Co Sleeping Fails
Whether they planned to snuggle or just woke up like that, many sleep-deprived parents have experienced the joys and surprises of co-sleeping. Although the idea of co-sleeping with children can be controversial for some, many parents choose to co-sleep with their newborn babies, toddlers, and older kids as it can create a special bond. Others just fell asleep like that! In any case, as many parents have documented, co-sleeping can produce some pretty hilarious and heartwarming results. From children who take over the entire sleep-time schedule to parents who are totally over the idea of sleep, we’ve stumbled on some pretty priceless and entertaining co-sleeping situations that show us why you’ll never win!
As some of the adorable pics in the slideshow will show, co-sleeping can be one of the most beautiful and adorable ways to develop a special connection with your little ones. In fact, we understand too well that there’s nothing like a comfy bed time snuggle with your kids! Some parents really feel that they gain a closer bond and wouldn’t miss out on the experience for the world. Other parents can’t help but share touching photos of their families and brag about the cuteness overload of it all!
With that being said, maybe we should warn you in advance…other parents have quickly discovered that a sweet dream with their little ones can easily turn into a sleepless nightmare! This might be because some children manage to mistake sleep time for play time. Well, we admit, it’s an easy mistake to make. Maybe they think co-sleeping is some kind of slumber party with their parents. Others invite the rest of the family, including their pets, as there really is no need for anyone to get any sleep! In certain cases, the parents are so exhausted that they manage to fall asleep in places you’d never expect!
Many parents have also experienced some pretty hilarious co-sleeping fails. This could be because many kids develop some pretty awesome talents when it comes to bed time. Some turn a sleep session into a yoga practice, while others turn into little ninja heroes. A few love to kick and flip around and most have the awesome ability to stretch in awkward and magnificent ways across the bed and across their parents! Some of the co-sleeping scenarios have not ceased to amaze us, so we’re sure there’s more than enough photos in the slideshow to keep you entertained!
When You’re Mistaken For A Foot Rest
After Ilana experienced some unusual sleeping scenarios, including being mistaken for a footrest by her toddler, she started a “Get Out of My Bed, Please”contest in her blog Mommy Shorts. She shared this photo as one of her all-time favorites. We’re not quite sure how her toddler ended up that way, but somehow he felt that lying horizontal with his foot resting over her face was the most natural way to sleep. Well that’s one way to wake up in the morning!
When Youre Mistaken For A Foot Rest
Just Say Goodbye To Your Own Bed Now
Ilana Wiles documented the twists and turns of co-sleeping in her blog Mommy Shorts. In 2012, Ilana and her husband decided their daughter was ready for her own bed, but found it tricky to ensure she stayed in one spot, so they often allowed her to into their bed. However, they soon realized that after cuddling a little, she would soon kick around and they could say goodbye to the bed for a while! Despite this, Ilana still defended how, “That ten minutes of snuggle time before [she] pinwheels around also happens to be the BEST THING EVER.”
Just Say Goodbye To Your Own Bed Now
And Streeeeeetch…
In 2015, Tiff Delancy, or @namastetiff captured the joys of co-sleeping with this hilarious snap of her daughter stretch-sleeping. We’re beginning to see a distinct pattern as many kids turn a sleep-time snuggle session into a ‘stretch out into any position’ session. However, Tiff’s daughter took this to the next level with a fully-blown yoga stretch over her mom’s chest and face. We’re all for encouraging yoga practice, but we’re not sure Tiff was expecting her daughter to practice over her face!
And Streeeeeetch…
Don’t Expect To Breathe Easily Either
This dad got a lot more than he bargained for when his baby used his head as a human climbing frame. What’s more, the baby decided to fall asleep with his booty over his face. Although it’s always nice to see parents bonding with their babies, occasionally it’s nice to be able to breathe while you sleep too. We can’t help but laugh though as the dad and baby still look adorable in this snap. We’re just hoping the baby had a clean diaper when they both woke up!
Don’t Expect To Breathe Easily Either
Watch Out!
