Part 2 of 2.
Sharing sleep
Being responsive to your child's nighttime needs. In recent studies, safe bedsharing has reduced the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Sharing sleep promotes periods of light sleep beneficial to creating stable heart rates and breathing patterns. It also enhances the breastfeeding routine because it allows for frequent nursings.
Infants who share sleep feel warm and secure and therefore cry less (which means more sleep for parents!)
Avoid frequent or prolonged separations
Babies have an intense need for the physical presence of a loving, responsive parent. Through daily care and loving interactions strong parent-child attachments are formed. Frequent or prolonged separations can interfere with the development of secure attachments.
Try to keep separations down to a minimum when your preverbal baby is young and be responsive to your baby's need for your physical presence. Long separations can cause your baby to go through the stages of grief, and can affect his/her attachment to you. If separations are inevitable given your situation, then help your child to gradually work towards them.
Avoid "caregiver roulette."
Continuity of care with a consistent, loving, caregiver, is critical. If you are a working parent you can practice attachment when you are home to help you re-connect with your baby.
Maintain balance in your family life
Balance is the key to avoiding "parent burn-out" and can be achieved by taking care of yourself through exercise, quiet time and healthy eating.