Tyra Banks knows co-sleeping is a hot button topic in the parenting world. But the 44-year-old mom of son York, 2, doesn’t care what other people think.
“Everybody’s like, ‘Don’t do that!’” Banks told Us Weekly at the America’s Next Top Model mobile game launch in Hollywood earlier this month. But to the Perfect Is Boring author, sharing a bed with her toddler just feels natural.
“I started thinking about the wild. Does a black bird say, ‘Go over there, three trees over and go to sleep.’ Or does the big mama pig say, ‘Go there to that mess and go to sleep,’” said Banks. “No. They sleep with their mama. So we sleep together.”
The busy America’s Next Top Model host cherishes their nightly ritual. “I get home and get into bed,” she explained to Us. “He gets his sippy cup and his little security blanket and it’s just our time.”
Banks and her then-boyfriend, Erik Ansla, welcomed York via surrogate in January 2016. She and the Norwegian photographer parted ways in October after five years together, but remain on good terms.
Ever since York came on the scene, Banks has a greater appreciation for her own mom, Carolyn London. “He has taught me to live in fear!” cracked the former model. “I didn’t understand why my mother would get so mad when I was late for curfew. I was like, ‘I”m just chilling with friends! I’m two hours late, whatever.’ She’s thinking, ‘Is she dead? on a railroad track? Car accident?’ Whatever. I get it now.”
Though York has a few years until he starts dating, Banks joked that his love interests will put on a show for her in hopes of launching a modeling career. “They’re gonna be posing for me as I pour some orange juice,” she cracked. “They’re gonna be posing and runway walking to the couch. They think they’re gonna be discovered. I’ll be like, ‘This one is trying to be a modeling trying to use you, honey!’”
