The term crunchy has gained huge popularity in the past few years and is used to describe someone who likes to live life more naturally. Maybe you have set up a fermenting station in your kitchen or you make your children’s clothing. It does beg the question, are you a crunchy mama?
Organic Eating and Whole Foods
Crunchy mamas know that what we eat has a huge impact on our health. This means that you probably shop for foods that are organic and look to feed your family whole foods over the conventional processed foods found in stores. If you’d like to start eating more organic foods but aren’t sure where to start the dirty dozen is a list of twelve foods that contain the highest amount of pesticides. Try looking for these produce items in the organic section of your grocery store.
Many crunchy mamas make some of their own foods at home like bread, granola, jelly, and even homemade baby food. This way they know exactly what ingredients are in the foods they serve their family. Eating whole foods doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. A great way to share delicious and healthy products with your family is through a convenient grocery delivery service like this Misfits Market.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and crunchy living go hand in hand. Natural mamas have all the tips and tricks for how to breastfeed and for how long. They know that breastmilk is nutritional support to their little ones in those crucial months and years of early development. If you are a crunchy mama, you probably have done everything in your power to breastfeed for as long as possible whether that be for half a year to a year and beyond! However, we know that even crunchy mamas sometimes have to supplement with formula, and finding the right one can be daunting. We’ve put together a list of formula brands and where you can find them just for you.
Baby Wearing
Slings, wraps, and carriers make baby wearing so practical. Many naturally minded mothers use baby-wearing to build that important mother/child bond. It helps the baby to feel safe and is even a little reminiscent of the familiar womb environment. It also makes doing work around the house a bit easier. Strapping on your baby for a contact nap lets you get some work done like getting your sheets washed or taking a moment for yourself with a delicious cup of tea.
Cloth Diapering
From reducing waste to avoiding harsh and harmful chemicals, many crunchy moms have opted to use cloth diapers. Another reason you might decide to use cloth diapers is that after the initial cost it can save you some serious money especially if you have multiple children.
Prefers Reusable Items
Reusable items go hand in hand with cloth diapering. From cloth napkins and reusable paper towels, you don’t like anything to go to waste. Maybe you like to reuse glass jars and bottles to put baby food in or your next batch of kombucha. If you’re a crunchy mom, you probably grab a sack of reusable grocery bags on your way out the door to the store. Not only does your family benefit from your thrifty choices, but so does the environment and your bank account!
Chemical Free/Natural Products
Natural living often goes hand in hand with choosing chemical-free and natural products around your home. Maybe you have decided to make your own cleaning products with key ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar or maybe you have purged your home of toxic pots and pans to replace them with a better option. If you’re pretty crunchy you probably have a relatively chemical-free home!
Essential Oils
Not to be the gatekeeper here, but are you even crunchy if you don’t use essential oils? Crunchy mamas love to use essential oils to give their homes a refresh by diffusing them. They give your home a relaxing scent that won’t add unnecessary chemicals into the air. You might like to use essential oils and wool drier balls in place of conventional fabric sheets when you dry your clothing. Next time you whip up a batch of your homemade all-purpose cleaner you might add some essential oils for their wonderful scent as well as disinfecting properties.
Maybe you incorporate one of these categories into your home or maybe you participate in all of these and more, but what really matters is that you are the only one who can make the best decision for you and your family!
