American writer Jean Liedloff developed the idea that babies should be held constantly after spending time in the South American jungle with the Yequana tribe.
The basics include: instinct, based on human evolution and the importance of community.
Features
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Babies should be born at home
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Breastfeeding should start within the first 20 minutes of birth
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Bottle feeding is not an option
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Feeding is on demand – scheduled feeding is banned
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Babies should be held 'in arms' for the first six months – i.e. in a sling
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Babies should sleep in bed with their parents
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By enjoying such close contact with adults, babies will develop skills faster than other children
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Babies should be brought up by the whole 'tribe' (friends, family, etc) rather than just by the parents.
Fans
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Active parents who want babies to muck in
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Followers of alternative lifestyles.
Critics
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Mothers who need to go back to work
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Parents who don't want to be with their babies 24/7
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Women who don't want to breastfeed
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Dads who don't want baby in bed with them.
Tips
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Buy or borrow a hands-free baby carrier
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Keep the baby close but do not make them the centre of attention. The idea is for the adult to go about their business while the child watches, follows and imitates, rather than the parent becoming centred upon the child.
