The term Attachment Parenting was originally coined by paediatrician William Sears and these days it is a way of life for many parents, some of whom do not even realise they are doing it! There are whole communities both online and in real life’ that are dedicated towards the method of parenting. So, what is Attachment Parenting and is it for you?The Attachment Parenting loosely translates as sensitive and emotional parenting, where parents and caregivers respond to a child’s needs in a way which is said to foster healthy social and emotional development. For example, many Attachment Parents may practise co-sleeping for as long as their child benefits from it, which in some cases could be several years. The belief is that by allowing the child to fall asleep peacefully beside the parent, the chil fake tan d then learns to grow in confidence to the point that she is finally able to sleep independently- because no-one has asked her to do this before she is ready. The ultimate aim of Attachment parenting is to promote a healthy attachment between parent and child and let’s face it- most parents want this strong, secure bond anyway.For the first weeks of a baby’s life, attachment parenting requires parents to hold their baby close for as long as they can and as often as they can. Slings and baby-carriers are perfect for this and help to strengthen the bond further. Holding your baby also means that you become more adept to your baby’s moods, wants, needs and emotions, mostly due to the close proximity. Attachment Parenting does not believe in leaving a baby to cry it out- this goes against the concept.