Co-Sleeping with Our Kids: A Personal Journey

Co-sleeping is a practice that has become a norm for our family. With two kids, aged 5 and 7, sharing our bed, it's a routine that we have embraced wholeheartedly. While we know that this arrangement won't last forever, for now, it brings us comfort and closeness as a family.

How It All Began

Our journey into co-sleeping started when our oldest child, at just 8 months old, began refusing to sleep in his crib. Despite our initial reluctance to co-sleep, we found ourselves welcoming him into our bed each night. The extra space in our king-sized bed made it a manageable transition, and soon it became a regular occurrence.

Two years later, our second child arrived and showed a preference for his crib. However, upon seeing his brother in our bed, he too became interested in co-sleeping. This led to some adjustments, as accommodating two growing boys in our bed presented its own challenges.

The Co-Sleeping Routine

Our boys typically start the night in their own beds but almost always end up joining us at some point. Whether it's due to a bad dream, feeling cold, or simply seeking extra cuddles, they find their way to our bed. While it can be a tight fit at times, we make it work for the sake of their comfort and security.

When the kids are particularly tired or upset, we allow them to fall asleep in our bed and then move them once they are in a deep slumber. This practice also serves as an occasional reward for good behavior, although we make no promises about them staying the whole night.

Making It Work

Adjusting to co-sleeping has required some creativity on our part. From additional mattresses to night lights and fans, we have tailored our sleeping environment to suit everyone's needs. Each child has their own preferences, whether it's stuffed animals or toy cars, which we accommodate to make the transition easier.

While unconventional, co-sleeping has provided us with cherished family moments and a sense of security for our kids. As long as it continues to offer them comfort and peace of mind, we are more than willing to embrace this sleeping arrangement.

So, as our co-sleeping journey continues, we remain open to the evolving needs of our children and the unique bond that sharing a bed fosters. After all, what could be more important than providing our kids with a safe and nurturing space to rest each night?

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By: insider@insider.com (Bethaney Phillips)
Title: Co-Sleeping with Our Kids: A Personal Journey
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/family-co-sleeping-same-bed-experience-2024-7
Published Date: Sun, 07 Jul 2024 09:22:02 +0000