The Search for the Perfect Baby
Babies who go to sleep at night by themselves can be certainly be convenient, but look at what the parents of those babies might be missing! There can be great joy to be found in rocking or nursing your baby to sleep. During those peaceful times when you are both rocking back and forth, quietly enjoying each other's presence, the softness of your bodies, and the way each other smells--yes, your baby likes the way you smell, too!--you can get to know each other in a way that parents of easy (or trained) babies might not understand. Those times can be precious and bring wonderful memories. They make you feel good about yourself and help you see that your baby loves and needs you and these times can bring the confidence that comes when you are actively meeting your baby's needs.
Some babies seem to enjoy playing by themselves, but some clearly don't. The parents of a baby who enjoys playing by himself may miss out on a lot of wonderful interaction with their baby. Letting your baby become an integral part of your life can bring huge blessings for both of you. Think of all the communication skills and social skills and other things he learns by sitting at the table with you when you eat, by resting in a sling while you do the dishes, clean the house, or play with your other children. A baby nurtured in this way is not at the center of attention like so many people warn about, this baby is simply part of his family--an involved member of his family--like any other family member.
Let me paint a different picture of the "perfect baby." It's a baby who loves being in mommy's arms, a baby who loves to sleep cuddled next to her, a baby who knows what he needs and cries to let his mommy know, a baby who--as his needs are consistently, responsively, and compassionately met--will grow up according to his own inborn timetable into a trusting, independant, confident child and adult.
Actually, there is not one type of "perfect baby." Truly, though, babies who demand more--i.e., babies who clearly let their parents know they have needs--often bring out the best in parents. They can help parents be better parents. . . more involved parents. These babies may not take a pacifier in place of mommy's breasts. They may not take a cuddly in
Latest Articles