Having baby Saoirse close feels like pure love. So natural! Attachment Parenting Theory ♡ The 8 principles of attachment parenting
Attachment parenting theory or “close parenting” has many names and forms. Like: natural parenting, gentle parenting and conscious parenting. Or, how we like to call it: The natural way of following your heart.
Keeping your baby close is the main focus of attachment parenting. Just like nature intended. And, how our bodies are wired to thrive.
As a result, babies are calm, cry less and are loving life. While parents are well-rested.
Just by following your heart.
Read on the find out:
- What is the Attachment Parenting theory (AP)?
- What are the 8 principles of attachment parenting?
- Summary
What is the Attachment Parenting theory (AP)?
Whilst increasing in popularity. “Attachment parenting theory” (AP) or in other words: Keeping your baby close to you. It is the way parenting always has been. How nature designed us. Therefore also called: intuitive parenting.
Because, if you feel deep within. Without minding cultural and social influences. The only thing a mama wants when a baby cries: is to hold her close.
AP is all about bonding with your baby. There are no set of rules with intuitive parenting. More a guideline to follow your instincts. Ways to enchance bonding are by:
- Skin to skin contact
- Breastfeeding
- Babywearing
- Co-sleeping
Oxytocin: the love hormone
All the ways of bonding with your baby promote the oxytocin hormone to flow freely. This love hormone reduces the level of stress and improves your mood. It also helps the baby to feel safe, loved and secure.
However, AP also benefits the child in the long run. While creating a loving connection with your little one.
8 Principles of Attachment Parenting Theory
There are 8 root principles for the attachment parenting theory.
1. Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
The attachment theory implies that it is important to release all negative emotions about pregnancy. And to feel positive about giving birth.
2. Feed with love and respect.
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to create a secure attachment. As nursing teaches the baby that the mother listens and fulfil their needs. It makes them feel secure.
3. Respond with sensitivity.
With attachment parenting, all emotions matter. Babies don’t manipulate when crying. So, when the baby cries, the parents respond with love. Trying to find out what the baby needs. The so-called: “Crying it out method”, is the opposite of attachment parenting.
4. Use nurturing touch.
Use nurturing touch is also essential in AP. Having your baby close to maximising skin to skin contact. You can do this by babywearing, baby massage and taking baths together.
5. Engage in nighttime parenting.
Experts in AP advocate for co-sleeping. To make baby feel save when sleeping. While also making the night feedings easier.
6. Provide constant, loving care.
The ideal is to have a parent near. All the time. This is easiest done by babywearing. Because when your baby is in the carrier. You can take them everywhere! In this way, you can easily do house chores. Or even better: take your baby (and yourself!) out in nature.
As long as the baby is close to you, she feels save and loved. And you create a loving bond together. Also called: secure attachment.
7. Practice positive discipline.
Practice positive discipline. Use ways to redirect, distract and guide even the youngest babies. While most importantly: model positive behaviour. As young children love to copy you.
You show the way you like them to behave. Positive discipline is searching for solutions with children. There are no simple imposes: “Because I told you so”. Or brutal ways to in-force behaviour.
With attachment parenting, it is important to keep your own cup full. By living a healthy lifestyle. And asking for support when needed.
8. Strive for balance in personal and family life.
Finally, Attachment Parenting principles share that it is important to have a balance in personal and family life.
Although, you like to keep your baby close. While responding with loving care. It is also essential to balance it with your own well-being. And, to keep much love and fun in your relationship.
Having a mama group is essential. To share your feelings and experiences. As you are not alone mama! So, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when needed.
Summary Attachment Parenting Theory
Attachment Parenting (AP) theory is getting more popular in today’s society. However, the way of having baby close is the way nature designed us to be. And, how parenting has been for thousands and thousands of years.
The Attachment Parenting Theory has 8 root principles:
1. Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
2. Feed with love and respect.
3. Respond with sensitivity.
4. Use nurturing touch.
5. Engage in nighttime parenting.
6. Provide constant, loving care.
7. Practice positive discipline.
8. Strive for balance in personal and family life.
Which are all designed to have your baby close. For example by babywearing, co-sleeping and skin to skin contact. Attachment Parenting advocates also highly praise breastfeeding.
All these ways to have your baby close, create a secure attachment. Which means that children feel protected – and loved – by their caregivers.
How does the Attachment Parenting Theory work for you?
Are you using any of the AP principles? And if so, how is your experience with attachment parenting? Inspire us in the comment section below.
