Attachment parenting is becoming more and more popular as parents want to do the right thing for their children. Attachment parenting is a type of parenting that describes a highly responsive and highly attentive style of caring for a child. There are three main types of parenting that have been identified through the years by the psychological and medical community. Attachment parenting is one of these three types. In order to determine which type of parent that you are with your children and make changes or understand how this form of parenting works, you need to understand the basics and how this form of parenting is classified.

According to this theory created by William Sears, there are eight principles that define attachment parenting. Each principle has its own role in this form of parenting. Each individual principle is like a building block that, when combined, creates the whole foundation that this parenting style represents. Overall, attachment parenting is a style that is theorized to allow a strong bond to develop between the parents and the child. It is often used by parents who desire to be sensitive and emotionally sympathetic to their children which, also in theory, helps a child’s socio-emotional development flourish.

The first principle is preparation. The whole purpose of principle one in the overall attachment parenting style is that parenting requires planning in all aspects, not just planning how you will raise your child but also the aspects of pregnancy and childbirth as well. We all know that there are times when planning a pregnancy and childbirth cannot be planned, so you move on to the next aspect. From this point you plan all of the values and other things that you want to teach your children to give them the structure that they need in order to grow up to be functional and successful adults. Think about the type of discipline that you will use, but you also need to have a good understanding of the stages in a child’s emotional and physical development so that you can plan and adjust accordingly.

Principle two in attachment parenting is called Feeding with Love and Respect, which basically translates to the fact that breast feeding is the best thing for your child. In keeping with the theory of developing a bond, breast feeding is the best way for a mother to bond with her child. For father’s, bottle feeding using breast milk can help to build the same strong bond.

The third principle of attachment parenting is sensitivity. Under this principle, parents should be responding to each and every aspect of your child’s life and development with sensitivity. You should sensitively approach situations that show your child that you are allowing them to grow emotionally while still providing them with the emotional stability that only parents can give.

Principle four is nurturing through touch. This principle of attachment parenting is all about responding to your infant and child through reassuring touch. Children are born with an extreme need for physical interaction and using touch to reinforce emotional support and understand helps strengthen the bond of love and trust between parent and child.

The fifth principle of attachment parenting is to prove that night time does not stop your role as a parent. Some parents will interpret this as allowing their children to share the bed – like a “family bed” — or sleeping in the same room. Other parents have an open door policy.

Principles six and seven of attachment parenting revolve around consistent love and positive discipline. Basically, you love your child unconditionally and discipline through learning instead of punishment.

The final principle of attachment parenting is to work for a perfect balance between your personal life and your family life. All of the other principles rely on making attachment parenting work through a complete balance of every aspect of your life.

Natural parenting is based on principles, not strict rules that can be worked into every family. Each family is different and the needs differ also. Your kids might be past the need for the Ergo baby carrier, or your choices regarding the MMR vaccine may differ from other parents. Loving-Attachment-Parenting.com will give you the options and support to make attachment parenting work ‘just right’ for you and your circumstances – all for the love of parenthood.

Before beginning a shopping trip for a baby, think about what you know about the parents, especially what you know about the mother. The mother is usually the primary caregiver and the one who makes the most decisions where the baby is concerned. If she does not like it, chances are she is not going to use it. Try to buy something that appeals to her taste first. A good place to start is by asking her if she is registered anywhere. Most retail stores will have baby shower gift registries where moms-to-be can register their wish lists. If playing it safe is your game, purchase a gift from a store where the mother is registered.

Another safe gift for a new baby is to buy necessities. Babies need lots and lots of diapers, bottles, burp rags, pacifiers, etc. You can never go wrong with these types of things. You will not make a big statement with this type of gift, but it definitely will be appreciated because costs add up quickly when caring for a new baby. You can never have too many diapers or all in ones for the little bundle of joy.

If you are looking to impress, something a little more personal is in order. Personalized baby gifts are always a big hit. Whether you decide to put the baby’s first name, last name or initials on the item, it really does not matter. All in ones with the baby’s name or a cute saying are cute. Blankets adorned with the family’s initials could become a treasured heirloom for years to come. Even personalized baby gift baskets full of several different items for the new arrival will please any mom-to-be.

Sometimes it is just too difficult to decide what to get, especially if the person you are buying for is meticulous. When this is the case, a good old fashioned gift card can make a shopping nightmare into a dream. No need to worry or fret whether the recipient is going to like the item or not. You do not need to keep any receipts. Just purchase a gift card, slip it into a greeting card and give. Many times, new parents are very happy with gift cards and gifts of money so they can go out and buy exactly what they need and like.