WikiFur - User contributions [en]

Babyfur

2006-06-12T11:19:16Z

86.199.82.54: /* Babyfur Roles */

A '''babyfur''' is a member of the [[furry fandom]] who enjoys roleplaying younger characters. They may also be an Adult Baby and/or [[Wikipedia:Diaper Lover|Diaper Lover]] (collectively known as AB/DLs), or is otherwise involved in [[Wikipedia:Infantilism|Infantilism]]. There are many different types of furs in the babyfur community, each focusing on different aspects and roles. Like furry in general, babyfur culture involves a good amount of [[role-playing]] (either light or heavy), both online and in the real world.

The community has been growing more and more popular since the mid- to late 90's. While the community itself is still part of the furry fandom as a whole, it is large enough to present a good deal of leaders, politics and drama to give the community a nearly independent feel to it.

Role playing babyfurs will most often take on the role of a furry character in his/her infancy or childhood. Common roleplaying themes include "cute" [[clothing]] (onesies, footy pajamas, overalls, diapers) and a child's environment such as a nursery or day care center, complete with cribs, high chairs and babyish decor. A few babyfurs lucky enough to afford the privacy and devotion will set up adult nurseries to role play as children in real life. A sexual subset of this type of roleplaying is known as [[ageplay]].

[[Image:Rieva-little.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Babyfurs in a Nutshell.<br\>Art by [[LoupGarou]] [http://us-p.vclart.net/vcl/Artists/LoupGarou], character by [[Rieva]]]]

==Terminology==

==Babyfur Roles==

There are a few sub-groups within the babyfur community which are often described with the following terminology:

*'''babyfur''' : Used to describe the group as a whole, however, specifically it referrers to someone that roleplays as younger, up to the human equivalent of toddler age, characters. Baby paraphernalia is most likely to be involved for this group and role played speech is often either in gibberish or very basic speech.
*'''lilfur''' : This is a person that roleplays as a child character. Characters identified as lilfurs tend to between their toddler and teen ages. Diaper and other baby paraphernalia may or may not be involved. Role played speech is usually more refined at this point, but still somewhat juvenile.
*'''diaperfur''' : This is a person that roleplays as an adult character that still either requires or choose to wear diapers. Role played speech and actions are consistent with an adult. The person may also roleplay an adult character that is mentally regressed back to a younger state, but still has an adult physical form.
*'''sissyfur''' : This is a person that roleplays a male character, either adult or child, that is forced to dress and act as a young female character.
*'''caretaker''' : As the name suggests these are the people that roleplay caretaker characters, a 'mommy' or 'daddy' figure for other babyfurs.

Many people don't identify with one single group, but can change roles depending on the situation and who they are interacting with. It's also not uncommon for complex lineages (for example siblings, parents, etc) to be set up among other babyfurs so that roles can be defined.

==Definition of AB/DLs==

These are general non furry terms but are useful to understand in this context.

'''Adult Baby''' (AB) : A person that enjoys regressing back to being a baby. Beyond regressing using physical or environmental changes (such as diapers, clothing, and settings), they also mentally regress, taking the mentality of a baby. These are the equivalent to 'babyfurs' or 'lilfurs' when crossed with [[furry]]. Teenagers who are Adult Babies will sometimes refer to themselves as Teen Babies (TBs).

'''Diaper Lover''' (DL) : A person that enjoys regressing back to being a baby, but limits the regressing to an environmental change (such as wearing diapers or using baby paraphernalia). These people, unlike AB's, will usually not regress physically (adopting a baby form) or mentally. These tend to be the equivalent of 'diaperfurs' in the babyfur community. For some DLs, but not all of them, there is a fetish connection to the diapers and baby play. They will sometimes take the submissive role to a caretaker in sexual play, and the caretaker will take a dominant role.

'''Infantilist''' : Essentially, [[Wikipedia:infantilism|infantilism]] regards any person who enjoys regressing to the mental age of an infant or toddler, and may or may not involve diapers and other baby paraphernalia.

==Cubbing Out==
"Cubbing Out" is a general term used by the community to describe roleplaying as a babyfur character. This can either be roleplay in the virtual world or the real world. Usually it will involve one or more regressed characters or people interacting with each other or with a caregiver.

"Padding" and "Getting Padded" may also refer to cubbing, in particular regarding to being diapered.

