Contributor Guidelines

Baby Web is looking for writers who have stories to share related to natural parenting. Contact Alinka to discuss possible post ideas or to submit a post for consideration.

What Is/Is Not Accepted: Content

• Posts should be previously unpublished and on topic (see below for examples of acceptable topics). Issues related to parenting are often rife with strong emotions, and I encourage your authentic and passionate words. At the same time, I hope that Baby Web will be a place where people who are investigating natural parenting principles can learn something new and perhaps even adopt some of the practices. With this in mind, your post should be written in a positive light. I will not host posts that criticize other parenting practices or cast judgment on those that parent differently. I believe that we can respect each other (even where we don’t agree with another’s choices), and that we can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

• While contributors to Baby Web maintain the copyright to all their work, I ask that you not post your submission anywhere else (including your own blog) whether paid or unpaid, for 90 days after publication on Baby Web. This exclusivity adds value for my readers without our asking you to give me copyright on your work.

Formatting and Editing Requirements

• Posts are typically in the 300-600 word range, but that is a general guideline. Take as many (or as few) words as you need to tell your story, but consider breaking a really long post into multiple posts or even a “part 1” and “part 2” to keep readers coming back for more.

• Use shorter paragraphs (3-6 sentences each); your post will be easier to read.

• Organize your thoughts; use headings or lists when possible; be clear, concise, and straightforward.

• Proofread. Proofread twice. Now proofread one more time. Your post will be edited, but I reserve the right to send it back to you for further proofreading if it has a large number of spelling/grammatical errors.

• All posts must be accompanied by a mini-bio (about 2 sentences, you can link to your personal site) and a picture, you must either own or have permission to use the picture. If it is a stock/free image, please provide a name/link to the owner. Feel free to write anonymously, but I still require something for a bio and picture.

• I reserve the right to edit (and veto) all submissions (but I will never make a substantive change without discussing it with you first).

Contributor Expectations

• Writers are expected to visit/subscribe to the post to check on any comments, timely respond to comments, etc. If the writer has any questions or problems with a comment, please let me know as soon as possible.

Accepted Topics
(The following lists are not exclusive, if you have an idea that is not listed, let us know):

• Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting
• Pregnancy and birth stories
• Practice exclusive and full-term breastfeeding if possible, and feed with love and respect regardless of whether it is at the breast or with a bottle
• Respond with sensitivity
• Use nurturing touch (including babywearing and skin-to-skin contact)
• Ensure safe sleep, physically and emotionally (including bed sharing and co-sleeping, responsive nighttime parenting, and no “crying it out”)
• Provide consistent and loving care
• Practice gentle/positive discipline (with no physical punishment)
• Strive for balance in personal and family life.
• Cloth diapers
• No routine infant circumcision
• No/delayed/selective vaccinations
• Health & healing, including alternative medicine
• Nutrition, including healthy eating and recipes
• Natural learning at home and away from home
• Parenting Philosophies

Comment Policy

• Basics: Once your comment is posted, it becomes the property of Baby Web. I can edit, format, reuse or delete the comment as I wish, or display it for as long as I wish. I will not necessarily offer reasons or any warning why I have altered or deleted a comment.

• Your comment will be held for moderation. I will manually approve your comment as soon as I can and I apologize for the delay.

• Email Addresses: Correct email addresses are required. Email addresses will never be published. Email addresses will not be shown in comments. Please leave your correct email address so I have the ability to reply to your comment via email.

• What is not acceptable: I encourage thoughtful, mature debate on everything I post. That does not include profanity, poor spelling and grammar, personal attacks, off-topic comments, hostility disguised by sarcasm, and spam.

This policy has been inspired by the Natural Parents Networks Contributor Guidelines