Sex with the Kids Around: What Are the Rules?

As much as you would like to keep your parenting life and sex life as far apart as possible, there will be times when they sometimes awkwardly cross paths. We talked to the experts to get the rules on what's appropriate and what's not. (9 Photos)

Heidi Raykeil on Dec 17, 2010 at 10:00AM

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a Heidi Raykeil on Apr 5, 2010 at 4:24PM

Scenario: The baby is fast asleep in bed with you. You accidentally graze your husband's foot with yours, he rests his hand on your hip and before you know it, old flames are getting fired up. But what about the baby?

The Rule: While experts agree that it's distressing for kids to be exposed to sex, a young infant in bed with you is more of a gray area. "If the child's younger than six months old, you probably don't need to worry," Dr. Michele Borba, author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions, says. "It's unlikely there would be problems, only happy, contented parents."

What You Do: Within the realm of reason, do what feels right. If you're comfortable doing it with the baby in the room, keep a crib or bassinet by the bed where you can move him when things heat up. If you're worrying too much about the baby or it just doesn't feel right, all isn't lost: Put him in his crib, or bassinet, while you hit the floor.