==The Caregiver's Role==
Caregivers (or caretakers) are the 'mommy' and 'daddy' figures in the roleplay. For the most part, they interact with other babyfurs as a mother or father would with their child. This can include playing with, cleaning or disciplining the younger character. For those involved from a sexual standpoint, the caregiver may adopt the dominant role, while the regressed character adopts the submissive role.

==Baby things (and why)==

From the Adult Baby (AB) angle of AB/DL, regressing individuals prefer to behave and be treated as much like a baby or toddler as possible. To do so successfully achieves in many babyfurs a comforting, secure or blissful feeling. Various paraphrenalia help to satisfy these preferences:

==Clothing==

Many babyfurs enjoy wearing all sorts of clothing. Some say the cuter it looks, the better it is. Such articles of clothing include the following:
*Overalls
*Shortalls
*Booties
*Dresses
*Onesies
*Pajamas
*Pants
*Footed sleepers
*Mittens
*Bows

Many male babyfurs find they enjoy being dressed as little girls as well, and are sometimes called ''sissyfurs''.
The classic baby bonnet (seen frequently in certain Looney Toons episodes) is not very common among babyfurs, which might be attributed to the fact that modern society doesn't find real babies wearing them either.

==Plushies and Toys==
Just like clothing, interacting with plushies and toys is very contributive to the cub experience. Toys range in age from baby toys to toy cars and action figures. As long as cubs get to interact with one another though, toys are not always the focus in a roleplay.

==Objects==
A toddler's life is not complete without many of the following items. Many babyfurs use these objects in online roleplay and would love to be able to use them in the real world:

*Cribs
*Walkers
*Strollers
*High chairs
*Car seats
*Booster seats
*Pacifiers
*Baby bottles
*Sippy cups
*Talcum powder
*Bubble baths

In addition to physical objects, some babyfurs also find a keen interest in actions like [[wikipedia:blowing a raspberry|blowing a raspberry]], being held, or watching old television shows that are no longer available for on TV. Many old children's shows such as 80's and early 90's cartoons on Nickelodeon were the same shows some babyfurs watched when they were little, and reminiscing about them leaves a nostalgic warmth.

==Diaper usage (and why)==

Diapers are an item frequently used while "cubbing out". Like other aspects of babyfur, this can be done in the virtual world, the real world, or both. There are many babyfurs, however, that while they will wear diapers in online roles, do not in real life. Many babyfurs will wear diapers in real life for a feeling of security and comfort, but will not use them for their intended purpose. At the other end of the spectrum, there are some babyfurs that, either by choice or by necessity, wear and use diapers all the time.

Why babyfurs wear, and possibly use, diapers in the real world is varied. For some, they are forced to wear them because of a medical condition and have no choice in the manner. These people have often blended their real life situation with their furry persona. For others, it is a way they can regress into their [[fursona|furry persona]]'s age. Some others see the diapers as a connection to their furry persona, paralleling a [[tail]] or [[fursuit]] in the general furry community.

The wearing (and especially the use) of diapers in the real world are at the heart of many issues that some members of the furry community in general have with the babyfurs. For example, it is not generally considered appropriate for a diaper user to soil themselves at [[convention]] in the presence of other [[furry fan]]s - or to put themselves in a situation where this is likely to happen - yet individuals have been known to do this, to the detriment of the group's reputation.

==Babyfur behavior==

When cubbing out in both the real world and in online roleplaying, the level of connection to the role will vary between each player. Some babyfurs will become so involved and yearn for such an authentic childish mentality that they will use speech impediments and [[Wikipedia:baby talk|baby talk]] to communicate. Very few babyfurs make a habit out of using babytalk in the real world, similar to a [[Wikipedia:gay lisp|gay lisp]]. Depending on the situation, a babyfur could even develop a habit of whining or crying to get what he/she wants from a caregiver or another roleplayer.

In light online [[role-playing]], babyfurs may toddle, crawl and wag their tails playfully while the sounds of crinkling diapers abound. Pouncing, giggling, cuddling, [[snug]]gling and tummy rubbing ensue with the maximum possible level of cuteness.

Child-like behaviour, baby animal sounds and an emphasis on [[cuteness]] are widespread among [[furry fans]] when among themselves, even those who don't call themselves babyfurs and who don't participate in other babyfur activities described here, such as diapers or baby clothing.

While most babyfurs are closely attached to the development of young [[human]]s, a different approach can be found in online [[role-play]], where newborn [[zoomorphic]] and [[anthropomorphic]] [[characters]] often grow up at a similar pace as wild animals, doing without accessories such as diapers and learning to walk in a short time. This has the practical advantage of sooner getting into an age that allows interesting role-play even for non-babyfurs when playing a character since birth. As in nature, opinions on when a character can be considered adult vary greatly.

