Attachment parenting refers to a specific philosophy of parenting. Attachment parenting is especially concerned with the care of infants. Attachment parenting believes in nurturing practices during parenting that will create bonds or “attachment” between the parent and the infant. This philosophy encourages a quick and direct response to the infant’s emotional needs. This is thought to develop a bond of trust between child and parent that the child’s needs will be met. Advocates of attachment parenting believe that it will help the child become more empathetic, more peaceful, more secure, and have longer-lasting and higher-quality relationships.

Attachment Parenting was originally described by Dr. William Sears in the 1980s. A pediatrician, Dr. Sears described the methods that parents in other cultures used to care for their children in a natural and loving way. He observed the bond that this caused, and labeled it “attachment.”

Attachment Parenting centers around some basic concepts. There are several core principles to Attachment Parenting. Each practitioner of attachment parenting may describe these ideas in different ways, but they are all essentially the same. They include:

- Parental commitment. For attachment parenting to work, parents have to be committed to building the bonds with their child, regardless of circumstances. They must be informed, educated, and determined.

- Prenatal care. Your baby should have a peaceful experience those last few months in the womb. If mom is stressed during pregnancy, the baby may have a higher stress level as well.

- Breastfeeding. Attachment parenting promotes breastfeeding to encourage your baby to look to you for food and comfort. Attachment parenting also promotes letting your child decide when to wean.

- Quick response. If your baby has a need and lets you know about this by crying, respond to it quickly.

- Consider Alternative Sleeping Arrangements. Attachment parenting promotes sleeping in the same bed with your baby. You should speak with your health care provider about this so that you fully understand the implications.

- Travel together. Your baby should go with you at all times, whenever possible. Baby slings or carriers are perfect for this principle of attachment parenting.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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