Is it Neglect of Independence

So I have been told on more than one occassion that I don't hold my baby enough. According to who? According to my dauther's temperment that is not true. "Oh your daughter needs a helmet because you didnt hold her enough as a infant". Umm no. Her head became misshapen due to a neck condition torticollis. That is a condition that happens in the womb. The baby looses room to move so one neck mucles becomes weak. If it would have been caught early, neck exercises would correct it. Well the doc didnt catch it until she was 6 months old. Her facial features were distorted so they recommended a helmet.

But back to my original point. When lexi was younger, I tried a sling and snugli with her. She hated it and wanted nothing to do with it. I realized then that she was not the type of baby that wanted to be carried around all the time. I truly beleive some children don't desire to be held. Some are naturally independent. They are much more content left to play as long as you are in there vision. That is how lexi is. I love that she is developing some independence. as a working mother, she has been with our baby sitter (who is a family friend) since she was 10 weeks old. And that really helped her thrive.

I don't agree with mommy's who say "oh you use a bouncy/exersaucer/jumper? I can't beleive you neglect her like that". Its not neglect. Its letting her develop her own personality. And that is exactly what she is doing. She is an extremely happy well adjusted baby.

Don't ever let anyone make you feel guilty just because you don't sling your baby or hold them all the time...think about how well adjusted your child will be when she starts school and mommy isnt there all the time!