way over the crib walls, trying not to disturb anything, and settled beside her to breathe in her sweet baby scent. The moment she stirred and nuzzled against me to nurse, I was overcome with emotion. The nurses, surprised by my determination, allowed me to stay with Mia every night, and I truly believe that our closeness helped her heal faster. It was the most comforting experience for both of us.
Now, I know we don’t live in a rural setting, and I’m not milking goats or living off the land. However, we do sleep as a family—a choice that many might find unconventional here in our San Diego suburb. My husband, Jake, is pretty chill about our parenting choices, while I tend to dive deep into conversations, wanting to connect beyond the surface. So when I share our family bed routine, I sometimes get those raised eyebrows and awkward shuffles. But honestly, I can’t imagine not co-sleeping with our kids.
From the moment they were born, our children have snuggled up next to us at night. We practice safe co-sleeping with infants—no fluffy blankets or pillows, and we’re cautious with our own sleep habits. When the baby wakes to nurse, it’s a seamless process, and everyone goes back to sleep easily.
As our kids grow, co-sleeping transforms into a cozy refuge from the outside world. After a long, tough day filled with ups and downs, our family bed becomes a space where we reconnect. When Mia has a nightmare, she reaches out for me, and all it takes is my voice to soothe her back to sleep. Contrary to what some might think, I’ve witnessed that the more affection and reassurance we provide, the more independent our kids become. They trust us and feel safe, leading them to become self-sufficient by the age of three. They can easily transition to spending time with friends, play on their own, and even sleep alone when needed!
And as for maintaining intimacy with Jake? After 13 years of marriage, our connection is as strong, if not stronger, than when we were first together. Trust me, it’s definitely doable to keep the spark alive, even in a shared space.
Our family bed adapts as our kids grow. Some nights, we find ourselves with our youngest two, ages 4 and 13, while I share late-night talks with my teenager. These conversations often bring out their most vulnerable thoughts, which they might not share during the day.
Co-sleeping encompasses all of life’s little moments: the giggles, the snores, and everything in between. Even when darkness looms, the warmth of a loved one beside us can provide a shield against the challenges our children face. In our family bed, we find comfort, peace, and a sense of safety together.
If you’re interested in more on this topic, be sure to check out this informative resource on pregnancy and co-sleeping, and if you’re exploring home insemination options, take a look at this helpful guide: home insemination guide.
In summary, co-sleeping has become an integral part of our family life, fostering connection, independence, and intimacy. It’s a choice that brings our family closer, allowing us to navigate both the beautiful and challenging moments together.