If you’re new to the world of co-sleeping, there are a few surprises that you should really watch out for. You might also have to prepare for nights when you don’t actually get any actual sleep, especially if you’re children are ready to play. In 2014, Esther Anderson shared a video in her Story of This Life blog revealing how her baby was in fact, just like a human alarm clock. While Esther tries to get some sleep, her baby can’t help but prod, poke, point and crawl all over her face. The video is irresistibly cute, but sometimes a mom needs some rest too!
Watch Out
There’s Something In Your Nose, Let Me Get That
Sometimes the best co-sleeping sessions can happen when the parents are blissfully unaware. While this dad may have fallen into a deep sleep while snuggling his baby, it seems the baby decided to turn around, kick out her leg and stretch her tiny feet into all the way to her dad’s nostril. Though it’s unclear if the baby was trying to get something important from her dad’s nose or was also blissfully dreaming, but the snap is adorably entertaining. That is, until the dad suddenly moves or sneezes and they both jump and wake up! Then the real fun begins!
There’s Something In Your Nose Let Me Get That
No Sleeping Allowed
As a parent getting into the swing of co-sleeping, one of the trickiest parts is to get your little one to actually go to sleep too. Instagramer @meganzernicke soon discovered the fun and games that accompany co-sleeping, and shared this snap of her little girl with the caption “It might be time to contain her in a crib.” While her baby seems to be having fun at bedtime, it seems Megan would be having much more fun if her baby actually allowed them both to sleep!
No Sleeping Allowed
Pillow Talk
As @gemmajhenry on Instagram revealed to her followers, sometimes her baby would mistake her face for the pillow. One night after Gemma was abruptly woken from her peaceful sleep by her toddler, she shared this candid pic with the hilarious caption, “The ‘am I being buried alive?’ dream?” Also known as the ‘human neck scarf’ position, that’s definitely one way to keep warm at night, as long as you don’t mind breathing through your nose!
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Pillow Talk
Karate Kid
Some kids love to spice up their sleep routine with a little martial arts practice. Instagramer Vanessa shared this hilarious snap of her own karate kid on her @anabelle_and_zavier account. She captioned the the pic, “Shoutout to all you co sleeping parents. I don’t know how you do it!! Haha Zavier woke up a few hours early this morning and I sooo wasn’t ready to be awake and he wanted cuddles so I brought him into my bed. Woke up a few hours later like this.” At least the baby and dad got a little sleep, even if Vanessa looks less than amused!
Karate Kid
Baby Wins
Most parents have experienced the legendary battle of the crib. Well the struggle is real. It’s hard to decide how long to let them cry, whether to leave them or hold them. In most cases, the baby wins. Some babies even win in hilarious ways. In 2009 Nunzio Raso shared his battle when he tried to get his daughter to sleep in her crib , “I decided that the only way that could keep this baby from crying is doing the unthinkable!” We couldn’t help but laugh as the dad resorted to falling asleep in the crib. At least they both caught some zzz!
Baby Wins
Picture Perfect
Some pictures are too perfect not to share! So we were happy to stumble on this picture perfect ‘renaissance-style’ sleeping photo from Instagramer @mvemothe. Although she did say “Please don’t tell my husband I posted this! It was too perfect not to share! When I took this picture I was afraid the shutter noise was going to do what a 30 lb toddler, sprawled across the chest, apparently couldn’t…and that is, wake him up!” We’d love to see who woke who up first!
Picture Perfect
Who Needs Sleep Anyway…
There comes a point in every sleep battle, when you have to wonder if you really need sleep anyway. Especially if you’re baby is as cute and squishy as this one, and has has happily fallen asleep on you’re head. We’re wondering if this dad managed to fall asleep or stayed with one eye open the whole night. Either way they did manage to get an impossibly cute snap from it!
Who Needs Sleep Anyway…
The Joy of Sleep Deprivation
One sleep-deprived mother Emily Barlett narrated her experiences in her blog Holistic Squid, and it seems she wasn’t such a fan of co-sleeping. As this snap of her happily awake child shows,co-sleeping took away all the joy of actually sleeping for Emily and her husband. She relented how, “Not only had attachment parenting led me down a path to crazed sleep deprivation and chronic back pain, but I spend most of those two years feeling guilty about my failures as a mother.” Luckily, they then started a new sleep schedule that suited them all in the end!
