"You crispies are weird."

That's what I was told a few days ago while in a discussion about parenting techniques with other like-minded moms. The commenter meant it in a light hearted way and I'll admit I smiled when I heard it. I wasn't offended but it stuck with me. I kept replaying it in my head for at least two days straight. Then it hit me: The people who think this parenting approach is weird are usually the ones who have never researched the style. So, I take it upon myself to share with you a few pointers of the "crispy-crunchy" lifestyle. :)

You might be a crunchy mom/parent if you:

• have an all natural, unmedicated birth (extra points for a homebirth)
• exclusively breastfeed on demand
• are an extended breastfeeder
• tandem breastfeed
• follow child led weaning and/or child led solids
• cloth diaper
• wear your baby
• live a "natural" lifestyle (no makeup, natural or organic products, etc.)
• make your own baby food
• co-sleep
• delay, select, or decline vaccinations for your child
• follow an attachment parenting or full-time parenting approach
• homeschool
• are anti-CIO
• are anti-circumcision
• follow natural family planning

(E at 7 weeks old, rocking one of his cloth diapers)

There are no set rules to the style. You can follow one but not the other, selectively choosing what works best for you and your child.
If you ask any crunchy mama we'll all tell you the same thing: We're doing what we feel is best for our child/children and family. We've chosen the lifestyle we follow because it's what makes us comfortable. ...It's what floats our boat. :)