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Continuum Concept

The Continuum Concept by Channel 4’s Claire Scott

25th September 2007 saw the first broadcast of Bringing Up Baby, a new 4 part Channel 4 series exploring three very different parenting techniques.

The programme follows six different families, raising their children according to systems devised by childcare experts. In each case, two families follow the advice of a well-known parenting guru. Two families follow Dr Truby King’s methods, two adopt Dr Spock parenting techniques and two pursue the Continuum Concept of Jean Liedloff.

One of these techniques, the Continuum Concept method of parenting, is explored in the series by mother of 2, Claire Scott. Parents Guide caught up with Claire before the launch of Bringing Up Baby to give us a sneak preview as to what to expect.

“It was an amazing experience really, explained Claire, “I never set myself up as a baby mentor, in fact all I claim to be is a mum who felt torn between the need to do adult things and looking after my babies. After lots of research I found the Continuum Concept which allowed me to balance all our needs and to enjoy life together.

“As support for the mother is probably the key to Continuum Parenting and I had moved from where I grew up, I had to work hard at creating my own support community. However by reaching out I quickly discovered a host of other mums equally desperate for more support. In line with Jean’s philosophy we did much of our day to day activities together. Cooking, cleaning, going swimming – you name it we did it as a group. It made life more productive, enjoyable and out babies thrived.

“All of us shared the desire to carry out babies for as much of their early part of live as possible. It sounds strange to some, but this method of parenting is based on how children are brought up in developing countries when they spend their first year strapped to their mother accompanying her as she works in the fields and in the home. I have just spent four months with my children traveling around Russia and China on the train. We spent a month in Vietnam, a month in Cambodia, three weeks in Laos and two in Thailand. What struck me was how common this style of parenting is in the developing world and how incredibly happy the children are. It made me more determined than ever to spread the word.

“In the UK babies spend on average two-thirds of their time alone, distanced in car seats, bouncy chairs, prams, cots or swings; compared to many cultures where babies are carried in slings, without being put down, for the first 6 months of their life. This is incredibly sad and has huge negative impact on the baby.

“Once you make up your mind to carry your baby it is an incredibly liberating experience. Practically you have two hands free to fulfil other tasks. Emotionally too you bond quickly with your baby and become so in tune with each other. Getting your partner involved also helps bonding and the baby is much more settled as he gets such comfort from being snuggled up close to your heartbeat – just like in the womb. Finding a sling that is comfortable to wear for extended periods that also provide the best possible support for your baby’s back, neck and head is a challenge but I would recommend Close Baby Carrier.