==Babyfurs at Furry Conventions==

Just like furries in general, babyfurs go to [[convention]]s to spend time with friends and express their [[furriness]]. For many, that includes their babyfur aspects too. One may see many babyfurs dressed in juvenile clothing and with various paraphernalia because that is part of how they choose to express themselves. To some babyfurs, dressing in such a way is no different than other furries wearing ears, tails or fursuits.

At many [[convention]]s, hotel rooms are set up as gathering places for babyfurs to socialize privately. Two of the most notable are the [[C'ubhouse]] and [[Nursery]] run by [[LilPup]] and [[Snuggems]], respectively.

==Facts and Myths==
*Myth : Babyfurs publicly dress as a baby.
**Sometimes true. Some babyfurs dress as a baby to express their interest in being a babyfur unashamed, and a few are avid seekers of humiliation or embarrassment. However, most babyfurs do not engage in the public dress of infantile paraphernalia.

*Myth: Babyfurs are sexually attracted to children just as some furry fans are sexually attracted to furries.
**False. Being a babyfur is very different from being a pedophile. While a small number babyfurs may be pedophiles, this is largely not the case. See section VII about the difference between babyfurs and pedophiles.

==History of the Babyfur Community==

*'''1995''' - [[Proxima Centauri]] opens [[The Nursery]] on [[FurryMUCK]].
*'''1995-01-13''' - Proxima Centauri runs the first official "AB/DL Furry" convention gathering at [[ConFurence 6]], though unsuccessful.
*'''1995-08-04''' - [[BitterGrey]] opens [http://understanding.infantilism.org Understanding Infantilism], then known as "BitterGrey's Den," a website for ABDLs and Furries.
*'''1996-09-09''' - Proxima Centauri officially opens [http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails].
*'''1997''' - [[Snuggems]] opens the FurryMUCK DayKare and Bottoms-Up Diaper Company.
*'''1998-01-15''' - Snuggems runs ''The Nursery'', the first successful convention gathering for babyfurs, at [[ConFurence 9]]. The Nursery has been held at 16 furry conventions to date.
*'''1998-07''' - [[Chipper]] and [[OshKoshFox]] create [[babyfurs (IRC)|#babyfurs]] on [[YiffNet]].
*'''2000-05-05''' - [[Kasi]] and OshKoshFox create the Babyfurs mailing list on One Groups.
*'''2000-05-18''' - [[RayFerret]] creates #littlepaws on YiffNet after heated disagreements on #babyfurs.
*'''2000''' - #nowhere_grotto is created on YiffNet as an alternative to #babyfurs and the defunct #littlepaws. The new channel grows to rival the size of #babyfurs, but falls before #babyfur is created in 2004.
*'''2001-07''' - [[LilPup]] runs the first [[C'ubHouse]] at [[Anthrocon]].
*'''2004-07''' - [[Ludwig]] creates #babyfur as an alternative to #babyfurs, now on [[FurNet (IRC)|FurNet]], to allow users to chat with fewer rules and regulations.
*'''2004-09-13''' - The Babyfurs mailing list, having moved to Yahoo! Groups, is deleted by Yahoo! and is revived as "Babyfurs_part2."
*'''2004-12-11''' - Yahoo! again deletes the mailing list, and the group moves to [http://clubs.wanadoo.co.uk/group/group.cfm?GID=2982050 Babyfurs on Smartgroups].

==Community Leaders and Important Babyfurs==

The following babyfurs are among the most known and respected in the furry fandom, recognized here for their contributions and devotion to the babyfur community:

*[[SwiftFox]] has been a member of the babyfur community since its inception in the mid to late 90's. He writes babyfur fiction, co-owns and moderates the Smartgroups Babyfurs mailing list, and hosts several furry and AB/DL events in the Pittsburgh area. ([http://www.swiftsden.net Swift's Den])

*[[Orca]] co-moderates the Babyfurs mailing list with SwiftFox. He maintains the Babyfurs mailing list and an external file archive. He routinely reports links to interesting or humorous online articles relating to AB/DLs. Orca is also the famed inventor of the "Orca Stack."

