Attachment Parenting: The Cheapest Way to Raise a Baby

Many parents panic when they discover that they are about to have a new baby. How will they afford the clothes, diapers and toys? What about the thousands of dollars worth of necessary baby equipment? It's enough to make any new parent worry.

Luckily, there is attachment parenting. Attachment parenting (or AP) is becoming increasingly popular, not only because it allows parents to form stronger and more lasting bonds of trust with their children, but also because practicing attachment parenting renders almost all of that expensive baby gear obsolete. Attachment parenting can save parents thousands of dollars.

Most people in the United States have never heard of attachment parenting. This style of parenting is the most natural type and is what has been practiced in animals and humans since the dawn of time.

Attachment parenting is the practice of allowing babies to develop attachments to people and relationships rather than inanimate objects. AP parents use what nature has given them and usually little else. It surprises many parents to learn that babies thrive on constant close contact and not on the many devices that manufacturing companies would like to sell us.

Instead of using a plastic device of some kind to placate a child, attachment parents hold their babies close to their bodies and keep constant contact with them, the way nature intended. Attached babies are happier, calmer, more confident, and cry less than babies who are not worn. Studies also show that babies who are attachment parented develop higher I.Q.s.

Here are a few ways in which attachment parenting practices help to save money: Not all AP parents use every one of these methods so, if you like, you can choose those that work best for you and your family.

AP parents carry their babies close to their bodies in soft, inexpensive cloth carriers like slings, wraps or mei tais. This eliminates the need for expensive equipment such as heavy plastic molded car seat carriers, strollers or prams.

Almost all AP parents co-sleep with their babies, eliminating the need for cribs, bassinets, swings, cradles, and other similar products. When done incorrectly, co-sleeping can be dangerous. If done correctly, however, co-sleeping is safer than putting a baby to sleep in a crib and can help prevent SIDS. To learn how to co-sleep safely, visit cosleeping.org.

Breastfeeding is a large part of attachment parenting. Breastmilk is not only free, but is far superior to any formula and is the very best food for your baby. Breastfeeding is easy and saves time. You don't need to buy any equipment to breastfeed, carry around bottles, wash anything, or prepare your baby's meals. A perfect, free meal is always available! The benefits of breastfeeding are overwhelming. Visit 101 Reasons to Breastfeed for more information on how breastfeeding can save lives and your sanity.

Cloth diapering is not specifically an attachment parenting practice, but most AP parents do use them. Contrary to popular belief, cloth diapers are more convenient, easier to use, more hygienic and more reliable than disposables. They also cost thousands of dollars less. You can save even more money by buying your cloth diapers used. Still can't afford diapers? Miracle Diapers is a non-profit group that loans cloth diapers to underprivileged families for free. Their services are excellent! To learn more about cloth diapering, see my article Are Disposables Really Better Than Cloth Diapers?

Toys are another area where attachment parents tend to need less. Many baby toys are designed for putting a baby down. Things like activity centers, walkers, bouncers and the like are not used in attachment parenting because attached parents hold their children more. These large toys are unnecessary. In fact, your baby will be happiest just playing with you and anything you may happen to have lying around the house. Because AP parents spend more time with their children and are fond of holding their babies, many baby products are not necessary. Playpens, high chairs and baby bathtubs can also be foregone.

If you are interested in practicing attachment parenting and only wish to own the bare minimum of items, you should be fine with buying only a car seat, a couple of types of baby carriers (I recommend a ring sling or a wrap and a mei tai), a few natural bath products, a set of cloth diapers and diaper pail, a few baby outfits, safety products, and a baby care kit with a thermometer, comb and bulb syringe. I have also found swaddling blankets and a nursing pillow indispensible.

For more information on attachment parenting, visit Attachment Parenting International.