Why parents are embracing the new 'inchstone' trend that 'celebrates the little things'
Charlie Bond
Netmums contributorParents are no longer celebrating their kids' milestone achievements and are instead focusing on smaller changes
When you have a baby, there are a lot of firsts that you'll experience as a family. For parents they might not all be good; the first time you get woken up once every hour, the first time poo leaks out of the nappy, the first time you forget to bring wipes out (which will often coincide with the leaky nappy...) BUT, there are lots of really special moments, too.
Typically, these 'milestones' include things like first smiles, first steps and first words, but now there's a new parenting trend that's designed to focus on the smaller things that parents might miss while they're waiting for the bigger stuff to happen.
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Introducing 'inchstones'
In contrast to milestones, which look at the bigger picture, inchstones are about the small steps in development, rather than the big leaps. Classed as 'tiny triumphs' these could be things like the first time your child runs rather than walks, the first time they put on their coat by themselves, or the first time they say 'please' unprompted.
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Billed by Pinterest as 'one of the biggest parenting trends for 2024', the social sharing site said:
'In 2024, teeny triumphs will make the heart grow fonder, as parents sprinkle party vibes on their kids’ not-so-grand moments. Baby’s first tooth? Here’s a cupcake. Potty training success? Extra sprinkles, please.'
Historically, the concept of celebrating inchstones has been particularly significant for parents of children with additional needs, who use the term to celebrate small wins on an aspect of a bigger goal they and their kids have been working towards.
But now, the term has become part of the latest trend which sees parents sharing the little wins, and things that before might have been missed.
Pinterest's data showed that:
- Searches for end of year school party ideas rose by 90 percent
- Monthly milestone ideas increased by 90 percent
- Baby naming ceremony rose by 35 percent
- Potty training rewards ideas increased by 100 percent
- My first tooth party rose by 40 percent
What classes as an 'inchstone'?
What you call an inchstone might be different to something another parent would class one as. This trend is all about looking at your child's individual capabilities and goals, and celebrating their own little wins, rather than the 'expected' bigger milestones that many children reach by a certain age.
Often, parents can feel pressure over milestones if their baby isn't smiling, rolling or walking by the age they're 'expected' to, but this trend is designed to move away from the larger developmental markers, and help parents to stress less by focusing on the everyday changes their child makes.
Inchstones aren't exclusively for babies either. While there are more 'firsts' with tots, there are still lots of inchstones for kids of any age. Anything from losing a first tooth to putting on shoes for the first time. This trend has become so popular because parents can celebrate anything they like, without a tick-list of major steps.
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How can I celebrate inchstones?
Unlike many milestones, there aren't cards printed to celebrate all of the small wins your little one might experience. But you could make your own to commemorate the smaller moments when they come around.
Another cute idea is to keep a photo album of 'firsts', and get the pictures printed from your phone – or use a disposable or polaroid camera – so that you've got a keepsake of these moments. Write on the back of the photo and date it, so that you don't forget the moment.
Captioning the moments on video and then creating an album for them (or uploading to TikTok ... it is 2024 after all!) is another way to share the inchstones.
'Inchstones are a magical way of remembering the small things'
'This idea is remarkable' says Tracey Stone, Netmums' Health Visitor Parent Supporter.
'Often parents forget so many of the incredibly wonderful things their children do, and they get lost so easily in the chaos of life and parenting. Parents may have a thought...oh I must remember that', or 'I will tell them that when they are older' but it slips through their fingers as other things come along. Inchstones are a truly magical way of remembering the small things, that when you reflect back on them in years to come they'll be the really big things that warm you up from the inside out.'
In fact, Tracey even uses the idea in her own life to mark some of the things her children have done.
'I have actually been doing this myself for years. I have my own special little book that captures all these amazing things from my two boys.
'My collection is called 'My memories', but 'inchstones' is a perfect match.
'What is totally wonderful about it, is that my eldest is now 19 years old and the belly laughs we have shared as we have gone through the book together have been priceless. When he turned 18 I made him a picture book for every year of his life and my little book of 'inchstones' featured on every page.'
@marjalife Celery ✅✅✅ ✨celebrating those inchstones are just as important as milestones 💖✨ #nubyfun #inchestones #smallwins #tinytriumphs @Nuby USA #momsoftiktok #newmom #newmomtips #mamamarjorie #8months ♬ original sound - Marjorie
Are milestones still important?
Although inchstones are a great way for parents to celebrate the little wins, developmental milestones are still important to acknowledge, especially in babies.
In England, the NHS offers regular health and development reviews (health visitor checks) for your baby until they are around two. These checks are to support you and your baby, and make sure their development is on track.
Your child's Personal Child Health Record, also known as the PCHR or 'red book' has a 'milestones' section inside, which you can refer to for information on growth and developmental milestones. It also includes growth charts designed to record your child's height, weight and head circumference.
You can get more guidance on milestones here.
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