Different Parenting Philosophies

5 Parenting Methods That Take It to the Extreme

July 28, 2011

Source: Thinkstock

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by POPSUGAR Moms 4

Attachment Parenting

Attachment Parenting, created and popularized by Dr. William Sears, firmly believes in the benefits of co-sleeping. The main idea behind the concept is that the more bonded a child is, the more secure they feel. Attachment Parenting International (API) is a non-profit organization founded on Dr. Sears's theories that has created "8 Principles of Parenting" that include babywearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and gentle discipline — definitely a child-centered, responsive approach.

2 / 7

by POPSUGAR Moms 4

Attachment Parenting

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4 Comments

allymaedesign 1 year

I hardly think co-sleeping and baby wearing should be considered as extreme methods of parenting and should not be labeled as such. What about the baby-wearing cultures Africa, Asia, C. America, South America, and some European cultures, as well? Think beyond the western culture, people. What about historically? Our ancestors used baby wearing while hunting and gathering, foraging. Co-sleeping and baby-wearing not only help the mother and baby bond more, but allow the mother to be functional at the same time. I practiced co-sleeping because I found it easier to nurse my son throughout the night. Now after he has stopped breastfeeding, we still co-sleep, and I think he feels safe and secure. Plus, I get to savor all the moments with him before he gets too big. Check out these moms who are fashionable and “wear” babies, from a blog I frequent: http://marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com/2011/07/sakura-bloom-styleathon-favorite.html One researcher’s views on co-sleeping and bed sharing and it’s biological and historical incidence. http://neuroanthropology.net/2008/12/21/cosleeping-and-biological-imperatives-why-human-babies-do-not-and-should-not-sleep-alone/ Lilsugar, I haven’t commented on an article in a while, but I do browse the site, and love the product reviews, recommendations, and eye candy. However, I think that you have a responsibility to label and present certain ideas in a manner that doesn’t devalue certain parenting approaches (that are pretty widespread!).

Natasha Dantzig 1 year

Monica - so nice to hear you say that YOU like co-sleeping too. I sometimes feel like I shouldn't admit that I like it, and that I know he's going to grow up and not want to be cuddled up to mama all night, and that I'll totally miss it.

MonicaNichole03 1 year

I cosleep with my child but it was more for my own selfish reasons. I would have nightly panic attacks when she was a newborn wondering if she was breathing in her crib. I was constantly up checking on her and it was causing me to go crazy from the lack of sleep. She is 3 now and still cosleep with me 75% of the time. I love feeling her cuddle up to me at night and think that I might miss cosleeping more than she will when we cease to do it.

Natasha Dantzig 1 year

Thanks Yaya. Good to hear that you have positive memories of co-sleeping. Hope my son feels the same way when he's older.