CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Which Parenting Style Is Best For Baby?

save article
profile picture of Kim Blase
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Veer / The Bump

I really feel it would have been so much easier to have and raise a baby in simpler times. Today, it feels like having and raising a baby has become somewhat of a competition or a trendy, popularity contest. That might sound harsh, but hear me out:

Although all the new advances in medicine have been amazing — heck, I wouldn’t have my son right now if it weren’t for ICSI-IVF—but along with all the wonderful advances, many theories, ideas, and rules have been created. Last time I checked, most people survived just fine without all these new theories and rules. There are theories on pregnancy, childbirth, sleep methods, feeding, vaccinating and the list can go on and on. I nannied for a couple different families that both followed some sort of parenting theory and I, truthfully, figured I would as well because I saw what worked and/or what didn’t work. However, every child is different.

Currently, my husband and I do not follow any type of theory whatsoever:

I did not have a birth plan — well, my plan consisted of: ‘yes I want an epidural.’ Other than that, whatever was best for baby and myself is what would happen. I just didn’t really care how I brought our son into the world, as long as it didn’t hurt too badly (yeah, right!).

He is getting vaccinated — regardless of all the debate going on these days.

I did choose to breastfeed, but I was also lucky enough to have a little guy who is a quick learner, and we haven’t had any problems. In fact, he eats so well, he’s the average size of a seven- or eight-month-old at only four month. I hate how some mothers are made to feel like crap if they stop breastfeeding. I am a full-time working mom who pumps at work and feeds him myself when I’m home, but not everyone is able to do that. And, quite frankly, breastfeeding is not for everyone. Truth be told, I would like to stop now, but I won’t. I promised myself before we had our son that I would go for nine months, so five more months to go and I won’t feel bad about stopping.

Related Video

Despite the recommendation to keep a newborn away from crowds, he was actually out at a graduation party at three-and-a-half weeks old. And he never got sick.

He had his first boat ride at six weeks — it was a pontoon and grandpa was driving extra slow

He only slept in our room for about a month, then it was on to his own room. (And I did not break the ‘no bumper’ rule.)

He started eating rice cereal at four months, against the big belief of waiting until six months. He loves it!

I just read so many forums, message boards, and blogs that mention so many different theories that it makes me wonder sometimes if I’m doing the right thing; if I’m being the best mom I can be. And, honestly, once Connor graced us with his presence, all intentions of following any theories went out the window. We are following the only theory we know best: ours. This may come from the fact that we, essentially, have a very easy baby. Aside from some acid reflux issues in the beginning, he does not fuss or cry much, he eats wonderfully and on a perfect schedule (perfect for my work schedule), sleeps beautifully, and is incredibly happy. All without following a single theory from a single expert. We are first time parents; we don’t know everything and we never will have all the answers, but I do know this, the only theory we’ll follow right now is our own by doing our best by our son to make sure he is brought up safely, comfortably, and happily. And, so far, I think we’re doing a great job.

Do you follow a specific parenting style or method? What parenting choices have you made that have been most important to you?

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Khloé Kardashian, Penelope Disick, Kim Kardashian, North West and Kris Jenner attend the "RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR" at SoFi Stadium on September 04, 2023 in Inglewood, California.
These Are 2023’s Most Influential Celebrity Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
Twin Halloween Costumes-hero
Twinning for the Win: 28 Best Twin Costumes for Halloween
By Korin Miller
Amazon Prime Benefits Hero
Awesome Amazon Prime Benefits Parents Didn't Even Know Existed
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
mom congress in front of capitol building
The 2023 Mom's Agenda: a Path to More Parent-Friendly Legislation
By Wyndi Kappes
Kristin and Deena from big little feelings
Behind-the-Scenes Parenting With the Pros Behind Big Little Feelings
By Lauren Barth
black family holding hands while walking on sidewalk outside
How Generational Trauma Affects Black Families—and Ways to Work Toward Healing
By A. Rochaun Meadows-Fernandez
mother and toddler son smiling
What Raising a Child Without Family Has Taught Me About Parenthood
By Hannah Silverman
ADVERTISEMENT
jesse tyler ferguson and family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Parenting, Potty Training and Pride
By Natalie Gontcharova
mother holding baby outside in park
These Are 2023’s Best Cities to Raise a Family, Report Says
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler tugging on pregnant mom while she's talking on the phone and holding baby; overstimulated mom
The Reasons Parents Feel Overstimulated—and How to Cope
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
anxious mother sitting with sleeping daughter
8 Habits That Are Exacerbating Your Anxiety as a Parent
By Lauren Barth
Advertisement
Parents Share the Advice They Wish Someone Had Told Them Before Baby
Parents Share the Advice They Wish Someone Had Told Them Before Baby
By Anna Davies
chrissy teigen real talk on parenting
Chrissy Teigen on Parenting, Fast Food and the Fourth Trimester
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
best meal kit delivery services for families and kids 2023
9 Best Meal Delivery Service Options for Hungry, Busy Families
By Christin Perry
baby playing with mom and dad in nursery room
What to Do if Your Child Has a Preferred Parent
By Blair Sharp
pregnant mother sitting with toddler on couch at home
The Myth of Second-Time Parent Preparedness
By Elizabeth Narins
ashley graham and babies
Ashley Graham on Diapers, Date Nights and the Fourth Trimester
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
black and white image of mother disciplining toddler
Why Gentle Parenting Just Doesn’t Work for Me
By Lauren Barth
mother and father bonding with newborn baby at home
Bonding With Baby: How Long Does It Take to Connect With Your Newborn?
By Ericka Sóuter
rear view of mother holding daughter's hand while walking into school
Back-to-School Puts “Default Parent” Pressure on Moms, Survey Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List