Attachment Parenting, A Parenting Style

The Attachment parenting principles encompass the basic components of a nurturing, instinctive parenting style. Some of these components are-

Being informed about your birth options. This includes educating yourself about the birthing process and planning for a birth that is as intervention free as possible.
Forming an early connection to your child-The main focus of this is using the initial hours after birth to bond and having your baby “room in” with you after a hospital birth rather than in the nursery. Proponents of Attachment Parenting understand that this is not always possible from a medical or family standpoint but encourages it whenever possible.
Responding quickly to your baby’s cries-Attachment Parenting is about knowing that you can’t “spoil” your baby by feeding and holding her whenever she needs you to.
Breastfeeding-Attachment Parenting promotes using breastfeeding exclusively and on baby’s cue for at least six months followed by the introduction of solids when your child is ready, combined with continued nursing. In addition they feel that child-led weaning is best. Parents who use this method know that it is natural and normal for children to breastfeed for well over one year.
Wearing your baby in a sling-This is to help promote trust and sensitivity between caregiver and baby. In addition, it is believed to ease the transition in a less stressful way for the baby from womb to real world.
Using gentle discipline techniques. Advocates of Attachment Parenting place an importance on knowing the difference between discipline and punishment and avoiding physical or shame-inducing punishment. Parents using Attachment Parenting place an emphasis on being authoritative rather than authoritarian or overly permissive.
Co-sleeping-This is where you allow and encourage your child to share sleep with you. This is done realizing that your child’s needs do not desist at sunset and that nurturing is important around the clock.
Learning, understanding and following your child’s cues. This is done by knowing that your child has his own schedule for physical, emotional and social development, toilet learning and independence issues rather than trying to force him or her into an “expected” time frame. Attachment Parenting believes that by meeting your child’s needs during infancy and toddler hood you are encouraging the development of a healthy, happy, independent person.
Flexibility in parenting-Parents who use Attachment Parenting understand that you must be flexible and realize that what worked last week might not work this week, and that what works for one child may not work for another. Using Attachment Parenting means that you are willing to educate yourself about parenting and make the extra effort that your children are worth.
Focusing on real time instead of quality time-You do not fall for the “quality time” myth. Proponents of Attachment parenting recognize that real quality time consists of more time (spent cuddling, reading, playing, learning or just being together) not short frantic bursts of “fun” activities.
Stay-at-home caregiver-Attachment Parenting focuses on making time with your children a priority, regardless of material sacrifices that might have to be made. You recognize that nurturing is of vast importance in your child’s early years and that day care, while it may be adequate, is not as beneficial to your child as you are.
Attachment Parenting as guidelines not strict rules. While some people may ask, “Do I have to believe in and practice all of these “principles” to practice Attachment Parenting? The answer is- Absolutely not! The very basis of Attachment Parenting is allowing your instincts be your guide. Keep in mind that there is no one right way to parent all children and even the most devout Attachment Parenting advocates say to take what works for you and modify the rest to fit your family and baby.