I was lying on the couch the other day with Annabel asleep on my chest when I thought to myself, you’re going to regret this someday. You’re starting a very bad habit, and you don’t want her to only be able to sleep with you.
No sooner had the thought entered my mind than it was replaced. How could I ever regret these sweet, sweet moments of baby snuggles? I will never regret the time I’ve spent just cuddling with Annabel. There will come a day when I’ll have to beg her for a hug, a kiss, a little snuggle. When that day comes, I want to know that I took advantage of these days when nothing made her feel more safe and more comfortable than to be in my arms.
Someday I may wish that she’d go to sleep easier. Or I may wish that she’d stay asleep when I put her down. Who knows what the future will bring. But even if I find myself thinking those things someday, I will never wish that I had spent less time holding her, comforting her, and letting her sleep on my chest.
Awww I love this, and you’re right. You shouldn’t parent by what everyone says you’re “supposed” to do. Go with your instincts. How can cuddling and enjoying your baby, making her feel cozy and safe, NOT be the right thing to do?
I totally agree!
I had many a night of “regret” over letting Jaden co-sleep as long as I did, letting him get addicted to a pacificier, etc… but once THOSE brief nights of “regret” pass, you’re totally right. You won’t actually regret it at all. Big picture.
Yeah I just mean that I’ll never think back on these sweet, cuddly moments and wish I hadn’t had them….though I may not appreciate it if they cause future problems:)
I miss cuddling with Kaylee. Once they get mobile, they don’t want to be held. Cherish it! Love it! Do it as much as you can! I spent most of my days just rocking with her… now, she’s Miss Energy and into everything. No bad habits here… you can’t really “spoil” a baby.
Food for thought…. how many adults/teens/school-aged kids do you know that sleep with their parents? How many of the above do you know who still use a bottle, a paci, etc?
I don’t know any… Do whatever is right for you and A. They grow up way too quickly to have regrets…
She’s precious, btw.
Yeah, the book I read (Happiest Baby on the Block) really emphasizes that you can’t spoil a baby this little. He talks about how they are used to being carried by you 24/7 before they are born, so even if you held them for 12 hours a day, it would still only be half of what they are used to:) So we do lots of cuddling around here! And I like your food for thought. So true!
[...] Cuddling. [...]