The Joy Of Sleep Deprivation
Sleeping With Your eyes Open
Sometimes you have to keep one eye open when sleeping with a child. That’s because even when your child has finally fallen asleep, some other children might just decide to play a prank on you! This is the case for one unlucky mum, and we had to look twice before we realized that’s not her real eye! The Reddit user posted this snap with the caption “My niece thought my mom needed this sticker while she was sleeping.” Anyway we definitely learnt a lesson here. Always sleep with one eye open!
Sleeping With Your Eyes Open
Making The Best Use Of Space
Some kids develop talents from an early age, and it these siblings have definitely mastered the art of space. When this mother allowed her little ones to fall asleep in a giant bed with two mattresses pushed together, one of them managed to stretch out into an awkward diagonal pattern and use as much space as possible. It’s actually impressive! They say never to wake a sleeping child, so we’re wondering where the mom and dad managed to sleep or move them over!
Making The Best Use Of Space
Taking Over The Whole Bed
In the epic battle of co-sleeping, some children manage to win in wonderful ways. This little one managed to persuade his parents that not only should he sleep in their bed, he should stretch out every limb and take over the whole bed as his own. We’re glad he finally managed to go to sleep, but we’re wondering how such a teeny body can take over the whole bed!
Taking Over The Whole Bed
Who Can Scream Louder
Some babies have a special talent for screaming as loud as they can before they fall asleep. In this snap one father decided to join the screaming battle in the most irresistibly cute way possible. We’re just hoping he didn’t let out too much noise in case the baby was just yawning. Either way, at least they captured an adorable photo for the family album!
Who Can Scream Louder
Like Father, Like Daughter
In this entertaining yet terrifying snap, it seems there’s other things you have to worry about when you fall asleep with your little one. This unsuspecting father was enjoying a peaceful nap with his tiny baby, when someone thought this was the perfect opportunity to take a pic and make an epic face swap. Though we couldn’t help but let out a little laugh, this is yet another reason to sleep with one eye open!
Like Father Like Daughter
The Art of Bed Hogging
The more we learn about co-sleeping, the more we’re amazed at the way children can be so small and manage to hog the whole bed. There seems to be an art to it, and most children have mastered the art of stretching out in weird and wonderful ways across the mattress early on in life. Though this is an impressive talent for a circus or gymnastics career and the children fall asleep comfortably, we can’t help but feel sorry for the parents who have to sleep on 10% of the bed!
The Art Of Bed Hogging
Swan Diving
Sometimes when getting your child to actually fall asleep, you might have to make some compromises. This sleep-deprived mom may have finally won the sleep battle, but had to settle with her baby practicing a ballerina-style swan dive over her entire face. At least the baby looks happy, comfortable and very elegant, even if the mom can’t even feel her own face!
Swan Diving
Always Watching…
Most parents learn at any early stage that even when they’re sleeping, they can never truly rest. As most would testify, the children usually wake before them and try their best to wake them up too. If they don’t jump up instantly, then they can also watch their parents, staring silently until they open their eyes. If that fails then they can try to the repetitive sound of ‘mommy, daddy’! Though it’s nice to feel needed and loved, the best advice is to get as much sleep wherever and whenever you can before they wake up!
Always Watching…
Nailed It!
“Let the baby sleep in your bedroom,” they said! This creative family thought they found the perfect co-sleeping situation by bringing the baby crib right next to their bed. That way the parents could ensure there was enough room for everyone. However with families, this never quite goes to plan. In this hilarious pic, the baby and other sibling felt this was the perfect chance to take a nap in their parent’s bed, while their dad was confined to the baby crib! At least they nailed getting everyone to sleep somewhere!
Nailed It
I Banish You To The Edge
Many small children seem to develop magical powers while they sleep, including the ability to banish their parents right to the edge of the bed! Many parents just accept this from an early stage and learn to balance on the very edge of the bed until further notice!
I Banish You To The Edge
Diving In…
In some cases co-sleeping just happens. This is mainly because everyone is too tired to argue! So the best advice for parents is that they should always be prepared. At any time in the night, kids can jump into your bed and sleep wherever they fall, even if it’s directly on top of you!
