The latest online trend appearing all over social media is going back in time to 2016. Sharing memories, photos, and trends of the time. This is the 2016 vs 2026 Motherhood edition of that trend. Here are all the trends that moms were focused on in 2016 and the new 2026 trends sweeping the internet.
2016 Motherhood Trends:
1. The Rise of Millennial Parents
2016 saw the rise of Millennial (born between 1981-1996) parents with about a million Millennial mothers giving birth that year. Compared to previous generations, Millennial’s generally wait longer to have children in order to finish their education, advance careers or to travel and experience adulthood child-free.
2. Non-Toxic Products & Eco-Conscious Choices
Parents increasingly preferred organic, “all-natural,” or non-toxic products for babies. This includes items ranging from food to skincare. They prioritize fewer chemicals and safer materials for children.
3. Third-Child-Style Parenting (More Relaxed)
They say adding another child makes parents less strict in terms of actual parenting. The first child is the guinea pig to see what works, but gradually parents eased up with each subsequent child. This shift away from the previously popular helicopter parenting and toward a more relaxed, independent, encouraging style called third-child style became popular. This trend emphasized letting kids explore and learn with less micromanagement from parents.
4. More Authentic Social Media
In 2016 social media was still in its relative infancy. Accounts were not perfectly curated with aesthetic filters or photos. Millennial moms shared real moments over. #HonestMotherhood.
5. Increase in the Use of Midwives
There was a notable resurgence in interest in midwives and less-medicalized birthing options, as many parents explored alternatives to hospital-only births. Midwife-assisted births were linked to lower C-section rates and increased breastfeeding success.
6. Hybrid Names
Creating hybrid or blended baby names by combining two names (e.g., “Eilynn” from Eileen + Lynn) was a creative trend among parents unsure of a single traditional name.
7. Sensory Play
Sensory play is not always highlighted in mainstream trend lists. It involves activities focused on stimulating multiple senses through hands-on play. It was emerging as a recommended developmental approach for young children. It was part of broader early-childhood play trends emphasizing active, exploratory learning.
2026 Motherhood Trends:
1. Gentle Parenting
“Gentle parenting” which emphasizing empathy and connection has become influential and widespread on social media. Parents take to sharing videos of them “regulating” their child through talking, staying calm, and making a connection in lieu of strict discipline. Many parents are blending it with clearer limits and firm boundaries rather than a permissive style. There’s debate over this approach’s future with some arguing this technique does not work.
2. Push Presents
“Push presents” are gifts given to moms after childbirth. This is seemingly popular with social media influencers with sharing outrageous gifts like a designer handbag or new car.
3. Low-Stimulating or Analog Play
Parents are actively seeking lower-stimulus play with games, puzzles, and analog activities in order to balance the pervasive digital environment. Some Millennial parents are bringing their 90’s childhood back into their home by adding landlines, VHS enabled televisions, and simplified games. This shift values unstructured, creative play and less screen sensory overload.
4. AI Use for Parenting Advice & Support
AI tools are increasingly used to support planning, meal ideas, reminders, and general parenting guidance.
5. Wearable Tech for Fertility & Labor Predictions
Wearables and fertility tech (e.g., devices tracking cycles, symptoms, and predictive metrics) are gaining traction among parents trying to conceive or anticipating labor. Products like the Oura ring, Apple watch, and similar products that can closely monitor biometrics have become a popular must have item for families.
6. Rebuilding “The Village” and Finding Community Support
Parents are actively seeking real-life support networks like family help, friends, co-ops, and shared childcare arrangements. Parents have recognized that community (the “village”) reduces isolation and burnout and real connection, outside of social media, is incredibly important.
7. Clean Eating & “Crunchy Mom” Nutrition Focus
There is renewed emphasis on clean eating, whole foods, and holistic nutrition. This is sometimes labeled as “crunchy mom” culture and persists as families prioritize real food over processed options for health and sustainability.
8. Homeschooling & Flexible Education Models
Homeschooling continues to grow as another viable educational path, propelled by desire for personalized learning, concerns about school environment, and hybrid models that blend home, tutor, group or online learning. Growth in homeschooling isn’t just a brief pandemic effect but part of a longer-term shift in educational choices.
