Every child is unique with their own individual personalities and needs. There is no finite recipe for perfect parenting and no one way of getting it right.
The early days of parenting a new baby can be a very challenging and confusing time. We can often feel overwhelmed and unsure as life as we knew it has suddenly and dramatically changed. For many couples the first new born baby they will ever hold will be their own.
We live in a society that distrusts children and their ability to grow well. We are constantly trying to control them and how they behave and overwhelm ourselves with others expectations.
We watch clocks and impose feeding schedules, sleep train and seek expert "solutions" if baby is not sleeping through when six months old. We toilet train at a certain age and send our tiny children to child care so that they may be socialised. We plan every aspect of growth and try to manage every outcome.
Our attempts to control our children and structure our parenting have caused us to loss sight of our own innate ability to meet the needs of our children and trust them in guiding their development and growth.
In a culture that continues to push children towards early independence, we often overlook the importance of beginning life at home with a loving parent. This is a time where the scene is set for future development. It is a time where our children set down their 'roots' on this planet and begin to grow not just physically but emotionally, socially and spiritually. Our children's healthy attachment to others begins with us as parents.
Baby Health and Development
From the moment of birth parents are faced with a myriad of decisions regarding their child’s health and development. This sense of responsibility weighs heavy on many and choices are often not clear. ...moreBaby Wearing - Attachment Parenting
Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier creates many opportunities to build close bonds with your child, as well as giving you the freedom to carry on with the necessary tasks of daily life.& Skin to skin contact. ...moreBreastfeeding
The benefits of breastfeeding are well researched and documented. Whilst breastfeeding is a natural thing to do many women encounter considerable challenges throughout their breastfeeding career. For many, ... moreBaby and Toddler Crying
Modern society has some strong views on how we understand and respond to our children’s crying. We are often taught that crying should be distracted, punished or ignored. Today, many child care professionals ... moreSleep - Baby and Parents
Given the intrinsic nature of sleep to our overall wellbeing it is vital that we spend time understanding and planning to meet the sleep and night time needs of all family members. Each family should be encouraged ... moreToys for Developing Children
Wanting to support your baby's development and exploration? This section gives some sound advice on selecting age appropriate toys that are simple and natural. From home made gift ideas to store bought products. ... moreLife after Birth
Despite the most meticulous preparation for welcoming a new baby, nothing quite prepares us for parenthood as being fully immersed in its wonders and challenges. As focus is usually on the birth and welcoming a ...more
Natural Baby website offers information on breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing, crying and a myriad of ideas that support the bonding and connection of parent and child.
Babyhood is a short time in the journey to independence. Despite its sometimes overwhelming demands it offers us many precious opportunities to create lasting connections with our child.