Should I Have Breakfast in Bed?

Key Takeaways

Balanced Indulgence: Breakfast in bed offers a luxurious and relaxing start to the day, perfect for special occasions and self-care, but it comes with potential drawbacks like mess and disrupted sleep habits. To make the most of this treat, it’s best to keep it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily routine.
Smart Preparation: Choosing the right foods, using proper serving equipment, and protecting your bedding are crucial steps in making breakfast in bed a success. Opt for easy-to-eat, mess-free items like muffins, yogurt parfaits, and pre-cut fruit, and invest in a sturdy bed tray with raised edges to prevent spills.
Timing Matters: The timing of your breakfast-in-bed experience can greatly impact its effectiveness and enjoyment. Special occasions, weekends, days off, and self-care days are ideal times to indulge in this cozy treat, as they allow for a slower pace and more relaxed atmosphere.

Breakfast in bed brings the morning meal right to your cozy covers. People love waking up to the smell of fresh coffee and warm toast without leaving their comfy spot. It’s a simple way to start your day with a touch of luxury, whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a loved one.

Many enjoy the relaxed pace and intimate setting of dining in their bedroom. But is breakfast in bed always a good idea? Some worry about crumbs and spills, while others can’t imagine a better way to greet the day.

Read on to explore the pros and cons of this cozy morning tradition and decide if it’s right for you.

Benefits of Breakfast in Bed

Eating breakfast in bed offers several perks that can make your mornings special.

Relaxation and Comfort

Eating breakfast in bed lets you be cozy and stay warm in bed under the covers while you enjoy your morning meal. You don’t have to get up and face the cold floor or bright lights right away. Instead, you can slowly wake up as you sip your coffee or tea.

This relaxed start can help reduce morning stress and anxiety. Many people find that this comfortable setting makes their breakfast more enjoyable and helps them feel more ready to face the day.

Special Treat for Yourself or Loved Ones

Breakfast in bed feels like a luxury, making it perfect for special occasions or as a surprise for someone you care about. It shows thoughtfulness and effort, which can make your partner, family member, or friend feel valued and appreciated.

For couples, it can be a romantic gesture that strengthens your bond. Even when you’re treating yourself, it can boost your mood and make you feel pampered, turning an ordinary morning into something special.

Slow Start to the Day

Having breakfast in bed naturally encourages a slower pace to your morning. You’re less likely to rush through your meal when you’re still in bed. This slower start gives you time to fully wake up, plan your day, or simply enjoy some quiet moments before facing your responsibilities.

It can help you feel more centered and prepared for what’s ahead. Many people find that this gradual transition into their day leaves them feeling more energized and positive.

Potential Drawbacks

While breakfast in bed can be delightful, it’s important to consider some possible downsides. Let’s look at a few reasons why this cozy habit might not be for everyone.

Mess and Crumbs in Bed

Eating in bed can lead to a messy sleeping area. Crumbs can easily fall between the sheets, making your bed feel gritty and uncomfortable. Spills are also a risk, potentially staining your bedding or mattress.

Cleaning up after breakfast in bed can be more challenging than tidying a kitchen table. You might need to shake out your sheets or even wash your bedding more frequently. This extra cleaning can be a hassle and might outweigh the enjoyment of the meal for some people.

Difficulty Eating Certain Foods

Not all breakfast foods are easy to eat while lying or sitting in bed. Foods that require cutting, like pancakes or waffles, can be tricky without a proper table. Cereal with milk might spill easily, and hot foods can be dangerous if you’re not sitting up properly.

You might find yourself limited to foods that are easy to handle, which could make your breakfast less enjoyable or nutritious. The awkward eating position might also lead to discomfort or indigestion for some people.

Disruption to Sleep Habits

Eating in bed regularly might confuse your brain about the purpose of your bedroom. Your body might start to associate your bed with eating instead of sleeping, which could make it harder to fall asleep at night.

