Moms and dads living in New York City and other crowded metropolitan areas can agree that space is precious , since transforming a closet into an office seems to be all the DIY rage these days. However, what about bathroom bedrooms for babies (alliteration intended)?
NYC-based mommy blogger Joanna Goddard has recently been criticized for just that, since one of her latest blog posts, titled " How our kids sleep (it’s weird)," explained how her 10-month-old son, Anton, uses her second bathroom as a nursery for nap time and bedtime since he isn’t quite ready to fully share a bedroom with his older brother Toby yet.
“When Anton was born, he slept in our master bedroom for ages,” Jo writes. “We were nervous about moving him into Toby’s room—would they wake each other up every morning? how would their staggered bedtime routines work?—and kept waiting to pull the trigger. A few readers have asked for an update on our sleeping situation, and I’m happy to provide one, as long as you don’t judge, haha…”
But really, what’s the Internet for besides opening up to a bunch of strangers and freely inviting them to judge you?
“Okay. Here’s how it works…We gave Anton his very own room…our second bathroom!” Jo continues. “(Insert cringing emoji here.) During the day, he shares the nursery with Toby when they’re playing, but for naps and bedtime, he cuddles up in his travel crib in the bathroom. We put a pillow between the crib and the toilet and plug in our trusty noise machine. Funnily enough, Anton actually seems to like his little space. As soon as we carry him in there and begin singing ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ he’ll immediately lean his head against our shoulders and start sucking his thumb.”
While some commenters were fully supportive and loved the “whatever works” and space-saving idea, others were against it and brought up safety issues, since what is legally defined as a “bedroom” in NYC isn’t exactly Anton’s arrangement. However, parents often have to come up with very creative sleeping and living arrangements for their children, and if everyone is happy, healthy and safe, nothing else should matter. No judgement.
In fact, babies in other countries, like Finland, have “nontraditional” sleeping arrangements. Finnish newborns sleep in boxes supplied by the government, which are filled with starter-kit items for mothers, like clothes, sheets and toys. It’s the country’s tradition of giving all children, no matter their background, an equal start at life — and often, their first nap.
What’s your take? Are bathroom nurseries odd, or is this just an example of parents being resourceful?
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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