The web defines attachment parenting as an approach to raising infants that aims to promote a close relationship between the baby and its parents by methods such as feeding on demand and letting the baby sleep with its parents.

Attachment not a list of rules

Attachment parenting is based on the attachment theory which basically focuses on making a child feel safe, secure and protected.

Attachment is where the child uses the primary caregiver as a secure base from which to explore and, when necessary, as a haven of safety and a source of comfort.

It is an approach to bring up your child that promotes a secure attachment bond between parents and their children. It is not a list of rules, but more a philosophy.

Many people mistake attachment with bonding (which is the skin-to-skin contact during early critical period).

Attachment parenting focuses on the nurturing connection that parents can develop with their children. That nurturing connection is viewed as the ideal way to raise secure, independent, and empathetic children. They also say that even though there are ‘methods’ to apply, how it’s applied is ultimately open to interpretation.

People therefore define it as more of a mindset than a method.

Fundamentals of attachment parenting

Attachment parenting.org describes the following eight principles of attachment parenting:

1. Prepare for pregnancy, childbirth  and parenting.
2. Feed with love and respect. Breastfeeding a baby is definitely the best option, if you can. If you bottle feed, you can still connect with your child just as well as if you’ve breastfed.While breast milk is healthier, breastfeeding is not something that you have to do to “attach” better.
3. Respond with sensitivity.
4. Provide a nurturing touch BUT not if it interferes with something your baby is learning or it’s actually done in such an excessive manner that it’s more annoying to baby, than actually adding value to the attachment theory. For example, if babies sleep, they do not want to be touched the whole time, they need to learn to self-sooth and to be comfortable in their own skins. Nurturing touch has is place, but not all the time. Anything excessive, will become a problem later in life.
5. Ensure safe sleep – whether you are an attachment parent or not, it is very important that safety should be your first priority and there is a lot of scientific proof that co-sleeping is not the safest way to sleep.
6. Use consistent and loving care.
7. Practice positive discipline and strive for personal and family balance. All members of the family have equal value. Parents need balance between their parenting role and their personal life in order to continue having the energy and motivation to maintain a healthy relationship and to model healthy lifestyles for their children.

Advocates and those against Attachment Parenting

Advocates:

• Mostly stay-at-home moms (it’s just not possible to follow most of the Attachment Parenting theory if you are working)
• Dr William Sears – paediatrician who made Attachment Parenting famous
• Feminists

Non-Supporters:

• Cry-it-out method followers

• People who actually believe that their whole family needs to sleep well

Whether you will label yourself as an attachment parent or not, we do believe that “extremism” in which ever way is not good when it comes to our children. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty or bad about how you raise your children. You are the best parent for your child and should do what you feel comfortable with.

About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za

The post Attachment Parenting: What it means in theory and practice appeared first on All4Baby.

The post The milestones of your little rocket scientist appeared first on All4Baby.

Here are a few guidelines to introducing solids to your baby…

A new experience

Remember that your baby has only had fluids up until this point which are easy to swallow and hold in the mouth. The introduction of solids brings a whole new experience to the child with different tastes, smells and textures.

You will find that your child will enjoy keeping food in his/her mouth for a while before swallowing to learn the textures of the food. Make sure that you have set enough time aside for feeding as it could take a while.

Introduce only pureed foods at first

From 4-6 months you want to only introduce pureed foods as these are less likely to cause choking and maintain that similar texture to the fluid that they are accustomed to. Start with small teaspoons of one food at a time to determine tolerance and enjoyment.

Rice and maize cereals are good introductory foods but be sure to avoid wheat to reduce risk of developing an allergy.

Bland vegetables such as squash, peas and carrots should always be introduced before fruit to avoid the development of a “sweet tooth”.

Then try a variety of foods

From  six to eight months you can begin to try a variety of new foods ensuring that you are always monitoring for any allergies or reactions.

Introduce pureed meat such as chicken, pork or beef.  Mash vegetables so the consistency becomes a bit thicker to what you baby is used.

Mash fruit such as pears, bananas and apples; try unsweetened yogurt but remember no cow’s milk until your baby has reached the one year mark. Again, start with one teaspoon at a time and gradually increase according to tolerance.

From there, move on to finger foods

From eight to ten months include finger foods into the diet. Small pieces of banana, potato, peas and scrambled eggs are nice options for your baby to hold and feed him/herself.

Also introduce small amounts of fish, mashed beans, lentils and soft cheeses (no cow’s milk). Don’t forget to continue with the mashed fruit and vegetables to ensure variety.

Continue to introduce one food at a time

From 10 to 12 months your baby will try and hold its’ own spoon and will no longer push food out of his/her mouth. Continue with finger foods and introduce bite size pieces of soft fruit, vegetables, toast and cheeses.

Try combination foods such as macaroni and cheese or casseroles. Continue to do one food at a time

The post A guideline to introducing your baby to solids appeared first on All4Baby.

A cooler climate also spells the start of dry skin, cracked lips and irritated complexions, all of which affect your baby’s usually plump and moist skin. Geoffrey Holtes, brand custodian for Krayons in South Africa says that keeping your infant’s skin soft and supple during the winter months is easily achieved by adding a few extra steps to your bath time routine.

• If your baby’s skin is very dry and easily irritated, using Aqueous cream in the place of soap might help to soothe and moisturise more effectively during winter time. Apply the cream prior to lowering your baby into the bath and splash gently to cleanse when in the water.
• When bath time is over, pat your baby’s skin down with a soft towel being sure not to rub too hard and irritate the skin. Once the skin is dry, apply a thick layer of Baby Aqueous cream over your baby’s body.
• If your baby has dry or cracked lips, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on both lips to lock in moisture.
• Repeat the Aqueous cream (particularly on the cheeks) and petroleum jelly applications if you are going outside to ensure adequate protection from the harsh winter breeze.

Geoffrey says that with the South African climate, parents should also be mindful of the sun. “During the southern hemisphere winter it is still possible for skin to burn if exposed to the sun for too long. Parents should apply a high factor sun protection lotion if the baby will be exposed to the elements for too long.’

For more information on Krayons products visit KrayonsBabies on Facebook.

The post Winter skincare for infant skin appeared first on All4Baby.