On parenting styles

Abstract

Dear Members: AAP News recently (April May 1998) presented both sides of a discussion on a controversial parenting style promoted in the book "On Becoming Babywise," published by Growing Families International. The Commentaries evoked many impassioned responses from members and nonmembers alike, particularly regarding demand feedings vs. scheduled feedings. While the Academy has allowed this discussion in its membership publication, it nonetheless standts by its latest policy statement (December 1997 , Pediatrics ), which states: "Newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger, such as increased alertness or activity, mouthing or rooting. Crying is a late indicator of hunger. Newborns should be nursed approximately eight to 12 times every 24 hours until satiety ... In the early weeks after birth, nondemanding babies should be aroused to feed if 4 hours have elapsed since the last nursing."