Attachment parenting: an exploration of demographics and practices

Abstract

The goal of this study was to identify parenting behaviors practiced by a self‐selected group of North American parents who identify themselves as attachment parents. This type of parenting is based on behaviors that are focused on infant needs and demands perhaps more strongly than are traditional mainstream western parenting practices. However, little is known about the demographics of the parents or the actual parameters of their behaviors. In order to further investigate these behaviors, a self‐report questionnaire was developed for use in the study. This questionnaire was included, without return postage, in an international parenting magazine, Compleat Mother. A sample of 275 mothers returned the instrument. Respondents were predominantly married, college educated and White. The respondents reported that of their infants the majority were exclusively breastfed on the infant’s cue and for an extended period of time, coslept and were held or nursed during the transition to sleep. These practices are discussed through a cross‐cultural perspective.

Keywords:

• Attachment parents
• Breastfeeding
• Cosleeping
• Cross‐cultural parenting practices
• Infancy