Infantilism: Encyclopedia II - Infantilism - The Contrast Between Paraphilic Infantilism and Diaper Fetishes

Infantilism - The Contrast Between Paraphilic Infantilism and Diaper Fetishes

The easiest way to describe paraphilic infantilism is to contrast it with a diaper fetish. A diaper fetishes is a sexual fetish, where the diapers themselves serve as a sexual focus. This group might loosely include those who have a rubber fetish or plastic fetish, although these might skip the diapers and focus on the rubber or plastic waterproof pants. The diaper lover’s idealized partner would be an erotic lover. If their actual partner is willing, diapers and other fetish objects can be incorporated into their sexual relationship. The DL might prefer to wear the diaper, to have his partner wear the diaper, or for both to wear diapers. The presence of diapers may lend itself to roleplay such as doctor-patient or nurse-patient, but diaper fetishes don’t inherently involve roleplay.

• Adult Baby, AB
• Self-image/alter-ego focused
• Roleplay,such as baby with mommy
• Sexual relationship with partner is separate from AB play
• Baby wears the diapers.

• Diaper Lover, DL
• Focused on an external object
• No inherent roleplay
• DL play is actively sexual
• DL, partner, or both wear the diapers

Paraphilic infantilism is less intuitive since it isn't a fetish. Fetishes focus on a sexually charged object, while infantilism focuses on the self-image of the Adult Baby. The AB has an alternate self-image of an infant. This is similar to a transvestite, except that instead of engaging a female alter-ego every now and then, ABs engage an infantile alter-ego. ABs cannot physically become infants, but try to simulate infancy. This may include the use of adult-sized diapers and baby clothing, toys, baby oils and powders, etc. If the AB’s partner is willing to engage in roleplay, she will play the mommy (or he will play the daddy) while the AB plays an infant or toddler. When roleplaying, the AB would try to achieve a baby-like mood or mindset. As a result, sex during the scene would seem incestuous. The AB and partner may have an ordinary sexual relationship at other times, but not while engaged in infantilistic play. As would be expected, the baby wears the diapers.

Paraphilic infantilists are generally masochistic. Masochism is a desire be deprived of status, comfort, or control. Individual adult babies will fall into one of three sets, based on how their masochism is expressed. The first set is simply infantile. Assuming the role of baby inherently involves surrendering control. In some cases, this may be stretched into an early childhood role to include spanking or scolding. The second set has a conventional masochism that they practice when they aren't engaged in baby play. They might be in diapers one evening, and in leather or chains the next evening. The third set integrates conventional masochism into infantilism in a single scene. This might involve mixing baby items with bondage and discipline that would be abusive if used on a real baby. The practices of the third set are incompatible with the other two sets of ABs.

While the division between infantilism and diaper fetishes is clear at a particular moment, AB/DLs commonly practice both. They can only engage in one or the other at any given time. Many AB/DLs describe themselves as “mostly AB” or “mostly DL”, based on which they engage in more frequently.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The Contrast Between Paraphilic Infantilism and Diaper Fetishes", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki