Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting involves creating a strong bond between mother/father and the child. It is also natural mothering because it involves doing what comes natural to a mother when social and culturial influences are eliminated. Benefits can include a less fussy and happier baby and more sensitive parents. The following are common ways to practice attachment parenting:

• Having a natural, peaceful childbirth and bonding with the baby through rooming-in at the hospital
• Breastfeeding the baby on demand as opposed to a schedule
• Answering baby's cries quickly (not letting baby "cry it out")
• Wearing the baby as much as possible using a sling or baby carrier
• Having baby with you as much as possible (avoiding baby sitters if possible)
• Having baby sleep in your bedroom (either in your bed or in a crib next to your bed) so you can respond quickly to baby and he can adjust to your sleep cycle.
• Avoiding using material items sooth baby such as pacifiers, swings, strollers, etc. By offering yourself to comfort baby, baby learns to form strong human attachments.

As the parent, you can choose the level of attachment that is comfortable for you and decide to use any number of the attachment methods in your family. Below are links for sites promoting attachment parenting.

• Attachment Parenting FAQ

  Frequently Asked Questions about Attachment Parenting.

   

   

• Attachment Parenting

  Attachment Parenting is a style of parenting that encourages parents to be understanding, patient and spend more non-"quality time" with their babies & toddlers (e.g. sharing sleep).

   

   

• Attachment Parenting International

  Attachment Parenting International is a coalition of concerned individuals, professionals, and grassroots organizations. We advocate attachment parenting methods that develop and fulfill a child's need for trust, empathy, and affection to create secure and enduring relationships.

   

   

• Attachment Home Page

  This web site is dedicated to helping parents and children develop strong attachments and bonds. This, we believe, is the way to security, self-esteem, and peace.

   

   

• Wearing Your Baby

  The advantages of close contact.

   

   

• Parenting Resources

  Great site which includes information and links on attachment parenting, christian parenting, stay-at-home mom resources, and gentle discipline. Also see the home page for this site: Kidz are People Too which is a wealth of information on caring for a toddler and infant, natural healthcare, breastfeeding, childbirth and more!

   

   

• The Naural Child Project

  The Natural Child Project includes articles and advice on "parenting and education that respects children". The site includes articles by a number of mental health professionals as well as a children's art gallery.

   

   

Articles by William and Martha Sears

• Attachment Parenting: A Style that Works

  Each day, expectant couples come into my office with eager questions. I answer these couples by offering a style of parenting that works for most couples most of the time - attachment parenting.

   

   

• Constant Contact: Attachment Parenting
• Attachment Parenting Basics