I Spoil My 3-Year-Old, And I Couldn’t Care Less What Anyone Thinks

home insemination Kit

“Me want mama milk now,” my little guy chirps, bouncing on my bed in his mismatched pajamas, remnants of his older brother’s holiday sleepwear. It’s bedtime, and he’s ready to snuggle in.

“Let’s go to our spot,” I reply. He hops over to the side of the bed, which is a queen with an extra twin attached. He curls up, just below the pillow.

“Mama milk, mama milk,” he sings out.

I lie down beside him, adjusting my collar. He latches on and snuggles close, blissfully sucking away. He’s 3 years old, and honestly? I don’t give a hoot what anyone thinks. Yes, my toddler still nurses at bedtime and sometimes during the night. My older boys were weaned by 15 months, but for Leo, there’s no younger sibling and no real reason to rush the weaning process. The bed is spacious enough, so why not?

If you ask him, he’ll proudly declare, “Me baby.” He shies away from things deemed “big boy” activities, insisting he’s still tiny. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t tackle them—he’s fully potty trained, which is impressive considering his older brothers didn’t master it until they were 3 and a half. He always wants to hold my hand, which is adorable yet a bit of a hassle when I’m balancing a purse and library books. If he’s not clinging to me, he’s holding onto his oldest brother’s hand.

He still gets carried quite often, too. We take a wrap on our hikes; after trekking for a while, he often wants a lift. He rides in it at church sometimes, because while he behaves well, he can get bored and no one wants to wrangle a squirmy 3-year-old. After my partner hurt his back, we both agreed a wrap is essential. Up he goes in Target, or when he’s feeling down, and I need to multitask. He may be a small 3-year-old, but at nearly 30 pounds, it’s still a workout.

I breastfeed him, co-sleep with him, and hold his hand whenever he’s not wrapped up. Most people would think it’s excessive, but it works for us—both Sunny and me. He revels in being the cherished little one, enjoying his cuteness and asking to be carried. It brings him joy, and he still craves that connection. As an attachment parent, I believe he deserves this—especially since it helps him feel secure and special among his three rambunctious brothers.

But there’s more to it. Leo is our last biological child. Due to health issues and medication, I can’t have any more kids. He’s the last baby I’ll nurse and co-sleep with, and I soak up every moment. I know I’ll miss those sweet nursing sessions and babywearing when they’re gone. His little hand in mine and that tiny voice insisting, “I tiny,” will soon be memories. Before I know it, he’ll be hiking on his own and sleeping in a big boy bed, just like his brothers before him.

I’ve witnessed this before—first 3, then 4, and then they grow up way too fast. My oldest is already 7, reading chapter books and discussing the nuances of Harry Potter. He thinks Monty Python is hilarious, and he’s big enough to watch shows I can’t stand, like Ninjago. My 5-year-old is off learning to read.

So, I’ll cherish my baby boy for as long as I can. That doesn’t mean I’ll nurse him until he’s 5 or stifle his growth. But I will unapologetically enjoy every precious moment of his babyhood. Most importantly, he’s happy, loved, and knows it. What greater gift can I give him?

If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning, check out our other blog posts on home insemination. For more information on various methods and resources, visit Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide, Make a Mom has an excellent at-home insemination kit. For further reading on pregnancy and related topics, Healthline is a fantastic resource.

Summary

This piece reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting a 3-year-old who still enjoys the comforts of babyhood. The author emphasizes the importance of nurturing their child’s emotional needs while recognizing their own feelings about this unique parenting choice. In a world that often pushes for early independence, the author proudly embraces the bond they share with their youngest.