Crunchy Acronyms

Like any organization or group, crunchy families have a whole set of acronyms to describe typical crunchy materials and methods. Here’s a list, although I’m sure I will miss a few!

Crunchy families sometimes seem like we have our own subculture rich with its own lingo, practices, and philosophies that set it apart from mainstream parenting and lifestyle choices.

At the heart of this community’s unique language lies an extensive array of acronyms that refer to popular topics or concepts of the crunchy lifestyle.

From sustainable living and organic eating to natural birthing and holistic health practices, these acronyms serve as shorthand for the materials and methods cherished by those who identify with this movement (and some non crunchy methods that we may refer to, too!)

Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of these acronyms, providing a glimpse into the essentials of crunchy living, and making it easier for you to understand the chatter in crunchy mom groups online.

While it’s possible some might have been overlooked, this collection offers a solid foundation for anyone curious about the vernacular that binds these eco-conscious families together.

Ultimate List of Crunchy Acronyms

Ever wondered about the meaning of ACV, CIO or EBF? These shortened acronyms can be found on all kinds of forums and online groups, parenting forums, in natural living communities.

To help solve the confusion, we’ve put together a glossary so you’re not left bewildered and confused. We hope it helps!

ACV

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a type of vinegar made with fermented apples, yeast and sugar. It smells more pungent than regular vinegar.

ACV may be used as a(n)

• facial toner
• all-purpose cleaner
• mouth wash

Some crunchies also drink it straight from the bottle, or in a glass, for gut health.

AP

Attachment parenting (AP) is a form of parenting involving co-sleeping, babywearing, and feeding on-demand. The purpose of AP is to promote a close relationship between the baby and its caregivers.

BF

Breastfeeding (BF) is when a baby is fed straight from its mother’s breast, though breastfeeding may also include pumping milk and feeding the baby via a bottle.

BLW

Baby-led weaning (BLW) allows babies and toddlers naturally lose interest in breastfeeding. Research suggests the baby-led approach reduces stress and may aid in pursuing higher education.

BM

Breast milk (BM) is milk from a lactating human. Mothers who do not produce enough milk, or parents who cannot produce milk (adoptive, LGBTQ+, etc.), may obtain breast milk from a milk bank.

Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas serves the DFW area and may serve outlying areas as well.

BPA-Free

BPA-Free indicates products manufactured without bisphenol A, a chemical often found in plastics and resins. BPA can mimic estrogen and potentially interfere with hormone levels and bodily functions. From water bottles and food storage containers to baby bottles and sippy cups, opting for BPA-Free alternatives is crucial for those looking to reduce their chemical exposure and safeguard their family’s health. It’s a simple switch with profound benefits, embracing a healthier and more conscious lifestyle choice.

CIO

Cry it out (CIO) refers to a parenting method wherein infants and toddlers are left to self-soothe, especially when falling asleep.

CIO is not crunchy.

Circ

Circumcision (circ) is typically frowned upon in the crunchy community and perceived as gender mutilation, unnecessary surgery, and child abuse.

CNM

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse who graduated from a nurse-midwifery program.

Not to be confused with certified midwives, who are not registered nurses.

CO

Coconut oil (CO) is one of those “I use that for everything” things in crunchy communities.

People put coconut oil in their hair, use it for cooking, make soap with it…so. many. things.

CPM

A certified professional midwife (CPM) is a professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the certification requirements of the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM).

CS

Colloidal silver (CS) is utilized as an at-home remedy in the crunchy family community to treat wounds and infections.

Taking colloidal silver internally is controversial due to the health risks involved. It’s also not safe, in general, to anyone allergic to silver.

DF

Dairy-free (DF) pertains mostly to food products made without dairy.

EBF

Exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) is when an infant is only fed through breastfeeding.

EBF can also stand for extended breastfeeding, which means that a baby/toddler continues to breastfeed beyond the typical standard.

The context matters for this one.

EBM

Expressed breastmilk (EBM) means squeezing milk out from the breast, either manually or via a machine pump.

EO

Essential oils (EOs) are used for aromatherapy, in diffusers or added to wax melts, and cleaning products for fragrance.

Ingesting essential oils is controversial and not recommended. Essential oil companies claiming their EOs are “natural” and “safe to consume” are doing so for the sales. Taking essential oils internally, even in teeny amounts, can lead to symptoms of poisoning.

ERF

Extended rear-facing (ERF) refers to car seat safety.

FCLO

Fermented cod liver oil (FCLO) is a fish oil supplement taken for the nutritional benefits.

FF

Forward-facing (FF) refers to car seat safey.

GF

Gluten-free (GF) means a product has been made without gluten.

Certified GF products have been rigorously tested; some companies — especially beauty ones — will label products GF without the certification label, so be careful.

GLENS

Grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (GLENS) are all in the same food family: seeds.

You may see GLENS used in allergy community spaces, because being allergic to one increases the chance of being allergic to another.

HBAC

Home birth after cesarean (HBAC) is what it sounds like. There are risks involved, hence the concern, and typing out an acronym is much easier when you’re discussing it online/in writing.

LC

Lactation consultants (LC) help mothers breastfeed. Getting the baby to latch is one of the most common struggles breastfeeding mothers experience.

A lactation consultant can also advise you on how to increase your milk supply, if you are low, or what alternatives you can seek (like receiving milk from a milk bank).

MW

Midwives (MWs) provide support and care before, during and after birth.

NF

Nut-free (NF) refers to foods made without nuts — both peanuts and tree nuts.

NFP

Natural family planning (NFP), or the rhythm method, is where you track your menstrual cycle and avoid unprotected sex when you are most likely to get pregnant, as a form of birth control.

NIP

Nursing in public (NIP) is the act of nursing in public spaces instead of entering a space away from public eye to breastfeed.

PVC-Free

PVC-Free refers to products made without polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic known for containing phthalates and lead, which can be harmful to health and the environment. Choosing PVC-Free items, especially for children’s toys, food containers, and household materials, is a step towards a safer, toxin-free lifestyle. It’s all about minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and making healthier choices for our families and the planet.

SAHM/SAHD

Stay-at-home-moms (SAHM) and stay-at-home-dads (SAHD) stay home while the other parent/caregiver goes to work.

Stay-at-home parents (SAHP) may also be single and/or run their own business.

This is one where the context also matters.

TTC

Trying to conceive (TTC) means you are trying to conceive, whether with your partner, via a surrogate who will be having your baby, or as a surrogate for another family.

TTO

Tea tree oil (TTO) is used for a variety of ailments in the natural healing community, but it is also toxic/poisonous to pets — so be careful.

VBAC

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is when you have a baby after a C-section. It is not without risks and concerns, and the acronym makes discussing VBAC online/in writing much easier.

And there you have it, folks—a whirlwind tour through the colorful and often amusing world of crunchy family acronyms!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at navigating the seas of GMOs, EBF, and PVC-free products, or you’re just dipping your toes into the organic pool, we hope this list adds a little extra flavor to your crunchy journey.

Each acronym is a stepping stone towards a more conscious and sustainable way of living, wrapped up in a fun package of letters that might just become part of your daily conversations.

So, let’s keep the conversation going—share this post with your friends, family, or that neighbor who’s curious about why you were raving about BPA-free containers the other day.

Who knows? You might just inspire someone to start their own crunchy adventure. Spread the love, share the laughs, and let’s make the world a little greener, one acronym at a time!