Paraphilic infantilism, also known as adult baby[1] (or "AB", for short), is a form of ageplay that involves role-playing a regression to an infant-like state.[2][3] Like other forms of adult play, depending on the context and desires of the people involved paraphilic infantilism may be expressed as a non-sexual fetish, kink, or simply as a comforting platonic activity. People who practice adult baby play are often colloquially referred to (by themselves and others) as "adult babies", or "ABs".
Behaviors vary, but may include things such as wearing childish clothes, wearing and using diapers, cuddling with stuffed animals, drinking from a bottle or sucking on a pacifier,[1][3][4] and (when done with others) engaging in gentle, nostalgic and nurturing experiences,[5][6] baby talk, or BDSM power dynamics involving masochism, coercion, punishment or humiliation.[5]
Paraphilic infantilism is often associated with diaper fetishism, a separate but related activity in which people derive pleasure or ecstasy from themselves or others wearing or using diapers, but without necessarily involving any form of ageplay.[7] People with a diaper fetish are often informally called "diaper lovers", or "DLs". In practice, however, these strict labels do not always reflect the true diversity of expression. As such, when considered together, paraphilic infantilism and diaper fetishism form a spectrum of behaviors that are often colloquially referred to under the umbrella term "adult baby/diaper lover", or "AB/DL" (also written "ABDL").[8][9][10]
Like other sexual fetishes (paraphilias), there is no single recognized psychological origin for paraphilic infantilism and very little research has been done on the subject as of yet. A variety of theories have been proposed for fetish development in general, including unique lovemaps, imprinting or altered erotic targets, though there no scientific consensus has emerged. Though it varies from person to person, paraphilic infantilism may sometimes be linked to masochism, urolagnia, garment fetishes or other consensual kinks.