Natural Parenting: Trusting Your Instincts With a New Baby

Before your baby arrives you read everything. Then they're here, and half of the advice contradicts the other half. Natural parenting starts from a simpler idea: watch your baby, and trust what you see.

Follow your baby's signals

Babies can't talk, but they tell you plenty. Turning their head and sucking on a fist often means hunger. Looking away can mean they've had enough of all the noise. The more time you spend together, the better you get at reading this. You don't need a schedule or an app for it. It takes time and attention.

Keep them close

Parents who like natural parenting often carry their babies a lot. Your baby is near you during the day, and you can still get things done. You can hang the washing or walk the dog with your baby on you.

Without the pressure

Natural parenting is sometimes presented as a set of rules you have to get right. It isn't meant that way. Some days you're patient and present. Other days you put the TV on so you can have a shower. Both are fine. Paying attention most of the time is what counts.

Natural fabrics

For a lot of parents, natural also applies to what touches their baby's skin. We made the Solace Carrier from natural, breathable fabrics, with an adjustable seat for the M position. Your baby can face you from birth.

And if your instinct tells you something is off with your baby, call your midwife or doctor. Trusting your gut includes that too.