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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU about this nickname from grandma?

39 replies

wiredandtired · 30/08/2026 08:29

My mum has started calling my one year old "squidgy".

How would you feel about this nickname?

For context he is on the 90th centile for weight and height, so he is quite a big baby, and she is always going on about this. Not really in a negative way but there's a lot of "oh he's a big boy" "he eats well doesn't he" etc. She's obsessed with him eating.

When I was a child she commented on my weight a lot, too, and I was a bit overweight, so I might be projecting.

She uses the nickname affectionately - e.g. "come here my little squidge!" "Give grandma a cuddle, my little squidgy!" etc.

(I don't like the pressure to give cuddles/ kisses either but that's another issue).

AIBU to sort of hate this nickname, and should I say anything?

OP posts:
Springtimeinsunshine · 30/08/2026 08:59

What is this obsession with not wanting family/friends to give kisses and cuddles to babbies/toddlers? If they wriggle and try to escape then sure but otherwise??

As for the name I think all babies are squidgy (or chunky) and I should imagine most babies have been called this at some point in their lives.

cuckoolodger · 30/08/2026 08:58

Honestly this is totally over thinking. I have 4 grand sons and 3 nephews and a niece between 9 months and 13yo. They have tons of affectionate nicknames. The youngest is almost one and she’s massive, in 18-24 clothes and weighs more than my 2 yo gs. I call her dumpling, cos she’s just so delicious and chunky. I call 2 of my grand kids sausage and meatball . I also call them knuckle deep and snack pot because the dirty little monsters pick their nose and eat it just like their mum did. My middle nephew is lollipop. It’s 100% meant with love and affection. Childhood nicknames are awesome and make us feel included and connected. I still go by my childhood nickname, as do my sisters (when we are together, not in Asda etc) and it’s FAR from flattering. But it’s our history.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 30/08/2026 08:55

I also agree with giving her a garbage nickname if she wont stop...

Gassylady · 30/08/2026 08:54

SavageGardenAreUnderated · 30/08/2026 08:51

And you can start calling her granny prune cos she's so wrinkly. Isn't it sweet?

Two of mine were big and squidgy and we soemtimes said that of them, but never called them that. It seems to cross a line.

Oh I like that. A nickname that picks up on something that is correct but might be perceived negatively. Nanna pruney or grey granny!

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 30/08/2026 08:53

It's your child....

Just say "no dont use that please"
If she gets upset say "well when you say it upsets me, why is it okay im upset?"
"I mean it nicely" -> "well I dont like it. dont please"
"I was just saying" -> "well dont please"
"You are making a big deal over nothing" -> "no. its a simple request most people could follow. The question is why cant you?"
"Its okay to disagree with my but as his mother its my choice"
Etc.

on the touching and forced hugs. Do the vody autonmy chat then ..

Physically intercept with hugs."want to hug granny? Great! Go for it! ....not sure abiut a hug? Want to blow a kiss or do a high five?"
Or "Mum stop.we talked about this before. Want to blow a kiss or high five sweetie"

Angryatheist · 30/08/2026 08:51

You’re being silly

SereneFinch · 30/08/2026 08:51

I think you are projecting but it’s understandable given what you’ve said about her commenting on your body in the past.

I would ignore it while he’s too young to understand but if it continues when he’s older, say something.

SavageGardenAreUnderated · 30/08/2026 08:51

And you can start calling her granny prune cos she's so wrinkly. Isn't it sweet?

Two of mine were big and squidgy and we soemtimes said that of them, but never called them that. It seems to cross a line.

liveforsummer · 30/08/2026 08:50

It’s cute and all babies are squidgy so not exactly singling that out. I’m also wondering about the hugs, unless the baby is distressed by them surely it’s a loving and totally normal thing to do?

Westfacing · 30/08/2026 08:50

It sounds more a term of endearment rather than a nickname?

I called my grandchildren all sorts of things!

Original poster
wiredandtired · 30/08/2026 08:48

@Aaloyisha No but she might use it when he's 2/3/4/5 and starting to learn what his body is like and how people perceive it.

OP posts:
Aaloyisha · 30/08/2026 08:47

I think it’s cute! She won’t use it when he’s 15.

Original poster
wiredandtired · 30/08/2026 08:47

@Brendayouknowthatyouremuchtoolazy I just don't feel that anything about a child's physical appearance - especially their size - should really be a big focus from adults. (Other than from a health perspective obviously).

OP posts:
Brendayouknowthatyouremuchtoolazy · 30/08/2026 08:38

My best mate had a massive baby and she was affectionately called Chunk when she was very young. It was not used more than her actual name, it was just a term of affection for a very chunky baby. Are you feeling a little protective of the possible implication you have a fat baby?