My little one sleeps in our room, and frankly, I couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks. Since her arrival, I’ve received countless pieces of unsolicited advice: let her cry it out, use headphones for some peace, or even leave the house so my partner can handle the fussy baby. Perhaps I’m not the strongest parent for not following that advice, but as a first-time mom, it felt instinctual to rush to her side when she cried—and that feeling hasn’t changed.
This led us to what many pediatricians label a major parenting faux pas: co-sleeping. While we never let her share our bed, she has always preferred the firm floor of her pack-n-play in our room over the cozy Serta mattress in her own. Her crib, which is still in its original configuration, has yet to see any real use as we prepare to transition into a new house.
At her recent well-visit, I met a new pediatrician who scolded me over our sleeping arrangements. I entered the appointment anxious about the upcoming vaccinations (which turned out to be scheduled for a future visit) and left feeling furious enough to lodge a complaint with the office manager.
Despite this, my daughter is bright and flourishing. She knows her colors, can sing the alphabet and count to ten, and is rapidly learning new shapes. Her vocabulary is impressive, and she has inherited my sarcastic humor. With an imagination that astounds, she dons a different Disney princess identity each day, expecting everyone to join in on the fun. “Who are you for ‘Punzy’ today?” she might ask her older sister, and without waiting for a response, she’ll declare, “I think you’re Pascal!”
So, I ask, how is my 3-year-old any different from those kids who sleep in their own beds? The answer is: she’s not.
Recently, we found ourselves back at the pediatrician’s office due to a stubborn cough. This time, I was delighted to meet a much friendlier doctor. He listened patiently as my daughter shared one of her lengthy stories, and when he offered her allergy medication samples, she cheerfully exclaimed, “I think I like taking it with my bottle.”
I was mortified, expecting judgment given my prior experience. However, the atmosphere in that exam room was refreshingly non-judgmental. He suggested transitioning from milk to water in her bottles as we work towards phasing them out, but he did so with the compassion that all pediatricians should have. They are at the forefront, dealing with little ones and the parents who love them. Parenting is tough enough without the added pressure of judgment!
As we adjust to life in our new home (now in week 3!), we are committed to helping our little one settle into her “big girl” room. It’s a process we’ll undertake at our own pace, not dictated by anyone else’s expectations. If you’re curious about other parenting topics, check out this post about home insemination techniques that could be useful for those considering growing their families: Baby Maker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo. For more insights, Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit is an excellent resource for anyone exploring these options. Additionally, NHS’s guide on intrauterine insemination is a valuable read for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my toddler co-sleeps and uses a bottle, and I refuse to let societal expectations dictate how I raise her. We’ll navigate this journey together on our terms, embracing the unique path that suits our family.
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