The smell of food in your bedroom might also linger, affecting your sleep quality. If you start to rely on breakfast in bed, you might be less motivated to get up and start your day promptly. This could lead to oversleeping or a less productive morning routine over time.

Risk of Inviting Pests

Enjoying meals in bed can unfortunately attract unwanted guests to your sleeping area. Even small amounts of food debris can lure various pests into your bedroom.

Here are some common pests that might be drawn to food remnants in your bed:

Regular eating in bed increases the chances of these pests finding their way into your personal space.

To avoid this risk, it’s crucial to clean thoroughly after every breakfast in bed, including vacuuming the mattress and around the frame, and consider limiting this practice to special occasions.

How to Make Breakfast in Bed Work

If you decide to enjoy breakfast in bed, a little planning can go a long way. Here are some tips to make your in-bed dining experience more enjoyable and less messy.

Choose the Right Foods

Selecting the right foods can make or break your breakfast-in-bed experience.

Here’s a list of breakfast items that work well:

Muffins or pastries
Yogurt parfaits
Fresh fruit (pre-cut)
Hard-boiled eggs
Toast or bagels with spreads
Smoothies in spill-proof containers
Breakfast bars or granola
Dry cereal, plain or with added fruit
Plain rice

Stick to foods that are easy to eat and less likely to spill or crumble. Avoid messy options like syrup-covered pancakes, porridge, runny eggs or milky breakfast rice to keep your bedding clean and your experience stress-free.

Of course, you might have to make an exception if you’re sick in bed and need a mild breakfast soup, especially as you’ll want to clean the mattress anyway once you’re well to get rid of any lingering bacteria in bed. But overall it’s best to stick to solid foods that require little to no cleanup.

Some of these suggestions can also double as late-night snacks if you have any leftovers!

Use Proper Trays or Tables

The right serving equipment can make breakfast in bed much more manageable. Invest in a sturdy bed tray with legs to keep your food stable and elevated. Look for trays with raised edges to contain any spills.

Some trays come with built-in cup holders to prevent drinks from tipping over. If you don’t have a proper tray, a large, flat cutting board can work in a pinch. Make sure whatever you use is easy to clean and wide enough to hold all your breakfast items comfortably.

Protect Your Bedding

Taking steps to protect your bedding is crucial for enjoying breakfast in bed without worry. We always recommend having a waterproof mattress protector as a precaution against spills, but it’s particularly helpful to have one if you plan on eating breakfast in bed .

For added peace of mind, spread a large napkin or small tablecloth over your lap before placing the tray down. Keep a few extra napkins handy for quick cleanups.

Consider also using a washable bed cover or throw blanket over your regular bedding for easy cleaning afterward. You might even upcycle an old sheet into a picnic blanket, or a “breakfast in bed blanket” in this scenario.

Remember to shake out your sheets and change your pillowcases after eating to remove any stray crumbs.

When to Have Breakfast in Bed

Knowing the right time for breakfast in bed can enhance your experience. Let’s explore some ideal occasions for this cozy treat.

Special Occasions

Breakfast in bed shines as a way to celebrate special days. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or marked days for appreciating someone like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The extra effort shows your loved ones you care and want to make their day memorable.

For romantic occasions, it can set a loving tone for the whole day. Even for personal milestones, treating yourself to breakfast in bed can make the day feel extra special.

Weekends and Days Off

Weekends and days off work well for breakfast in bed because you’re not rushed. You can take your time preparing the meal and enjoy it without watching the clock. It’s a great way to mark the difference between workdays and leisure time.

Sleeping in a bit and then having a relaxed breakfast can help you feel more rested and recharged. Just be careful not to make it an every-weekend habit, or you might lose the sense of it being a special treat.

Sick Days

Breakfast in bed can be particularly beneficial during sick days or planned recovery periods, such as after surgery. During these times, the body needs extra rest and nourishment to heal.

