As a parent, you want to spend more time with your children and spouse. But work, homework, tech, etc., tend to get in the way. A family bed offers an incredible opportunity to be together and reconnect. It provides a perfect setting to engage in soft conversations, share laughs, or even read a story together.
What’s a Family Bed?
A family bed is the largest bed in America. It can measure as wide as 144 inches, almost twice as large as a standard king-sized bed. That means it can accommodate you, your spouse, and your children and still leave enough room for pets. So, when you invest in a family bed, you don’t really need to get another mattress for your infant, which is just great, if you ask me.
Of course, there’s negative rhetoric about co-sleeping, especially among infants. But the whole practice can be modified and made safe, even protective, if risk factors like smoking, taking sedative medications, or drinking to intoxication before bed are removed. The ADA also recommends having a firm mattress, minimal bedding, no soft objects, and keeping the baby on its back and at chest level. More people are joining the co-sleeping movement for the numerous benefits we’ll share in this article.
Is a Family Bed Right for Me?
A family bed is a huge investment, so it’s a good idea to consider whether it’s the best choice for you and your loved ones. Here are some considerations to help you determine if it’s a good fit:
Consider Your Need for Family Time
If day-to-day responsibilities crowd out quality time with you and your child (and even the rest of the family), a family bed could be a wonderful solution. It offers a unique opportunity for everyone to gather in one place, unwind, and reconnect at the end of the day. You catch up on the latest movie, share stories, enjoy quiet moments, and even read books together in a family bed.
Room Size and Practicality
Evaluate the size of your bedroom to ensure it can accommodate a large family bed while allowing easy movement around the room. The family bed is the largest size mattress meant to enhance your space, not overcrowd it. So make sure there’s at least 2 to 3 feet of walking space around the bed for practicality and safety.
Infant Sleep Schedule
A family bed can offer a practical solution if your infant's sleep schedule doesn’t match your own. Having your infant close can make managing nighttime feedings and changes easier without too much disruption. However, it’s crucial to follow the safety guidelines that we listed above to ensure your infant's safety.
Why You Should Consider Sleeping Together
When you share a sleeping space, you're not just sharing a bed; you're sharing moments, whispers, and dreams. It’s those quiet talks before everyone drifts off or the gentle comfort of knowing your loved ones are just an arm’s reach away. This proximity throughout the night brings about a unique emotional intimacy that daytime activities can't always replicate.
Let’s Explore Some More Benefits of Sleeping in a Family Bed:
Promotes Security and Intimacy
The proximity in a Family Bed fosters a significant sense of security and intimacy among family members, especially between parents and children. This closeness can be incredibly comforting to children, providing reassurance throughout the night and making them feel more connected to their parents. For moms and dads, having their children close can ease concerns about nighttime fears or disturbances, allowing for a more relaxed sleep.
Customizable Comfort
Many family beds come with adjustable bases, allowing the bed to be adjusted based on your changing preferences and needs. This functionality proves invaluable for individuals seeking relief from snoring or acid reflux with a gentle incline, or simply desiring a comfortable position for reading or watching TV before seamlessly transitioning back to a flat sleeping surface. With adjustable bases, the bed adapts effortlessly to accommodate diverse needs, offering a customizable sleep experience unlike the limitations of a fixed, flat position.
Accommodates Different Sleep Preferences and Positions
The ample size of a family bed provides enough room to spread out, which means it can accommodate different sleep positions and preferences. Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, you can easily find a comfortable position.
Also, family beds come with a range of features that make this possible. For one, they have adjustable bases, which are great for keeping the spine aligned. Some are also built with cooling gel memory foam for temperature regulation and pressure relief.
Quiet Nights, Peaceful Mornings
A family bed can simplify nighttime feeding and care. Having your infant close by makes it easier to tend to their needs without fully waking up or moving to another room. This setup allows you to better align with your infant’s sleep schedule, making those early months a bit easier. However, it’s important to follow safe sleep practices, as experts recommend.
There’s Room for Everyone, Paws Included
One of the joys of a family bed is that it truly accommodates the whole family, pets included. Whether you have a protective family dog or a cuddly cat, there’s enough space for them to snuggle in safely with the rest of the family. Having pets in the bed can also enhance the comfort and calm of the sleeping environment, as their presence has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This inclusivity ensures that no one is left out, making everyone feel part of the family.
Get Your Family Bed at the Bedding Mart
As you can see, there are many reasons to love a family bed. If you are considering getting one soon, you can check out our selection of high-quality family beds. At The Bedding Mart, we prioritize comfort and quality.
Our family beds come in various types, including hybrid, memory foam, and those equipped with the latest in sleep technology to help ensure everyone gets a restful night's sleep. But if you have questions, our knowledgeable staff will guide you through your options to help you make an informed choice.
