The term \u201cattachment parenting\u201d is credited to Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician, and his wife, Martha Sears, a nurse. Attachment parenting, or AP, is a natural form of parenting, which means it will look different in different families.<\/p>\n
Because AP is more about a state of mind than a parenting method, it is not a \u201cone size fits all\u201d approach to parenting. Nonetheless, there are some trademarks and characteristic of AP that help define and clarify what it is. But even these traits will vary among families.<\/p>\n
1. Gentle birth
\nAP advocates believe that attachment begins at birth \u2013 actually, before birth. Attachment parenting begins with research about birth, infant development, and as much information about how the process works as possible. AP parents try for a natural birth, with emphasis on the mother-infant bond.<\/p>\n
2. Breastfeeding
\nThis is one of the key components to AP. It is one of the major means by which an attached baby gets his needs met \u2013 nutritionally, emotionally, and physically. AP parents do not feed their babies on a schedule, but nurse their infants as the need arises. The benefits of this breastfeeding relationship are not just for the baby; the mother benefits greatly from the \u201chappy hormones\u201d secreted during breastfeeding, and from the knowledge that she is doing much to enhance her baby\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
3. Responsiveness
\nAP parents do not believe that a baby is manipulative or that a baby can be \u201cspoiled.\u201d On the contrary, the AP mindset is one of responsiveness to the infant, responding to cries by meeting needs. Babies can\u2019t talk, so crying is their only way to communicate a stress, need, or discomfort.<\/p>\n
4. Closeness
\nIt has been discovered among babies in orphanages that those who are not touched fail to thrive or even die. Touch is incredibly important for a baby\u2019s development, and AP embraces that concept to the fullest, advocating keeping the baby nearby at night and in a sling during the day.<\/p>\n
Co-sleeping, or sharing sleeping space, is part of the goal of closeness among AP parents. A baby\u2019s night-time needs are most easily met when the baby is close by. This is a lot easier on the mother, too.<\/p>\n
AP parents believe that forming strong attachments in infancy will give children a sense of security and set the stage for lasting, strong relationships later in life. The basic idea is that an attached child will learn to trust his parents and will therefore develop a sense of security. AP advocates claim that attached children are confident and socially adept, and are able to form strong relationships of their own. That is the basic goal of AP \u2013 relationships.<\/p>\n