Having breakfast in bed allows you to stay comfortable and conserve energy while still getting the nutrients you need to recover. It can also provide a small mood boost during what might otherwise be a challenging time.

However, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or recommendations from your doctor, especially post-surgery, and ensure the meal is easy to eat and digest.

Self-Care Days

On days dedicated to self-care, breakfast in bed can be a perfect start. It allows you to begin your day feeling pampered and relaxed. This can be especially helpful during stressful times.

Enjoying a quiet, peaceful breakfast alone can give you time to set intentions for the day or practice mindfulness. Remember, self-care doesn’t always have to involve elaborate plans—sometimes, a simple meal in bed during a morning of taking things slow can be just what you need to feel cared for.

And if you a day planned of other relaxing activities, a good breakfast can give you the energy boost you need to make the most of it, whether it’s preparing for an at-home spa day or doing an event outside of the home.

FAQs

How often should I have breakfast in bed?

There’s no set rule for how often you should have breakfast in bed. However, our opinion is that it’s best to keep it as an occasional treat to maintain its special feeling.

Having it too often might make it lose its charm and could lead to some of the drawbacks we discussed, like messy bedding or disrupted sleep habits. Consider limiting it to once or twice a month at most, or save it for special occasions and weekends.

What are some easy, mess-free breakfast ideas for eating in bed?

Good options include foods that are easy to handle and less likely to spill. Try muffins, croissants, or bagels with spreads. Yogurt parfaits in cups, pre-cut fruit, dry cereal, and hard-boiled eggs are also great choices.

Smoothies in spill-proof containers work well for drinks. Avoid runny or syrupy foods that could easily stain your bedding.

How can I surprise my partner with breakfast in bed without waking them up?

Prepare as much as you can the night before, like setting out non-perishable items. Use a tray with legs to quietly carry everything. If cooking, close the bedroom door to minimize noise and smells.

Time it right by aiming for when they usually start to stir. If they’re a light sleeper, consider leaving a sweet note saying breakfast is ready in the kitchen when they wake up.

Is it bad for my digestion to eat lying down in bed?

Yes, eating while lying down isn’t ideal for digestion. It can increase the risk of acid reflux and indigestion. To minimize these issues, prop yourself up with pillows so you’re in a more upright position. Take your time eating and chew thoroughly.

If you have frequent digestive problems and struggle with acid reflux, it might be best to enjoy your breakfast sitting at a table instead.

How do I clean my bedding after having breakfast in bed?

Shake out your sheets and pillowcases immediately after eating to remove crumbs. Spot clean any small spills right away with a damp cloth. For bigger messes, strip the bed and wash the affected items.

Consider using a protective layer like a throw blanket or sheet over your regular bedding for easier cleaning. Vacuum your mattress occasionally to remove any stray crumbs that might have slipped through.

Can having breakfast in bed affect my sleep quality?

Regular meals in bed might confuse your brain’s association of the bed with sleep. This could potentially make it harder to fall asleep at night. Food smells lingering in your bedroom might also affect sleep quality.

To minimize impact, air out your room after eating, change sheets regularly, and try to keep breakfast in bed as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.

What’s the best way to set up a breakfast tray for bed?

Choose a sturdy tray with legs and raised edges to prevent spills. Place a non-slip mat or cloth on the tray to keep items from sliding. Arrange foods in small, manageable portions and use containers with lids when possible. Include napkins and any necessary utensils.

For drinks, use mugs or glasses with lids or covers. Add a small flower vase or a folded newspaper for a nice touch.

Conclusion

Breakfast in bed offers a mix of comfort and potential challenges. It can be a relaxing way to start your day, perfect for special occasions and self-care. The cozy atmosphere and slow pace can help reduce morning stress.

However, it’s important to consider the mess, potential sleep disruptions, and the risk of attracting pests.

Ultimately, whether breakfast in bed is right for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you decide to try it, remember to choose appropriate foods, use proper trays, and protect your bedding to make the most of this indulgent experience.

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