ABDL
AB/DL stands for Adult Baby / Diaper Lover and refers to the community of individuals who share an interest or paraphilia regarding one or more aspects of infantilism and/or diapers. In general, Adult Babies may dress and act infantile as a means of coping or stress relief while Diaper Lovers wear or use diapers as a means of pleasure. While some AB/DLs tend to identify as one or the other because of their contrasting nature, there are many who share interests on both sides of AB/DL.
Adult Baby
The focus of an Adult Baby, or a 'Little' as they are sometimes referred to as, is centered around regression and infantilism. This fixation is non-sexual and serves to conjure up the happiness and comfort of a loving childhood as a means of coping, escape, or stress relief. A Little may use clothing they associate with childhood, plush animals, or media aimed at children to help them achieve a safe, child-like state of mind. For some, they may also roleplay as a child with a trusted partner assuming the role of either a caretaker, parent, or another Little. These roleplays consist of activities and behavior that help enforce the Little's role such as speaking to or caring for them in a way one would with a toddler.
The Importance of Sexuality
Sexuality makes up a large part of our personal identities and connects us in ways that are deeply vulnerable, honest, and intimate. Despite how essential it is to our existence both biologically and socially, society has grown to harbor a large number of hostile views regarding sexual expression. These hateful ideologies install a sense of shame, guilt, and self-hatred for simply being human and cause a large amount of suffering to those who are prevented from expressing themselves freely. Sexuality is a vital aspect of being human and rejecting this does not change the fact we are sexual creatures.
Paraphilia
Diaper Lover
Paraphilias are reoccurring, abnormal sexual behaviors or urges that involve objects, activities, or situations that aren't commonly viewed as sexual. Paraphilia are formed from experiences and circumstances that took place in one's early childhood development, as such, they are not chosen and can even be unwanted by the ones who possess them. For some, the paraphilia itself may not be harmful but the negative social stigmas associated with them are. This can make it difficult for these individuals to reach out for help, even when their interests are disruptive or harmful to them or others.
While paraphilias can seem weird or hard to understand, this does not instantly mean that they are malicious or harmful. In fact, if the interest is causing no harm and is mutually agreed upon, these unusual sexual behaviors can be part of a healthy relationship. If you'd like to know more on paraphilia, I'd recommend this article by George R. Brown, MD, East Tennessee State University.
A Diaper Lover's interest, in contrast, is sexual in its nature. A Diaper Lover is someone who has a fetish for wearing or using diapers. While it's not always the case, this fixation is often accompanied by other sexual interests or aspects of BDSM which focus on submission, control, and humiliation. Some Diaper Lovers may engage in adult play with a trusted partner, using diapers as a means of discipline or control to explore the power dynamic between a dominant and a submissive.