Diving In…
Catch Some Sleep While You Can
As many exhausted mom’s will testify, you should really catch some sleep while you can. This is why many learn to survive parenthood by co-sleeping in the most weird and uncomfortable positions. It does make an adorable photo, but let’s hope she treated herself to a good neck massage when she finally woke up!
Catch Some Sleep While You Can
Like Father, Like Sons
There’s almost nothing cuter than to see kids sleeping exactly like their parents. In this endearing snap, the sons have fallen asleep in the exact same way as their dad. It’s almost too adorable to handle! They have also taken up most of the bed, in true kiddie style. Let’s hope they saved some room for their mom too!
Like Father Like Sons
Smotherly Love
Sometimes a loving snuggle with your little one can turn into a smotherly nightmare! Instagram user my_peggysue soon found this out when she attempted to sleep cuddling her child and ended up being squashed by her head! At least one of the pair seems to be peacefully dreaming!
Smotherly Love
Sleeping Top To Tail
When co-sleeping with children, all rules go out the window! This sleep session may have started with everyone lying normally next to each other. However, kids will be kids, so if one of them finds it more natural to kick around and turn into a hilarious reverse position with their booty in your face, then sit tight and hope and pray they have a clean diaper!
Sleeping Top To Tail
The Sleep Separator
Some kids also double as a sleep separator. Instagram user mikkilu313 soon accepted the fact that he and his wife would be confined to the edges of the bed by their tiny tot. And as you should never wake a sleeping baby, they would have to wait until the baby decided before they could shift positions!
The Sleep Separator
Don’t Even Think About Moving
Many parents quickly accept the fact that they should just give up on the idea of moving! Instagram user @houseofturcott shared this picture perfect moment and declared, “seriously though, every night these two make it into our bed before the sun is up”. They did remind us that some moments should still be cherished as “soon they’ll be too big to want to snuggle!”
Dont Even Think About Moving
Co-Sleeping Ninjas
Some little amaze us yoga stretches and others amaze us with their ninja talents. Instagram user samantha_kay19 shared this touching photo after being trapped by her own little ninja hero. Nevertheless, she doesn’t seem to mind too much and captions “this right here is why we haven’t stopped cosleeping yet. Who can deny those snuggles.” Aw!
Co Sleeping Ninjas
Still Daddy’s Little Boy
Sometimes, no matter how old you are, some kids still can’t resist a good snuggle with their parents. Instagramer @Janeysgotagunn shared this heartwarming photo and said, “I always catch them in the cutest or craziest poses!” We’d love to see some of the crazy poses too!
Still Daddy’s Little Boy
Best Friends
Sometimes extra members of the family, including pets want to grab a spot on the bed too. Instagram user @shesnodelicateflower found her tiny one enjoying a sneaky snuggle with their adorable dog. We’re sure this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
Best Friends
Sleeping With A Loving Foot In The Face
It could be a coincidence, but we’re beginning to think there’s some kind of world wide plot for children to sleep with their foot in their parents face! Instagramer @mommalogue shared this entertaining pic, and it could just be their special way of showing their love. Either way, at least they’re all happily asleep in some kind of position!
Sleeping With A Loving Foot In The Face
When They Decide To Never Let You Sleep Again
While some parents enjoy the loving bond they get from co-sleeping, they might just have to pay the price by never get a full night’s sleep again! @daniela_m_muniz revealed this snap Instagram, of her cheeky daughter sticking her tongue out and wanting to play instead of sleep. We’re glad one of them managed to find some humor in the fact that no one is sleeping yet!
When They Decide To Never Let You Sleep Again
Trying To Follow Expert Advice
Some parents try their best to follow the experts, but as we can guess by now, this doesn’t always goes to plan. This mom documented her experiences of following advice in her Mama Unabridged blog. First she tried the technique of pause before giving the crying baby attention, before giving up and bringing the baby to her bed. It seems her baby had some other ideas and chose to sleep with their feet in her face. Well, at least she stopped crying!
