In a world where intuitive parenting is discouraged and bottles, disposables and "baby buckets" are the norm, there are a handful of great children's books that promote extended nursing, babywearing and other attachment parenting mainstays. Sharing AP books with your child is a great way to help reinforce the nurturing lessons you want your child to pass along as they grow into parents themselves.

Babywearing

A Ride on Mother's Back by Emery and Durga Bernhard

Beautiful paintings of babywearers from around the world illustrate this book. Promotes multicultural understanding and babywearing at the same time! A great read for preschoolers to early grades.



Breastfeeding

Mama Mama and Papa Papa Board Books by Jean Marzollo

These adorable books promote attachment parenting through sweet illustrations of animals nursing and nurturing their babies. Cosleeping, breastfeeding and other AP ideas are woven throughout. A couple of really cute books now available as a board book set.



I'm Made of Mama's Milk by Mary Olson

This book gets mixed reviews. Either you love it or you don't. Those who love this book cherish it as a sweet story about extended nursing.



Cosleeping

All on a Sleepy Night by Shutta Crum

Too sweet illustrations with lots of details make this book a wonderful bed time read. The story features a little boy who sleeps with his grandparents and the creaky sounds of his house during the night.



So Many Bunnies by Rick Walton

A counting and ABC book rolled into one adorable story about a mother rabbit putting her babies to bed throughout the house. Each sleeps in a different place and the story counts all 26 bunnies and rhymes their names "1 was named Abel. He slept on the table. 2 was named Blair. She slept in a chair." Sweet illustrations and lots of learning.



Siblings

Learning to be a big brother or sister can be a daunting task. Good books help kids to understand and work through their often conflicting emotions about having a new baby in the house.

We Have a Baby by Cathryn Falwell

A sweet story about parents who include their older child in preparing for and caring for the new member of their family. Perfect for younger children, the cut paper illustrations are inviting and interesting. Also a great read for multicultural families.



Welcome With Love by Jenni Overend

If you are planning a home birth with older siblings in attendance, or even if you simply want to help your child understand your home birth experience, this book is a must read. The tale of a young boy and his parents as they welcome a new baby at home with a midwife. Detailed and sweet, your child will be well prepared for a home birth.



Baby on the Way by Martha Sears, et al

A typical Sears book with lots of babywearing, family bed sharing, and other AP standards. A great explanation of pregnancy, birth and adjusting to a new baby. Preschool to early grades.