5 basic principles of attachment parenting and its benefits for the baby

What mother or father does not want their baby to grow up healthy, to have self-confidence, to be independent and to know how to love and be loved ? Obviously everyone. The term attachment parenting is a key recipe for reaching all of these goals, respectfully and safely. It groups together a series of guidelines and strategies necessary to strengthen the bond between mother (or breeder) and child: breastfeeding, portering and co-sleeping are some of them.

Throughout this article we will teach you the basic principles of attachment parenting, as well as its different benefits and practices . Keep reading... We hope you find it useful!

What is attachment parenting?

This type of parenting includes attention and sensitive response to the baby's cries, physical proximity, skin-to-skin contact, feeding on demand, and co-sleeping (sleeping next to the bed with the baby) . All of this is believed to promote a child's confidence, autonomy, empathy and social skills, as well as greater self-confidence and a greater ability to establish healthy relationships in the future.

If you are thinking of co-sleeping with your baby to promote natural attachment parenting , you can take a look at the different models of convertible co-sleeping cribs that we have at Alondra. In different sizes, designs, with or without wheels, convertible 2in1, 3in1, 4in1... So you can choose the one you like best!

However, it must be taken into account that excessive attention can cause the child to be more dependent, pampered, with tantrums... As Pediatrician William Sears says:

"Secure attachment is achieved by responding to the baby's cues in a sensitive, appropriate and effective way"

– Pediatrician William Sears, attachment parenting 'guru' and bestselling author -

Key principles of attachment parenting include:

Next, we detail the basic practices that are usually carried out to favor this upbringing:

1. Secure emotional bond : It seeks to establish a warm and affectionate relationship with the child, providing security and confidence in their caregivers.
2. Sensitivity and rapid response : Parents or caregivers try to understand and respond sensitively and quickly to the needs of the child, especially when crying or showing signs of discomfort.
3. Conscious parenting : It involves being present and aware of the child's needs at all times, fostering a constant emotional connection.
4. Carrying and physical contact : Use carrying systems such as handkerchiefs, backpacks or baby carriers to maintain close and continuous contact with the baby.
5. Feeding on demand : Offer the breast or bottle when the baby shows signs of hunger and respect his feeding rhythm.
6. Safe co-sleeping : Share the bed with the baby, as long as the appropriate precautions are taken to guarantee their safety.

Learn more about safe co-sleeping, its benefits and how to practice it safely with your baby .

"The key is not how much, but to do it when the baby requires that physical closeness"

- Pediatrician and psychiatrist William Sears, attachment parenting 'guru' and bestselling author -

It's important to keep in mind that every family and every child is different , and there is no single parenting method that works for everyone. Attachment parenting is just one of many possible approaches, and it can be adapted and combined with other forms of parenting, depending on the needs of each family.

We hope that we have clarified your doubts about this respectful and attached upbringing .