At a Glance
- Category
- Psychological
- Also Known As
- Adult Baby/Diaper Lover, Paraphilic Infantilism, Age Regression
- Intensity Range
-
Gentle to Immersive
- Requires
- Trust, communication, specific items optional
- Good For
- Stress relief comfort seekers those exploring caregiver dynamics
What is ABDL?
ABDL stands for Adult Baby/Diaper Lover and describes consenting adults who find comfort, pleasure, or stress relief in infantile regression or diaper wearing. This is entirely about adults choosing to explore these experiences together. It has nothing to do with children.
The term combines two related but distinct interests. Adult Babies (AB) enjoy role-playing as infants, which might include baby clothes, bottles, pacifiers, or being cared for. Diaper Lovers (DL) are primarily drawn to wearing diapers themselves, sometimes without other baby-related activities. Many people experience both.
Research involving nearly 2,000 participants found that most adult babies and diaper lovers are comfortable with their interests and report few problems. The DSM-5 no longer classifies this as a disorder. It's a form of self-expression that some adults find meaningful.
The Intensity Spectrum
This practice can be experienced at different intensity levels.
Some people wear diapers for comfort during stressful periods or enjoy brief moments of regression. This might happen a few times a month or less.
Others make it a regular thing, perhaps having dedicated "little time" sessions, owning specific items, or engaging with a caregiver partner regularly.
For some, age regression and diaper wearing becomes part of their identity and daily life. This might include extensive collections, dedicated spaces, regular caregiver/little relationships, and participation in community events.
The community includes conventions like TeddyCon and CAPcon, online forums with hundreds of thousands of members, and local meetups focused on building friendships and support networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Multiple peer-reviewed studies explicitly state there is no connection between this interest and pedophilic behavior. This practice involves consenting adults only. Sexologist Gloria Brame notes that people who accept these interests tend to be "acutely protective of real children."
Not at all. For many participants, this interest is about comfort, stress relief, or identity expression with no sexual component. Others do experience sexual arousal. Both approaches are valid, and many people's interests fall somewhere in between.
The DSM-5 does not classify this as a disorder. Research shows most participants are psychologically healthy and comfortable with their interests. Any distress typically comes from social stigma rather than the interest itself.
Choose a calm, private moment rather than during intimacy. Frame it as sharing something personal about yourself. Some partners become enthusiastic participants; others need time to understand. Couples therapy with a kink-aware professional can help if you're navigating complex feelings together.
If these interests cause you significant distress, interfere with daily functioning, or create relationship conflicts you can't resolve together, a kink-aware therapist can help. Dr. Rhoda Lipscomb specializes specifically in this area and offers resources through The Diaper Doctor website.
