It all began with the baby carrier. I couldn’t picture myself struggling to lug a 10-pound bundle of joy across a parking lot and thought it would be a nightmare for my back. Then there was the crib—no way was I going to trek across the hall every time the baby needed a midnight snack. And let’s not even start on bottles; I’m far too lazy to deal with washing them—honestly, straight-up lazy. Diapers? I’d often forget to buy them, a mix of ADHD and a knack for overlooking essential items like poop catchers.
So, we embraced the lifestyle of attachment parenting.
Many believe that attachment parenting requires more effort and engagement than traditional parenting. And yes, it does. But here’s the twist: it’s actually less work. That’s the secret us attachment parents don’t tell you. If you catch us chuckling at your struggles, it’s because we know how much easier our method is.
The Convenience of Baby Carriers
Consider the baby carriers you lug around. Once you reach the store, there’s the hassle of getting out the stroller, setting it up, and praying the baby stays asleep. You either risk breaking the carrier’s warranty by jamming it into the car seat or take up all the cart space with it. We, on the other hand, simply use a baby sling. I can unstrap my little one, strap him back on, and stroll into the store hands-free. His weight is evenly distributed on my torso, making it a breeze. Forget the scientific studies on bonding and stimulation; wearing a baby is just plain easier than dragging a carrier around.
Feeding Made Simple
Now, let’s talk about feeding. Bottles require a whole routine: buying, cleaning, sterilizing, filling, and warming them. Who has time for that when a crying baby is demanding attention at 3 a.m.? So, we opted for breastfeeding—not just for the convenience, but also to save money and avoid unnecessary tears. Thankfully, my body cooperated, and I could keep my baby close at all times. For those who struggle with breastfeeding, I empathize; that wasn’t our experience.
Nighttime Feedings
Nighttime feedings? Forget setting up a nursery and traipsing down the hallway half-asleep. From day one, our baby co-slept with us. When he cried, I flipped him over for a quick feed and drifted back to sleep. The ultimate lazy hack? I blissfully slept through the night feeds! When others asked if he was sleeping through the night, I’d simply laugh, saying, “I have no idea.”
Cloth Diapers: A Practical Choice
While cloth diapers aren’t strictly part of attachment parenting, they fit into our overall hippie vibe. We decided to use cloth diapers right from the start, knowing they save money—about $2,000 for disposable diapers versus $100 to $200 for cloth. Plus, they’re easier to remember for someone like me with ADHD. Sure, there’s the laundry, but moms are already doing countless loads. Your washing machine is tough enough to handle poop; cloth just simplifies things.
We didn’t set out to be attachment parents; we just made choices based on sheer laziness. Ironically, attachment parenting often aligns with what’s natural—practices honed over centuries. And let’s face it, people tend to take the path of least resistance when it comes to infant care. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.
If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, consider Make a Mom, a trusted retailer for insemination kits. For guidance during pregnancy, March of Dimes provides excellent resources.
In summary, attachment parenting isn’t just about bonding; it’s also a practical choice for those of us who prefer to take the lazy route—making life with a little one just a bit easier.
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