Ever wondered what it means to be a “crunchy mom”? The term might conjure images of granola and Birkenstocks, but there’s much more to it.
When talking about a crunchy lifestyle, granola or “crunchy moms,” the definition can vary widely, but Reddit’s community of moderately granola moms offers some insightful perspectives.
According to the lively discussions on Reddit’s community of moderately granola moms, a crunchy mom embraces a natural and holistic approach to parenting and living.

Here’s a breakdown of what qualifies someone as a “crunchy mom” according to these discussions.
“Being crunchy is about questioning the norm and making informed choices, whether it’s extended breastfeeding or using cloth diapers. It’s a mindset more than a checklist.”
Embracing Natural Living
A significant theme among crunchy moms is the adoption of a natural lifestyle. This includes:

- Organic and Whole Foods: Crunchy moms often prioritize organic, non-GMO foods, and home-cooked meals. Avoiding processed foods and embracing a plant-based diet is common.
- Alternative Medicine: They may prefer natural remedies over conventional medicine, opting for herbal treatments and essential oils for minor ailments
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainability is key. This can mean using cloth diapers, reducing waste, and choosing eco-friendly products for their households
Crunchy Parenting Choices
Parenting practices also play a crucial role in defining a crunchy mom:

- Breastfeeding: Extended breastfeeding is often practiced, sometimes beyond the first year.
- Babywearing and Co-sleeping: Keeping babies close through babywearing and co-sleeping is a common trait. This approach promotes bonding and attachment parenting
- Holistic Education: Homeschooling or unschooling methods that focus on child-led learning are preferred by some crunchy moms. They often believe in a more personalized and less structured educational approach
“For me, being a crunchy mom means prioritizing natural and holistic approaches in raising my kids. We focus on organic foods, natural remedies, and minimizing our ecological footprint.”
Crunchy Attitude to Health and Wellness
Crunchy moms are vigilant about their family’s health and wellness:

- Vaccine Choices: Opinions on vaccinations can vary, with some crunchy moms opting for alternative schedules or avoiding certain vaccines altogether
- Chemical-Free Homes: They strive to eliminate harmful chemicals from their homes, choosing natural cleaning products and avoiding synthetic fragrances
Community and Support
Being part of a community for crunchy moms provides a space for sharing tips, experiences, and support. Many moms find comfort in connecting with others who share similar values and parenting philosophies. This is something we aim to offer here at Crunchy Family, where we include advice on managing a crunchy lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
“I love the balance of attachment parenting, like babywearing and co-sleeping, with making eco-friendly choices. It’s all about what feels right for our family.”

Diverse Perspectives
It’s important to note that being a crunchy mom isn’t a one-size-fits-all label. The degree to which someone embraces these practices can vary. Some may identify as “moderately crunchy,” blending natural living with more conventional practices as they see fit.
Some people refer to this as being a Scrunchy mom which represents a blend between crunchy and silky moms, adopting a middle-ground approach, or even refer to themselves as chewy rather than crunchy.
“I mix and match crunchy practices with more conventional ones. I use cloth diapers but also rely on disposables when necessary. It’s about finding a balance that works for us.”
This type of mom incorporates some natural and holistic practices typical of crunchy moms while also embracing the convenience and practicality associated with silky moms. This hybrid approach allows them to balance natural parenting ideals with modern, conventional methods, creating a flexible and personalized parenting style.
Our own definition of a crunchy mom is broad and inclusive, encompassing a range of natural and holistic practices. Whether it’s through eco-friendly living, alternative parenting methods, or a focus on natural health, crunchy moms prioritize a lifestyle that aligns with their values and beliefs.
For more insights and discussions on what it means to be a crunchy mom, check out some more of our articles….
- 15 Signs You Might Be a Crunchy Mom
- Crunchy is a Granola Synonym… And Here’s Why It Might Not Matter
- Crunchy Baby: What Are The Alternatives To Routine Newborn Procedures?
- 75 Crunchy Baby Names for Your Little Sprout
- What is a Crunchy Lifestyle?
- Things Crunchy Kids Say
- Crunchy Acronyms
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