I remember my first trip to the pediatrician with my newborn son, and let’s just say, it wasn’t the most empowering experience. The doctor made me feel like I was doing everything wrong by nursing him to sleep and allowing him to crash in our bed. Sure, I wasn’t actually getting much sleep, but it was the only trick that worked for us during those exhausting early days. My partner and I were surviving on just a few hours of sleep, so having him close by felt like a win. Eventually, I tried to follow the doctor’s advice, but it just didn’t stick. My son ended up joining us in bed on and off until he turned one.
Not long after, my daughter came along, followed by another son just a year later. Unsurprisingly, they both wanted to snuggle up with us too. I decided early on that I’d embrace what worked for our family without stressing about it.
As the years passed, my daughter learned to climb out of her crib and would join us in the middle of the night. My youngest followed suit. We often wondered how long this would continue. Sure, a family bed was cozy for the first little while, but let’s be real—sharing a bed with kids can be a struggle. They kick, steal the covers, and if you try to put them back in their own beds, it often turned into a battle of wills. If you haven’t had a midnight showdown with a tiny version of yourself, are you even a parent? The easiest solution was usually to let them stay, even if it meant sacrificing our own space.
By the time my kids were around five, they were still sneaking into our bed, though it was less frequent. To make it more fun, we offered them a cozy sleeping spot on the floor if they wanted to stay close. I thought this would deter them, but to little ones, it felt like an adventure—like camping out! They would tiptoe in during the night and settle down quickly, and we all got our sleep. This arrangement lasted for a few more years, and they even managed to keep their makeshift beds clean in the mornings, which was a win in my book.
It wasn’t until my daughter turned twelve and my son hit eleven that their nightly visits finally stopped. Honestly, I miss those chaotic nights a lot. Now that they’re teens, even my breathing seems to annoy them.
I get it—co-sleeping can feel like a love-hate relationship. You may find yourself wondering if they’ll ever sleep on their own, but trust me, that day will come. You’ll feel both relieved and a bit nostalgic when they tell you they don’t remember those nights spent in your bed. So, even if it’s exhausting now, cherish those moments while you can.
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In summary, while co-sleeping may feel overwhelming at times, it’s a fleeting phase that many parents experience. Embrace the chaos and enjoy those cuddly moments—they won’t last forever.
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