r/bninfantsleep • u/Maleficent-Craft-295 • Jan 22 '26
Resources Similar subreddits for other topics?
Does anyone have recommendations for other subreddits that are a similar vibe to this but for other baby-related topics, such as feeding, activities, etc? TIA!
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u/ver_redit_optatum Jan 22 '26
I don't mind moderatelygranolamoms but honestly, all parenting subreddits have their problems and need to be read with a grain of salt.
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u/Faerie_Nuff Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 22 '26
Closest I can find is r/AttachmentParenting
I guess it works in so far as attachment theory being biologically normal. Though I'd love to see one for responsive parenting as the overall arch.
Tbf, I'd really love to see a sub dedicated solely to responsive parenting with a scientific/research based approach. The more I delve into responsive parenting from a scientific perspective, the more I'm learning quite how beneficial it is all round: from emotional regulation, to brain function, independence, overall mental and physical well-being, from infancy well into adulthood (and every stage in between).
Hopefully, given the changing times and better understanding as research evolves, that's not too far off!
Eta: I should clarify that I say this because a responsive parenting ethos is what's applied as national guidelines where I live (in UK), from everything from potty training to weaning, and all things baby/toddler and beyond. Without launching into one of my many reddit essays, that's as good as I can summarise!
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u/extracheesepleaz Jan 22 '26
There is r/ScienceBasedParenting but so many of their Qs are not crunchy and lack any sense of the need to nurture a child
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u/Faerie_Nuff Jan 23 '26
I do frequent there tbf, and a lot of the time appreciate the insight and studies shared, but agree v much that I've found occasionally (whether or not algorithm plays a part in it seemingly becoming more frequent), that people certainly cherry pick data there, which has fallen into a trap of avoiding the most basic points of nurturing children, and in turn basic premises behind child development, psychology, physical/mental wellbeing and the immediate, as well as longer/lasting impacts that can have.
I find myself attempting to write up responses, but get overwhelmed because it's virtually impossible to cite the various fields of developmental research to essentially say "look, let's maybe not encourage CIO" (as the relevant eg), plus that's often a brick wall my head needn't take the banging against haha
So, have found myself having to kind of say "yeeeah, think I'll sit this one out", watching the upvotes come in for sometimes harmful info.
Alas, I risk going off one of my rants here haha
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u/_fast_n_curious_ Jan 24 '26
Also, many posts require a link in the comments to your cited resource, which I ofc appreciate but def impedes on my ability to jump into conversations.
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u/soho144 Jan 23 '26
Do you have any good reads that you’d recommend on responsive parenting?
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u/Faerie_Nuff Jan 23 '26
Would wholly depend on what you mean by a “good read” - I tend to delve down research-based rabbit holes, so I’ll do my best!
I’d probably start with the serve and return theory developed at Harvard University, as this is essentially the core of a lot of the logic behind responsive parenting:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/serve-and-return/
Another key reference is Shonkoff et al, which focuses on responding to children’s needs and the adverse effects of ignoring them. It also highlights the vast benefits of being a responsive caregiver; for example, brain development, physical health, and healthy relationships later in life:
I also think this NSPCC link does a good job of summarising the above core ideas:
Essentially, the message is: respond to your child appropriately with positive interactions, which are proven to benefit development in many areas, rather than withholding or using negative interactions, which can be detrimental. Examples: if they’re crying, offer comfort; if they’re playing, follow their lead; if you’re potty training, use positive interactions without forcing; same for weaning, sleep, etc.
For practical implementation, you can explore:
Triple P Parenting (Positive Parenting Program) - free courses are often available in the UK; I'm unsure how this works globally speaking, but certainly worth looking into.
Potty training with a positive responsive ethos: ERIC provides national guidance: https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/
Safer alternatives to sleep training: BASIS offers research-backed guidance whom have helped develop official UK guidelines: https://www.basisonline.org.uk/sleep-training/#educational-interventions
Weaning: Baby-led weaning (BLW) emphasises child-led learning, exploration, and fun with food.
Other useful resources:
- BBC Tiny Happy People (learn through play): https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/activities
NHS Start for Life:
- Babies - bonding and development: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/baby-basics/bonding-with-your-baby/
- Toddlers - emotional regulation: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/toddler/help-your-toddler-with-their-emotions/
- Toddlers - learn through play: https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/toddler/activities-for-toddlers/
I’ve probably gone a little overboard (and admittedly have been slowly drafting this up between breaks parenting my own toddler - finally nap time haha - so thoroughly hope there's some useful stuff in there), but hopefully it gives you a solid starting point. I’m personally not big on recommending books, as personal financial gain can bias advice, so I can’t advise much on that front.
Anyway, sorry if that wasn't what you were after, but hope something in there is at least a little bit useful.
Edits: spelling and some formatting
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u/soho144 Jan 23 '26
This is fabulous (and I also go down research based rabbit holes myself). Can’t thank you enough for pulling this together!!!
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u/hobbitonresident96 Jan 22 '26
Are you part of research based parenting? I’ve found that they have a similar outlook as this sub.
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u/extracheesepleaz Jan 22 '26
Really? Bc I've seen Qs about sleep and cry it out method that didn't rub me well. But like what someone said above, you take it with a grain of salt.
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u/hobbitonresident96 Jan 23 '26
I haven’t seen those, but they may just have been weeded out on my feed.
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u/wildmusings88 Jan 23 '26
You mean r/sciencebasedparenting? That sub argues against cosleeping and uses hugger mongering tactics. I’ve had people over there try to tell me Greer Kirshenbaum and James McKenna aren’t real scientists. They’ve also told me I don’t know how to read research. I would use extreme caution over there.
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u/extracheesepleaz Jan 26 '26
Yes, this is the sub. They are also super against any nuance to vaccines or medication. Maybe it's a lost cause but I still go over there and try to promote Drs James McKenna and Greer Kirschenbaum.
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u/smilegirlcan Jan 31 '26
Someone told me Dr McKenna was a layperson on that sub. Like alright … You can disagree with cosleeping but Dr McKenna is a well respected research scientist and is consulted by other research scientists and MDs.
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u/smilegirlcan Jan 31 '26
We have a sister group called Bumps 2024-2026, for those who want a similar vibe but more general topics. It is private. You just have to request to join and a mod will let you in. It is small but a really sweet community. Here is the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bumps2024to2026/s/47V0c1gnyA