Sensorize Attachment Parenting

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Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your
own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.

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Meeting sensory needs

Dr. William Sears coined the phrase “attachment parenting” (AP), but he didn’t invent the concept. AP is as
old as time. Long before there were books and experts telling parents what to think, what to do, and how to
parent, there was AP. Attachment Parenting is instinctive parenting. Just as an animal knows exactly
what her offspring needs, so do human parents. The trick is learning to listen to ourselves again. AP can
best be defined as parenting from the heart. When a parent pushes aside all the "experts" and the well-
meaning advice of family and friends, and just listens to the needs of her own child-- that's attachment
parenting. Attachment Parenting FAQ

Jan Hunt, author of and creator of the Natural Child Project
Website has written a great article that starts "Attachment parenting, to put it most simply, is believing
what we know in our heart to be true." See the whole article here.

Attachment Parenting is about forming and nurturing strong connections between parents and their
children. This style of parenting encourages responsiveness to the infant or child's emotional needs, and
develops trust that their emotional needs will be met. As a result, this strong attachment helps the child
develop secure, empathic, peaceful and enduring relationships.

In conjunction with the work of Dr. William and Martha Sears, and informed by current research,
Attachment Parenting International promotes The Eight Principles of Attachment Parenting. Recognizing
that every family is unique, these principles are guidelines to help parents understand their baby's needs
to develop a secure attachment.

Preparation for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting-Become emotionally and physically prepared for
pregnancy and birth. Research available options for healthcare providers and birthing environments,
and become informed about routine newborn care. The fewer interventions there are the better.
Feed with Love and Respect-Breastfeeding is the optimal way to satisfy an infant’s nutritional and
emotional needs. Follow the feeding cues for both infants and children, encouraging them to eat
when they are hungry and stop when they are full.
Respond with Sensitivity-Tune in to what your child is communicating to you, then respond
consistently and appropriately. Babies cannot be expected to self-soothe, they need calm, loving,
empathetic parents to help them learn to regulate their emotions.
Use Nurturing Touch-Touch meets a baby’s needs for physical contact, affection, security,
stimulation, and movement. Skin-to-skin contact is especially effective, such as during
breastfeeding, bathing, or massage. Carrying or babywearing also meets this need while on the go.
Engage in Nighttime Parenting-Babies and children have needs at night just as they do during the
day; from hunger, loneliness, and fear, to feeling too hot or too cold. They rely on parents to soothe
them and help them regulate their intense emotions. Safe bedsharing or near-sleeping has benefits
to both babies and parents.
Provide Consistent Loving Care-Babies and young children have an intense need for the physical
presence of a consistent, loving, responsive caregiver: ideally a parent. Long or frequent separation
causes stress and grief in small children, which can effect their attachment to parents
Practice Positive Discipline-Positive discipline helps a child develop a conscience guided by his own
internal discipline and compassion for others. Discipline that is empathetic, loving, and respectful
strengthens the connection between parent and child.
Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life-It is easier to be emotionally responsive when you feel
in balance. Create a support network, set realistic goals, put people before things, and don’t be afraid
to say “no”. Recognize individual needs within the family and meet them to the greatest extent
possible without compromising your physical and emotional health. Be creative, have fun with
parenting, and take time to care for yourself.

Many attachment parents also choose to live a natural family living (NFL) lifestyle, which may include
natural childbirth, home birth, stay-at-home parenting, cloth diapering, no circumcision, no vaccines,
baby wearing, extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homeschooling, unschooling, and organic food.

My favorite bras when I was pregnant, during labor, and while nursing were Bravado Bras. They are soooo
comfortable! And now they also have nursing tanks! You can find them at
along with pads, lansinoh, and nursing pillows.
You'll probably use many cloth diapers before finding a favorite. They are so much cuter than disposables!
At                                                                                                 , they have Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heiny's,
Swaddlebees, Mommy's Touch, and more. They also carry lots of great slings, including SlingEZee, Ergo,
Maya Wrap, and TaylorMade in every color and pattern you can think of.

Also visit our Attachment Parenting Store and Natural Toys Page for long lasting, quality toys.

Visit "Attachment Parenting Pediatrics" for some really insightful articles written by a pediatrician.

Baby massage and therapeutic massage are both excellent ways to keep connected to your child.

Alliance for Transforming the Lives of Children is dedicated to supporting parents, caregivers,
professionals, and policymakers in practicing the art and science of nurturing children.

                               Here is a fabulous idea! An adorable "bonding doll" from a local Santa Cruz business:
                              "This bonding doll is designed to give babies the sense of being close to their mom
                               and dad. This is how it works; Mom and dad need to sleep with the doll for 2-3 days
                               and the baby will then recognize their scent. This doll fosters a continuous parental
                               bond with a sense of security." Visit TwinkleBaby for these dolls in every color and
                               choice of organic material. They also have luxurious baby blankets and gift sets for
                               the new parents.

Attachment Parenting