Calling all Attachment parents

[MummyBerryJuice]

So I totally buy into attachment parenting, extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping and don't think that we could cope with our high-need DS (7.5 months) if we didn't babywear etc but I'm coming under increasing pressure to resort to a more 'traditional' form of parenting. DH and I are happy ( if exhausted) but I sometimes feel my resolve faltering when DS has had a particularly demanding day/night. It often only takes a quick read of the Sears website or some such to reaffirm my beliefs.

I don't know any other AP in rl so it would be great to have a support type thread here.

All contributors welcome

I don't think excessive carrying slows down the desire to crawl, I think if a baby wants to go somewhere, they will!
I just used to give DD plenty of opportunities to have a go at rolling and crawling. Think about the children in developing countries who are carried ALL the time while their mothers work the fields. They manage to learn to crawl and walk!

Bertie how are you finding bfing a 23 month old? my DD is 21 months and I have just started reading "Mothering your nursing toddler" which is enlightening so far. I thought I would stop when she's 2, but actually, now I've changed my mind and I think I will let her self-wean. Any thoughts?

No, it doesn't. DS1 crawled at 7 months and ds2 is 5 months and almost there (and desire-wise has been for a month).

On the contrary, mine seemed to get so used to constant movement they never stop - I see all those babies and toddlers sitting still in buggies for hours and know mine would never do that!

Yes, mine is always keen to get out of her buggy and get going!

I've just found this thread. My 14 month old is exclusively worn - we haven't used a pram for 8 months now. We also co-slept on a casual basis (ie when he wasn't in his hammock) and still occasionally do.
Re: back carrying and naps - I use a wrap and if he nods off I just wait until he is nice and sleepy and floppy then lean forwards and re-wrap with it up behind his head. As long as you wrap precisely and tightly the head will stay in the right place. I also have a podaegi wrap-conversion which is great because the set part can be slid up so the head is supported without actually unwrapping fully.

We get a lot of grief about babywearing in my area - lots of people who think it is acceptable to make hugely negative comments to a complete stranger about her parenting choices. I don't understand it at all - now that he is older he spends most of his time trying to climb over my shoulder to laugh into my face so he obviously isn't unhappy. Some people just can't cope with seeing something that is not the norm.

i breastfeed, co-sleep and babywear and intend to a good couple of years. I would never consider myself 'an attachment parent' though,
I believe children need discipline, guidance, praise, support and assisted to learn the difference between right and wrong

i dont believe in parenting techniques which place the mother in such a stressful, high pressure place, i dont think that it is good for the child or the mother, let alone the whole family.

Plus, i have heard no positive stories RE older children who have been left to their own devices and given everything they want/choice in everything they do

I think AP is brilliant, til the child is a certain age and then i think that other methods are more effective for creating adjusted, balanced and happy children x