Trying To Follow Expert Advice
Bringing A Guest To The Slumber Party
Some children insist on bringing some extra guests to the slumber party. And if the guest is as cute and cuddly as this fluffy dog, then we’re sure the parents made an exception every time!
Bringing A Guest To The Slumber Party
Who Needs A Crib…
When you finally get your baby to sleep, it can be a big achievement. That’s why, sometimes you’re not so worried about where or how they fell asleep, even if it’s smothering your head. Who needs a crib to sleep in anyway! This little guy does have some expert balancing skills though and just might take the crown for the cutest co-sleeping pic in history! Just don’t tell the others that we already gave the crown to as well!
Who Needs A Crib…
When They Play Patty Cake On Your Face
Esther Anderson documented the playful tales of co-sleeping story in her blog Story of This Life. This hilarious pic shows how though co-sleeping can be a fun excuse for her baby to play patty cake on her face, there’s very little sleeping happening! We hope they found a way to sleep at some point that night!
When They Play Patty Cake On Your Face
When Everyone is Asleep But You
When one of your kids say they want to sleep in your bed tonight, you should be warned that the whole family might bundle in, even the neighbors kids. Then the dog and cat might also hear about the slumber party too and before you know it, mom and dad are confined to the borders of the bed. Well at least everyone else is sleeping comfortably!
When Everyone Is Asleep But You
Slumber Party
Maybe it’s an unspoken rule, but isn’t co-sleeping short for slumber party? And weren’t pillows invented just for pillow fights? Who needs sleep anyway when you can have this much fun!
Slumber Party
Multi-tasking
When you’re a new mom, and you’ve finally won the battle of sleep, you can finally relax and enjoy some well-deserved ME time! While some see this as the perfect opportunity to sleep too, this is probably the only time you can have full control of your phone! So we say enjoy before they wake up and you have to watch the baby channel again…on repeat!
Multi Tasking
The Balancing Act
Some people say that parenting is a balancing act. Others take this a little too literally, and find themselves balancing their baby on their head. Well the baby is adorable, and it is a picture perfect moment, so we would probably let them nap on our head too!
The Balancing Act
When They Can’t Handle Their Own Cuteness
Sometimes new puppies love to co-sleep and we can’t actually handle their cuteness either. Especially the one on the left, looking at us, with their little brown eyes, knowing that we just can’t handle it!
When They Cant Handle Their Own Cuteness
Mom Vs Dad
They say that children follow in their parents’ footsteps, and some even sleep in their parent’s footsteps. As these hilarious pics show, be careful how you fall asleep. If you’re not sure, practice sleeping like this mom. If you don’t care, then sleeping like this dad will be the source of hilarious family snaps for years to come!
Mom Vs Dad
Gamer Dad
When you have a newborn, you probably will have less time for your old life…like following you passions, keeping up with your hobbies, sleeping or eating. So if your a gamer and you finally got your baby to nap, then why not grab the opportunity to get to the next level on World Of Warcraft. We would probably recommend finding a safer way to balance the baby before you start gaming though…
Gamer Dad
Sleep imitating Art
Sometimes life imitates art, and sometimes sleep imitates the art on your outfit. In this priceless snap, the baby managed to fall asleep in the most hilarious way, sprawled over his dad’s tummy. The best part is that while the baby sleeps with it’s dummy, it just happens mirror the cartoon face with a dummy on their outfit. Though the dad doesn’t look too comfy, it does make a picture-perfect snap!
Sleep Imitating Art
Nap Buddies
Sometimes when your the bigger dog, you really have to watch out, or else you’ll be mistaken as a furry nap cushion by your best buddy. Well the floor does look cold, so if we had the choice, we would probably nap there too!
Nap Buddies
When They Finally Get You To Sleep
This baby takes the entire concept of cheekiness to the next level. That’s probably because once again they won the battle of sleep. There is no way this baby is planning to go to sleep any time soon. And the dad, he’s already snoozed and lost!
When They Finally Get You To Sleep
When The Baby Takes Over
Sometimes when you have a newborn, you have to accept defeat. Your new baby will take over your entire life, your entire relationship, your entire sleep schedule and maybe even your bed. So the sooner you accept it, the better!
