With my first 3 kids, I was greatly influences by my Mom and the other "Moms" of her generation. Baby in crib, don't spoil them. feeding on schedule rather than demand, NO breastfeeding. I spent many many hours walking the floors with a distressed baby, as well as patting a baby in the crib as I was just about asleep on my feet. I learned, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what sleep depravation was! My husband was a fireman, so we were alone some nights, and I would sneak a baby in sometimes. I feel like those commercials..THEN I got luvs! LOL With my last 2 kids, I was older, wiser, and had acquired a new improved husband. I nursed, held my babies constantly, and slept with them. I never experienced sleep deprivation, had happy healthy babies, and learned just how soundly babies sleep.
I know different people have different boundaries. For me, I SO enjoyed the cuddle time with my kids. They are now 12 and 14 and almost ready to go to their own rooms! (just kidding) At about 3, they went on their own. Usually with a sib for awhile. That is the beauty of having 5 kids. They can cuddle like puppies! My kids are still VERY physically affectionate. The older 3 are a bit more standoffish, except with the younger 2. OK, that is my experience! Love, Debi