My mantra as a mother 25 years ago was, "Dr. Spock says." His rules were golden, his books my "bibles."

Today's "new age" mother is better informed and privy to an overwhelming variety of sources, including the vast wealth of information available on the Internet. Does more knowledge produce better parents? Or does it just confuse them more? Time will tell, but for now, I'm keeping my mouth shut, hoping the angst I'm feeling is just a sign of old age.

My education as a "new age" grandmother started well before the birth of my grandson with the concept of diaper-free baby. How in the world do you raise an infant without a diaper? And why would any sane parent attempt it? Instead of taking my normal tack –"Are you out of your mind?" – I approached the subject more gently. "I've never heard of that. Can you explain it to me?"

Listening with horror, keeping an open mind while trying not to laugh, I learned that diaper-less babies are healthier (no diaper rash), happier (it's natural) and free of the negative side effects of toddler potty training. I kept my feelings to myself but did make a side bet with my husband on how long our grandson would stay diaper-free once he arrived.

Next on my learning list was the family bed, a foreign idea to a Dr. Spock mother, even though I'd been introduced to the concept watching the HBO Series "Six Feet Under." Definition: mother, father and baby sleep together in the same bed to promote bonding as a family unit, often continuing until the child is several years old.

How does a parent sleep soundly with a baby in the bed? Aren't they afraid they will roll on the infant? I do envision using the family bed as a method of birth control, but I have difficulty imagining continued parental bonding without occasional sex. And if contraception fails, do all four members of the family share the bed? I'm biting my tongue.

An additional method of bonding is wearing the baby. My husband practiced this concept at a young age, more out of necessity than desire. His daughter was born while he was in college, so when he went to his side job (apartment maintenance), she went with him, bundled up in a homemade wrap he designed. She mowed the grass with him, painted with him and snuggled close when he had his first beer of the day. I'm not surprised she has adopted this now-popular concept and plans to keep her baby on her at all times.

I personally enjoyed putting my children down for a nap and having some time for myself, but what do I know? I just wish her father had patented his design 20-some years ago – we'd be rich.

My husband's biggest challenge was accepting circumcision rejection. Neither of us realized that circumcision is now discouraged, rather than encouraged, as it was when our children were young. Even his daughter's description of "a cruel and torturous act for an infant with possible permanent side effects" didn't relieve his concern about the torment his grandson might suffer from other children (and more important, women) for being different. When told, "If our son chooses circumcision when he's a teenager, we'll support him," my husband grimaced, rolled his eyes downward and kept silent.

Our grandson was born in Seattle on Friday, May 13 – healthy, robust and natural, of course. The rules expanded. No visitors for two months so the new family could bond, no baby talk, no clothes except in public. We heard snippets, pored over pictures and waited impatiently to meet Miles Raymond.

With only a few minor mishaps, the new parents adjusted to their role beautifully. Diaper-free wasn't attempted. In fact, Pampers were used for the first week before settling on all-natural fleece diapers. Breastfeeding was perfected. Miles and family are thriving.

When a discussion about no baby shots arose my only comment was, "Please talk to the pediatrician before making your final decision." I was relieved to get pictures with "boo boo" Band-Aids on each of Miles’ chubby little legs, even though I knew how difficult it was for his mommy to cause him pain.

Last week I met Miles for the first time after he made the long journey to Florida to meet his fan club of grandparents, aunts and cousins. I didn't want to share him. I just wanted to bond. I held this beautiful infant, my grandson, in my arms, smelling his sweetness, relishing the touch of his soft skin against mine. It was tough to follow the “no baby talk” rule, but I tried. However, some rules are meant to be broken.

I am a new age grandma. I'm not afraid of change or new ideas. I've learned to keep my opinions to myself. When Miles smiled at me and cooed softly, he won my heart forever. I'm on his side no matter what. He's a lucky young man with amazingly creative parents who love him with abandon. And I'm a blissful grandmother who can't wait to watch him grow.

• Your First Grandchild: How to Help Without Becoming a Hindrance
• Taking on a New Role: Adding "Grandfather" to Your List of Identities
• Unexpected Blessings: Becoming a Grandparent
• Talk about it!