Some people might like getting close and cozy in bed, but as for me, I need all the space I can get. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve elbowed my husband in the face or kicked him in the shins during the night. On accident, of course…most of the time. Regardless, matters could only get worse if we added an extra kid or two under the covers. Luckily our 8-month-old sleeps the night soundly in her own bedroom. However, if every night in your home tends to turn into a massive slumber party, there just might be a more comfortable solution.
A Bed Big Enough For The Whole Family
Taylor & Wells bed designers had the whole household in mind when they created “the Family Bed XL”, a bed big enough for the whole family. This monstrous mattress measures 12 feet across, which is the equivalent of two California King mattresses stitched together. Talk about space! And for the comfort of everyone involved, the mattress also features memory foam and cooling gels. Additionally, the giant bed comes with a sheet set (because where else do you find 12-foot bedding?) and has the option for an adjustable base. (1)
The Dangers Of Co-Sleeping With Children
Whether intentional or not, a bed big enough for the whole family lends itself to the controversial subject of co-sleeping. Everyone seems to have a differing opinion on the matter, especially when it comes to co-sleeping with infants. However, to err on the safe side, experts tend to advise against it. Studies show that sleeping in the same room with an infant can be beneficial. Co-sleeping, however, garners mixed results based on a variety of risk factors leading experts to note an association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (2, 5, 6)
Dr. Shavon Artis Dickerson, director of the Safe to Sleep campaign, says the main danger of co-sleeping with an infant is accidental suffocation. In an adult bed, there is always the possibility of blankets or pillows covering the baby’s mouth or nose. In my case, I would be more afraid of accidentally rolling right over her. Additionally, adult mattresses are generally softer than crib and bassinet mattresses. This means your baby could easily roll over and bury their face in the mattress, another suffocation hazard. (3)
As for co-sleeping with older children, research shows that persistent bed-sharers from one to six years of age were more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder than non-co-sleepers. So an occasional invitation under the covers after a bad dream probably wouldn’t have any long term effects. But the research strongly suggests parents encourage their children to sleep in their own beds whenever possible. In short, a bed big enough for the whole family may sound like a party, but it very well could cause more problems than it solves. (4)
Other Uses For Your Giant Bed
Okay, so a nightly family sleep-over might be out of the picture. But a bed big enough the whole family could still be a huge win. You could use it for amazing movie-nights, birthday party sleep-overs for the kids, or keep it all to yourself. And who says your giant family includes kids?! This bed might be perfect for the pet parent who wants all their fur babies to sleep under the covers.
