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Original poster

MIL obsessed with nappy free time

110 replies

MangoLatte87 · 13/09/2025 11:19

My MIL is obsessed with having DC (9.5 months) “nappy free”. I just don’t get it. We don't have any issues with nappy rash etc., she just believe children want to be nappy free and that DC “asks” for it. I find it unnecessary and pointlessly messy. Originally I didn’t have an issue with it, but her insistence on it has started to make me uncomfortable. Do other people habitually have small babies be nappy free? Am I missing something?

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saraclara · 13/09/2025 20:33

MangoLatte87 · 13/09/2025 20:19

You appear to have misconstrued my posts out of defensiveness.

This seemed pretty clear:

I just find MIL weirdly obsessed with DC’s nudity.

Original poster
MangoLatte87 · 13/09/2025 20:36

saraclara · 13/09/2025 20:33

This seemed pretty clear:

I just find MIL weirdly obsessed with DC’s nudity.

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Wants DC to be naked in a manner I find uncommon does not mean harbours sexual intent towards DC.

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Original poster
MangoLatte87 · 13/09/2025 20:43

pottylolly · 13/09/2025 16:47

Nappy free babies potty train faster, that’s why people used to do it.

Looking at the published evidence on this, it seems to be due to elimination communication though? So the caregiver is watching child for signals that they need to toilet, rather than the child actually learning any differently to later potty trained children.

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Original poster
MangoLatte87 · 13/09/2025 20:51

LittlePineapple · 13/09/2025 19:23

Does it help to know it's a compeltley normal thing that's considered good for the baby? As you've seen from so many posts here? Does that help it feel okay?

If you still feel funny about it it's fine to say to her you've got a funny hang up about it - and then just say it's personal preference?

But it sounds like if you know it's actually quite a normal thing in many circles that might help?

It definitely helps a bit, yes! I’m still not sure I’m totally comfortable with it in the current context. I’m fine with it if DC is outside running about (in the future), but I just don’t see any advantage to having him sitting around on a nappy mat in the living room in a puddle of his own wee.

I think I also struggle with this ( I hadn’t realised before): MIL has not spent very much time with DC (compared to FIL or DM), yet acts way more possessively / as though he’s hers, compared to how FIL / DM behave. MIL is a very lovely person and I’m keen for her to be involved with DC, but I think I am a bit annoyed over this.

OP posts:
Thattimeofthenight · 13/09/2025 21:23

Never once did it and my son was absolutely fine. Gorgeous skin and never had happy rash or any issues whatsoever. If he’d been prone to rashes I’d have probably done it.

TickyBooo · 13/09/2025 21:36

We do it a lot. He loves it

mamagogo1 · 13/09/2025 21:39

Was advised when mine were young, 30 minutes after day ideally

HiCandles · 13/09/2025 21:41

My babies both loved it. But I didn't just take the nappy off in the living room etc. It would only be if I didn't immediately replace the nappy with a clean one when changed, so maybe 20-30 mins nappy free. Or in the garden. Sometimes accidents, yes, but no different to the potty training when that started. And actually having nappy free time led itself nicely to starting to potty sit about 16-18 months. Especially after a successful potty wee, I could safely leave them nappy free for a while.
I don't think it's really necessary at 9.5 months though as an intentional thing, unless there's napkin rash.
The wanting to see him naked seems unusual to be voiced though. I say voiced rather than feel, because I have to admit I adore seeing both my children naked. It's just so amazing seeing their beautifully formed limbs, muscles, everything made inside me and grown by my milk and body. And the joy they get from running about naked and free (and safe at home behind closed doors) is so sweet. Would I feel the same if I hadn't grown them? Not sure, will see when I am a grandmother, but I sure think I won't be saying 'I want to see them naked'!

bumbaloo · 13/09/2025 21:47

Sugargliderwombat · 13/09/2025 13:24

I get where you're coming from OP. My MIL was obsessed with the idea of coming around specifically to do the bath time. The more she pushed the more uncomfortable I felt. It just felt like.... Why? Why do they have to be naked?

My OH insisted some nonsense about purity and being reminded of when they were younger but no other grandparent was obsessed with seeing them naked so I just kept politely declining.

Because babies are adorable in all their jubbly squidgyness. Not everyone’s sexual thoughts around babies 🫤. Don’t you think their little bottoms are cute?

AxolotlEars · 13/09/2025 22:10

Yep. Lying on a towel, on a mat, on the floor

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