Attachment Parenting is a parenting style that promotes physical and emotional closeness between the parents and the child. This phrase was coined by Dr. Sears and his wife, Martha to describe this attentive parenting style.

The style of Attachment Parenting is achieved through tools known as 7 Baby B’s

1. Birth Bonding: Attachment parenting encourages parents to hold their new born baby often in the early sensitive weeks to foster bonding

2. Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is encouraged because breast milk contains nutrients that cannot be duplicated but it also enhances the mother’s instincts to respond to her baby through physical closeness and attentiveness.

3. Baby Wearing: Baby wearing is the practice of carrying the baby close to the parent’s body by using the a sling or a carrier. It is believed that carried babies full less and also spend more time in quiet alertness.

4. Bedsharing/Co-Sleeping: The parents and the baby sleep on the same bed giving the opportunity to be close even at bedtime. This is believed to encourage attachment as the baby feels safe and does not suffer from night time separation anxiety.

5. Belief: Parents responding sensitively to the baby’s cries builds trust as tiny babies only cry when they are experiencing discomfort. This helps the parents build the confidence in their ability to help the baby and the baby knows it can count on the parent when it needs help.

6. Beware of baby trainers: Attachment parenting style encourages parents to not stick to a tight schedule as many baby trainers advocate. Parents watch the baby for signs to eat, sleep or play and requires the parents to know the baby intimately.

7. Balance: Everything in life requires a balance. Parents must know when to say Yes or when to say No to the baby.

This parenting style does not require the parent to follow each of these points religiously and parents must use these tools instinctively and decide what will work best for them and the baby.

What has been your experience with this style of parenting?

Further Resources

To learn more on Attachment Parenting, check out these books we found online:

The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby

The Attachment Connection: Parenting a Secure & Confident Child Using the Science of Attachment Theory

Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child

Image by: Ephotography

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