Reusable fabric diapers as eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Modern versions (velcro, snaps, cute prints) gained millennial traction 2011-2023 through blogs and Facebook groups. Advocates cite environmental benefits and cost savings ($500-800 vs $2,000-3,000 disposables). Critics cite laundry burden, learning curve, and childcare resistance.
The Crunchy Mom Movement
Cloth diapering became badge of eco-conscious parenting alongside organic food and baby-led weaning. Companies like bumGenius, Thirsties, and GroVia created designer prints - diaper collecting subculture emerged. Facebook groups debated wash routines, detergent brands, absorbency issues. Some parents cloth diapered through multiple kids; others burned out after months.
Reality Check
Instagram showed perfectly folded cloth diaper stashes; reality involved poop explosions and laundry mountains. Many started enthusiastically, switched to disposables during rough patches. Hybrid approaches emerged: cloth at home, disposables for outings/nights. Movement reduced stigma around reusables but never became mainstream - remains niche eco-parent practice.
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