Naked Babies

Product Information

Some pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists recommend fully-naked play as a way to heal or prevent diaper rash. And when it comes to potty-training, certain methods advise letting your toddler run around bare-bottomed, arguing that the uncomfortable sensation of urine on her bare legs will motivate her to get to the toilet. You might get questions about the “fur” down there or why certain body parts are “floppy.” It will likely take you off-guard and make you blush. Just remember never to make them feel bad for asking a question, no matter how mortifying it may be. Pro: You can promote body positivity and acceptance Huebner says the issue is mainly about children starting to view genitals as explicitly sexual organs. Bartell suggests simply wearing underwear when in front of your kids, or even getting the message across by wearing a bathing suit without a big T-shirt over it: “Then your child can still see you’re embracing your body.”

We’ve already touted the benefits of being barefoot. Now let’s talk about ditching your baby’s clothes, too! Letting babies discover their bodies and environment through their bare skin supports sensory integration —the ability to understand the information we take in through our senses. I’ve been very open with my daughter, and it helped open the door for questions she might have about her developing body,” says Sue from Massachusetts. Then, as kids get older, boundaries aren’t always their forte. Says mom-of-two Brigette, “They keep barging into the bathroom, so why not?” Con: You’re going to get awkward comments, questions, and stares It’s harder for it to resolve itself if they don’t have clear boundaries. If a child isn’t at the point where he’s registering your body, I think [nudity is] fine. The problem is, you don’t know when that’s going to shift.”

Casual nudity may be fine and good when your little ones are little, but at some point, you might notice a difference in their comfort level — and yours.

After all, if you have a baby or toddler, it’s next to impossible to go to the bathroom or take a shower alone… unless you enjoy endless screaming or worrying whether they’re going to hurt themselves (or destroy the house).It’s a surprisingly controversial question that parents often don’t realize is even controversial until they talk to other parents who do things differently. Both sides have generally given it a lot of thought, theorizing about what’s psychologically helpful and harmful. If you’re very clear what the boundaries are, then that child has no question whatsoever,” she explains, adding that kids don’t have the cognitive ability to understand nuance. “It is never OK to see an adult man naked — that is clear for that child.” It led to some interesting discussions, but she also didn’t freak out when she started growing pubic hair because she knew it was normal.” Con: Boundaries can get blurred The bottom line: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to parental nudity, but whatever you decide will involve some degree of boundary setting.

Bartell has a different, more Freudian take on this: “Little boys aren’t sexual, but there is an Oedipal thing that happens at some point around 5-ish,” she says. This is a normal part of development — you just need to be aware and respectful of what your child is trying to express. Nudity between parents and children is fine as long as both are fully comfortable,” says parent coach Dawn Huebner, PhD, author of the self-help book for kids “What to Do When You Worry Too Much.” Where movement is concerned, this study showed that babies, whether new or experienced walkers, walked best when naked. The researchers think this may be due to the bulkiness of diapers between the legs, and because diaper material wrapped around the legs may limit movement and affect balance.Respect the needs and sensibilities of your child,” Huebner advises. “You want them to see that they have a right to choose what feels OK and what doesn’t when it comes to their own bodies.” Haley, for example, feels very differently about her husband’s nudity, and he’s never been fully undressed in front of their daughter. When kids are very young, the consensus seems to be yes, since babies and toddlers are generally oblivious to nudity. I think it’s important that she grows up seeing what normal actually is. Equally important, I want her to grow up seeing her mom being OK with what normal is.” Napping, especially power napping (20 to 30 minute bursts of shut-eye), has multiple benefits, from improving productivity to decreasing stress. But… READ MORE