Co-sleeping is such a controversial topic. If I ask parents if their toddler sleeps with them some will say “Heh heh heh hell no my kid does not sleep with me!” Others might say, “Well my kid sleeps in their own bed but during the night they come to our bed.”

For us, I am proud to admit that we sleep with our toddler ON PURPOSE (by “us” I mean that’s how mama wants it and papa better be supportive- which he is)! If you read about this topic, like with many topics, you will likely find an article or study that supports either side. So if you’ve read a few of my posts, you can already gather what my view is… DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Since the moment my son was born I have felt this overwhelming connection and bond as I’m sure many mothers feel. For the first month or two I couldn’t even be in a different room as him. I also may have had a kiss of the baby blues where my hormones were out of whack but nonetheless, here we are 3 years later.

Please realize I am absolutely not judging anyone who is not like me! I am very aware that I may be a bit extreme. And at times, more than a little emotional but again, this is what works for us! I honestly think it’s great for kids to have autonomy and sleep in their own bed. Most of my friends’ kids sleep in their own rooms and have since they were babies!

Whenever I questioned if what I was doing was right or wrong, I did what most of us do, read about it! A while back, I read an article about this couple who were sleep training their child and finally resorted to locking him in his room. I believe the father wrote the article, he wrote how they would hear their child scream bloody murder for what must have felt like an eternity, at least for anyone with a pulse. I remember feeling angry, sad, and disgusted as I attempted to comprehend how any parent would feel this was the right approach. Child abuse immediately came to mind. I knew this was something I could not and would not do. I continued to go with my gut.

Co-sleeping with your toddler is not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol should NOT co-sleep. There is a huge risk of rolling over and suffocating your child or not waking when you need to.

I also realize some husbands are not on board with this decision. For some couples, having a child in bed might interfere with adult relations. I am no therapist but I believe sex is crucial for a relationship so I definitely make sure I am creative in this area!

Here are my 5 reasons why I co-sleep with my toddler!

#1 Emergency-

If there is an emergency, you will be right there to get your children out of the home in case there is a fire, burglary, etc. This alone makes me feel at ease.

#2 Sickness-

I remember the first time my child threw up during the middle of the night. It sounded like he was choking and I immediately got him upright and he vomited all over me and the bed. I always think what if? What if he was alone in his own room and I didn’t hear him on the monitor? Choking on his own vomit was very much a possibility. The very thought makes me sick to my stomach! I was so happy we were right there to help him through.

#3 EMFs

I was reading about the electromagnetic waves a monitor gives off. I haven’t read about this extensively but hey…another reason why I should have my son in bed with me.

#4 Happy Kids

I also read that children who don’t feel abandoned are more likely to be socially adjusted! Co-sleeping makes kids feel secure and happy! Happy kids hopefully turn into happy adults!

#5 Happy Mama

A happy mama makes for a happy papa (in my opinion). The fact that my partner not only allows this co-sleeping thing but encourages it means the world to me. It makes me want to make him happier. Most importantly, I know I will not get this time back. I want to bask in the sunshine of snuggles and kisses for as long as my son will allow!

If you have your own reasons for co-sleeping, I would love to hear about them! Please e-mail me at mamabear@savvymamablog.com!