I am an attachment parent

First off, I know this will scare some people off my "review" but, I haven't yet read this book. I did read all the other reviews and I'd like to comment on attachment parenting as someone who has done it twice. We co- sleep, which is not dangerous as some other reviewers ( who've never done it) stated. Research shows that it prevents SIDS because your baby is reminded to breath by your breathing and if your baby were to have a problem you would know immediately. I know first hand this is true! And people do not co-sleep because they are too poor to afford another room as one idiot commented in a previous review. Come on now, how stupid! I do breastfeed, my children have never had a bottle and have no idea what formula is. But I do, it contains many things that are bad for babies as well as tating HORRIBLE!Read the label, look up the ingredients on te internet and taste it. Then decide if its good for your baby. Formula was made for a baby who was dying and couldnt nurse due to a birth defect, not for healthy babies! It was a last resort! Why are all these babies being given formula? A mothers milk is made specifically for your baby every day according to their needs at the moment. Its not just the perfect food. It allows babies the physical closenes thats so crucial in the early days months and even years. Self weaning does not mean they will nurse forever. Most stop by age 2. And the American board of pediatrics says that this is an ideal age! Other reviews have said that its inconvenient for them to parent this way. While I understand that, you are a parent. If you didnt want to parent you shouldnt have had kids. Why have a child if you are going to leave them in daycare all day eating formula and then bring them home and ignore them until its time to put them on the other side of the house in a baby cage? Just stay single and selfish and dont involve children it that! My children are not whiney and uncontrolable as other reviewers have stated all attachment children are. They are MORE social and indipendant because having their needs met has given them self confidence and trust! I will say though, that parenting is something that should be done naturally. Follow your instincts. You don't need to follow anyone elses phylosophy and you certainly dont need to agree with EVERYTHING anyone says. Do you believe co sleeping, breastfeeding, baby wearing is right? Do you think it's best for your baby? Then do it! If not, do what works for you. But don't let somebody elses "extremist" attitude on either side, make your decisions for you! That's why YOU are the parent!

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Good encouragement to trust your instincts

I heard of the term "attachment parenting" when my first child was a few months old. Upon learning more about it, I realized it was nothing more than what I was doing all along -- trusting my instincts. This book helped me learn even more detail about all the aspects of AP that were part of our family life. It also helped me learn what it is not (such as one can be an attached parent without using cloth diapers). It would have been nice to find this book while I was still pregnant and trying to figure out the "right" way to mother, but I sure am glad I found it later.

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Five years on, I'm glad I followed this book's advice

I noticed many reviews here are by expectant soon-to-be moms, and I hope it will help if I say that I am very, very glad that I chose to parent my now-soon-to-be-six-year-old daughter according to this book's advice. I also used the Sears books, but this was my bible.

Far from being whiny, as oen reviewer avers AP children are, my daughter was recently complimented in her school report on her outstanding empathy and skill with people, adults and children (just what Granju predicts). As well, she and I had and still have a very close bond, and we had a lovely, snuggly, delicious first two-three years together. I still look back on them with great joy, and so does she. She weaned herself at three, but still remembers breastfeeds with affection.

However, we did set limits for her from when it became obvious that she needed them, and as a result she accepts limits as well as most children (that is, not always, of course). For example, we often dine with her in fairly sophisticated restaurants because we know we can rely on her to stay seated, be pleasant and eat politely; I took her to the ballet last week and she was entranced and very well-behaved. She is also very close to her father.

Of course you, dear readers, have only my word for this, but my word is that this style of parenting works. My daughter is happy, secure, sane and unspoilt.

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