What is Attachment Parenting?
There are a lot of different philosophies out there about how to raise your children. One of these new age philosophies that became popular in the 2000’s is attachment parenting. It was more a popular Cali trend but still worth the mention. Many people don’t understand exactly what it is. The attachment parenting philosophy is basically when parents try to form a close, special bond with their children. It’s built on the basis that this strong relationship parents build (based on their principles) with their children is said to help the child develop strong, healthy, secure relationships with others in their future.
While there are many ways to develop these strong bonds with young children, according to Attachment Parenting International, a major proponent of this philosophy, has released a list of 8 ideals for attachment parents. It is important to realize that these are something to strive for, not something most people can actually accomplish in their hectic lives. The ideals they give are:
* Preparation for Childbirth. This involves educating yourself so you can be an active participant in your pregnancy and delivery. An active parent should take classes and strive to make important decisions early. A mother should also try to keep stress on the baby low during pregnancy
* Emotional Responsiveness. This is probably the most important philosophy in attachment parenting. It involves being aware of and fulfilling your child’s emotional needs. It stresses comforting your baby when they cry instead of letting them “cry it out” on their own. A parent should develop the ability to interpret and fulfill your child’s needs by spending quality time with them.
* Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not only the most nutritious diet possibly for babies; it also promotes bonding between the mother and child through closeness and also hormonal reactions. Attachment parenting encourages breastfeeding until the mother and the baby are both ready to stop. It also advocates breastfeeding behaviors even if you’re bottle feeding your baby.
* Baby Wearing. Wearing your baby in a sling can have many positive benefits. It allows your child to feel safe and secure, stimulates their neurological development, and helps stabilize their biorhythms. It also brings a sense of closeness between the wearer and the baby.
* Shared Sleep. Sleeping in a bed with the parents can make a child feel safe and secure at night because their needs are being met. If a baby has to cry for a while before a parent arrives, it can shatter their feeling of nighttime security. With co-sleep, mom is always there to respond to needs immediately. It also makes breastfeeding easier and further strengthens that bond. If you do decide to co-sleep make sure you take all precautions to do it safely. The best way to go about this is a co-sleeper. That way the baby has his own safe place to sleep and there is no danger of a parent rolling over on them.
* Avoiding long separations from your baby. (I know what you are all thinking here) Try not to be away from your baby for too long. This can emotionally damage a child and the bond you have with them. If long absences are unavoidable, try to find one consistent caregiver who will treat your child as you normally would, ensuring continuity of care.
* Positive discipline. Attachment parenting stressed forming a strong bond with your child which helps them to trust you. If they have this trust, you can guide them to make good choices by making them yourselves. You should keep this trust by trying to understand and empathize with your child’s point of view.
* Balance your family life. This involves not only being there for your family, but also being there for yourself. Someone who has a solid support structure and cares for themselves will be better equipped to care for their family as well.
According to them, if you raise your child with these principles in mind, you will likely have a happy, independent, and well-adjusted child. Some beg to differ. I’d have to say a crap ton of parents and pediatricians would disagree with the whole sharing the bed thing, but some people are into it. This “philosophy has died out in recent years.
Baby Wearing and The Art of Baby Wearing
Although some of those things sound pretty outlandish, based on some expert opinion and psychological research, baby wearing is known to have a very positive effect on your child. Babies need a lot of attention and there’s a great way you can have your baby with your all day, hands free. Imagine being able to cook, clean, shop, and play with your other children all while you baby is safely snuggled up against you. Well you can do that and more with the art of baby wearing.
Most people have seen the large backpack carriers that used to be very popular, but babies can now be worn in lots of different positions using several kinds of popular carriers.
There are many types of carriers that you can get. The kind of
carrier you want depends on how you want to carry your baby. There are tons of different choices; so research before you decide which kind you want.
Being worn in a sling is good for your baby. Here are just a few benefits your baby gains by being worn during the day:
•Most babies cry less when they’re being worn; up to 50% less. This is because they’re always close to mom. They’re also constantly getting new images to process and understand, so they’re less bored
•The constantly changing stimuli when being carried help stimulate your baby’s brain and promote neural development.
•Babies who are worn by their moms tend to form a stronger bond with her; this is because they always feel safe and secure near her.
•Being able to feel mom’s heart beat and body functioning helps the baby’s biorhythms develop faster. This means they get on a schedule faster and easier
*Baby wearing is not only great for your baby; it’s great for you too.
•Wearing your child gives you the comfort of having them there with the convenience of being able to use both your arms. (like prepping dinner, cleaning the house and grocery shopping!)
•With a baby sling, you can breastfeed your child without using your hands and you are covered up all in one!
•You don’t have to haul around and annoying stroller or car seat when you’re out.
•You get a great weight-bearing core workout from carrying the extra weight.
•Being with your baby all the time helps you learn their normal cues. Then you can anticipate when they’ll need to be fed, changed, or cuddled.
What you Should Know About Baby Carriers
While baby slings and carriers are considered safe for you and your child, there are some precautions you should take. Although infant carriers are great, you cannot forget about your back.
•If you carry the baby on your hip or to one side, change sides and directions regularly so you don’t cause yourself back and hip problems.
•Make sure you’re using a carrier or sling that is appropriate for the age of your child and the way you carry them.
If done safely and properly, wearing you baby in a sling or carrier can be a great way to bond with them, comfort them, and get all your chores done all at the same time.
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