When The Baby Takes Over
Jump While You’re Winning
What better way to celebrate being let into mom and dad’s bed than by jumping with your hands in the air. Isn’t co-sleeping is still actually a code word for a jump on the bed party anyway?
Jump While Youre Winning1
Sleeping With The Enemy
As many parents will testify, sleeping with your kids is like sleeping with the enemy. And if this candid photo is anything to go by, this exhausted dad is just happy that his kids managed to finally fall asleep, even if it does look like a zombie sleep apocalypse.
Sleeping With The Enemy
Gymnastics And Chill
Sometimes mommy and daddy’s bed is the perfect place to practice gymnastic and stretching skills. This little guy has clearly mastered the art of stretching as far as humanly possible, while chilling. He has also made sure his parents have to practice some gymnastic skills of their own to find a comfy spot in the bed too!
Gymnastics And Chill
Sleep Yawning
Every once in a while, we have to throw in an adorable co-sleeping moment. This pair look like peas in a pod, and the baby is happily sleep yawning to make us all smile. Maybe co-sleeping can also be adorable at times…
Sleep Yawning
The Crib That Never Was
While some babies take over your bed, this ninja baby has some serious bed take over skills. Just so you know,this would no longer be your bed and you wouldn’t live in that bedroom anymore.
The Crib That Never Was
Furry Friends
Sometimes the best co-naps are between best friends. And in this case, when your best friend is furry, it makes nap time even more special and snuggly. We’re sure this is just the start of a beautiful nap friendship!
Furry Friends
The Perfect Pillow
Every once in a while, no matter how old your kids are, they’ll just wanna nap with you. And since you have no say in the matter, you will forever be their human pillow, and they will sleep on you whenever, wherever and whichever position they find comfy!
The Perfect Pillow
Bed Bundle
For some families, bed time is code word for bed bundle! After a long exhausting day, what could better than bundling into bed and falling asleep in whichever position suits you, even if you almost hit your sibling or mom in the face!
Bed Bundle
When Your Sibling Is a Pillow
Being a baby can be tiring and sometimes everyone needs a nap. If you can’t find a comfy position, then napping on your sibling can be the next best thing. It can also be adorable to watch!
When Your Sibling Is A Pillow
Expectation Vs Reality
As you’ve probably guessed by now, many parents have expectations about the loving bond that you can create by co-sleeping with your little one. What many new parents soon discover, is that if your baby is restless and ready to play, then co-sleeping can come with a side of being poked in the eye!
Expectation Vs Reality
Eyes Wide Shut
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. And sometimes exhausted parents finally find a way to finally fall asleep, even if the baby is just patiently not sleeping, and probably plotting for the best way to wake them up again!
Eyes Wide Shut
When You Let Them Win
Most new parents attempt numerous tried and tested techniques to get their children to finally sleep. For some, there comes a point when you just have to accept that you’re baby will always win, and you should try to get some zzz’s whenever you can!
When You Let Them Win
Sleep Like A King
Some parents think that the solution to co-sleeping is to buy a bigger bed. Even better, buying a king-sized bed. That way you can ensure the whole family has more space to stretch out and sleep. Nevertheless, some kids still double as little acrobats, so this would just give them more space to practice their acrobatic sleeping techniques, and you will still have to find a spot at the edge of the bed!
Sleep Like A King
Extreme Co-Sleeping
Some families take co-sleeping to the extreme. This family built a special super-sized bed, just so that they could share with all five of their kids. We’re not sure if we would recommend this for every family, but we’re sure there was never a dull moment and every night was interesting for all!
Extreme Co Sleeping
When Someone Asks How I Slept Last Night…
We have sneaky suspicion that as you scrolled through these pics, many of you could instantly relate. Even if you hadn’t experienced it yourself, this is the perfect way to welcome everyone to the joys of parenthood! Though it’s always adorable to develop a closer bond with children, co-sleeping fails seem to happen a lot. They also happen in the most hilarious, heartwarming and unexpected ways. So our best advice is sleep while you can, as you might have to wait a while to win your bed back!
When Someone Asks How I Slept Last Night…