Attachment parenting is a fancy name for what I would describe as a kind and natural approach to parenting. It means different things to different people, but generally / often includes extended breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, and responsiveness (not letting the baby cry in order to “train” it). All very sensible, and while I don’t entirely live by the AP ideals, I agree with the general direction. (An AP mum wouldn’t leave her baby in the care of strangers at 6 months, for sure.)

AP parents are often also ecological parents so AP discussions frequently involve cloth nappies and organic foods etc.

But then, for some reason, some parents add another element: avoiding vaccinations. And that really baffles me. What does it have to do with attachment and closeness? How can you intentionally expose your baby to the risks of catching a serious but fully avoidable disease – and claim that it is good for your baby? Natural is not always necessarily better.