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Attachment Parenting is a combination of many different practices. The idea behind it is to respond to the child’s emotional needs. It’s a rather primitive way of parenting, because it has to do with instincts and keeping the child with a parent as much as possible. Also, little if any “expert” advice used.
Different people practice different aspects of AP. Common ones are extended breast feeding (usually at least two years), co-sleeping, and baby wearing. Gentle discipline is also used, the aim to teach, not punish the child. Not all people do all of these things, though most are aware of the benefits of the practices. Some people find that not all the practices seem to work for their children; and such observations are a large part of this style.
Co-sleeping is having a family bed that everyone shares. The baby sleeps with the parents from birth until around five or six years. Rails are placed on the bed so the children cannot fall out; other times sidecars are used.
Baby wearing is when the mother (much less commonly the father) wears a sling where the baby stays for most of the day. The idea is that the baby stays as close to the mother as possible, which soothes and makes for a more contented and calmer baby.
There are a lot of objections to these practices by “experts.” Many claim that this involves “giving in” to the baby, and that he or she is getting spoiled. In fact, this is not true, because a baby cannot be spoiled until he or she knows not only what s/he needs, but what s/he wants. Experts feel that there are a lot of health risks involved in some of the practices, but APers will attest to the health benefits.
This is considered a good way to raise children because it promotes a loving environment and good self-esteem. Because children get their first and most important influences from their parents, it is important to give them good ones. This type of close and loving relationship makes for better relationships later in life, and sets up the child for good future interaction with others.
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