One of the truths you’ll eventually figure out for yourself as a parent is that there are many valid ways to be a good one! (Although, sometimes, it feels as if other parents are constantly judging you if you don’t agree with them on their methods.) One of the numerous methods of parenting is called attachment parenting (AP).
So what is attachment parenting? In a nutshell, AP has the goal of creating a strong bond between child and parent by encouraging parents to respond consistently and lovingly to all of a baby’s needs.
We break down what practices AP consists of, and how it looks in the real world.
What is attachment parenting theory?
Parenting guidance: Examples of AP
If you want to follow all or some of the principles of AP, start by watching your baby. “I did AP for all three kids,” said Cole. “I chose to because it seemed like a more natural way for me and it was ‘easy.’ I try to follow the path of least resistance and this was that for me.”
For mom of four Whitney Cornelison, she had practiced AP for years without knowing it was called attachment parenting. “We all slept better co-sleeping and baby wearing allowed me to get more things accomplished while also soothing my babies,” Cornelison told Mom.com, saying she sometimes had one baby on her front and one on her back. “It worked for us and the bond we created has helped us through our many life transitions over the years.”
If you have questions, you can always check out a local support group, find an AP expert who can help you navigate the process, ask your pediatrician for a recommendation, or consult the API website.
Pediatrician and spokesperson for the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) Steph Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP, told Mom.com that the AAP doesn’t endorse any particular theory of parenting since different styles work for different families. “Think about your own personality and how you can establish a nurturing, positive bond as early as possible with your baby,” advised Dr. Lee. “If attachment parenting sounds like it’s for you, then try it. But if you start feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to back off and only practice a few of the strategies.”
Dr. Lee emphasized that the most important thing was to try your best to give love and attention to your child and be kind to yourself about how much you can do.