*[[LilPup]] and [[Lil_Kitt]] run and manage the [http://babyfur.com/cubhouse/ Babyfur C'ubhouse] at furry conventions for babyfurs to get together and have fun. LilPup also runs the [http://babyfur.com/ Online Babyfur Community], a central website that features the [http://babyfur.com/bfpl/ Babyfur Proximity Locator] (BFPL) for babyfurs to locate one another around the world. Like Swift and Orca, LilPup works to improve the relationship between babyfurs and non-babyfurs at conventions and to help babyfurs maintain a positive reputation in the furry fandom.

*[[Snuggems]] is most known for running the Nursery at Anthrocon, a room devoted to giving to those kids and cubs at heart who need to be cared for. Although it started up first and despite that the two meeting spots have different ratings and features, Snuggems' Nursery has been often been said to view the C'ubhouse as competition.

*[[Proxima Centauri]]'s name is perhaps the first name known to newcomers to the babyfur community as they search to satisfy their newly found interests. Proxima runs [http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails], one of the longest running AB Furry pages, dating back to 1997 (before the term "babyfur" had existed) and featuring thousands of babyfur art, fiction and multimedia files. Though it is in dire need of a new layout, the webpage still runs strong today.

*[[Karis]] owns and maintains [http://karisplayground.com/ Karis' Playground], featuring a large collection of babyfur and AB/DL images by artists of all rank. Karis' Playground also offers a store where visitors can purchase prints of babyfur art by various professional artists, including his wife Marci McAdam. Karis was the first person to make babyfur/diaper art available at furry conventions, thus pioneering the community known today as "Babyfurs."

== Babyfur Art & Literature ==
A few of the authors and artists in the babyfur community are:

=== Artists ===
*[[Marci McAdam]] is the most popular artist in the babyfur community. Although she is not a babyfur herself, her professional abilities and open-mindedness make her one of the best artist around. It is often said that a babyfur isn't officially a babyfur until he has purchased a badge or commission from Marci McAdam. Her babyfur art can be found for sale at her husband's website, [[Karis' Playground]] [http://karisplayground.com/], and her other art is located at [http://furries.frithcat.com/ Marci McAdam's Furries]. Due to her time constraints in doing professional art, Marci is unable to take fandom-related commissions anymore.

*[[Genesis Eve Whitmore]] is not as popular as Marci but just as talented. She dominates the babyfur art market at Pawpet Megaplex in Orlando, FL in March, and her regular furry art gets plenty of attention as well. (About as much as her dazzling pink hair!) [http://www.madcoyote.com/gen/ Gen's Webpage]

*[[BushyCat]] appears at several furry conventions and is well known for her humorous-yet-innocent take on babyfurs as well as other alternative genres of furry art. Some of her creations have more human-like qualities than other artists tend to portray in their characters.

*[[JadeFox]] is one of the more active babyfur artists in the community, offering special contests and events for fans to participate in. The majority of his work is based on his own character or other babyfurs' characters. His drawings are especially creative and imaginative, bringing out only the most treasured aspects of childhood, as well as very innovative clothing design (featuring several brands and companies of his own devising). [http://www.furryjadefox.com/ Furry Jade Fox]

*[[Kelvin the Lion]] is a fairly popular artist whose current endeavors include (among others) the progressive webcomic ''[[Nivlek]]'', about the adventures of Nivlek the [[snow leopard]] who enjoys wearing diapers and eating. Nivlek remains to be one of the more amusing "weird" furry comics out there, and his talent does not go unnoticed. [http://www.geocities.com/kelvinthelion/index.html Kelvin's Furry Den]

*[[FangKit]] has been drawing babyfurs for most of this decade, and continues to improve his artistic talent. His unique style and knack for cuteness and humor combine to make him favored by babyfurs throughout the community. [http://www.babyfox.org.uk/foxnip/ FangKit's Pics]

*[[OzzyFox]], a student of animation at the Art Institute of Houston, consistently produces work on a regular basis that ranges from cuddly-cute to controversial and mature. [http://foxcrib.sk1p.com/ Fox Crib]

*[[IkazuchiFox]] (commonly known by friends as "Ikajuicy") is found in the definition for "ubercute" listed in UrbanDictionary. He is one of the few amateur babyfur artists with work unique and notable enough to be recognized by the fandom. Although Ikazuchi has not done a sketch for a long time, it is the hope of many furs that he will start drawing again.

*[[Astolpho]], also known to his friends outside the furry community as [[rootdown]], had a unique technique involving bright pastel-like colors on babyfurs, with baggy clothes, large eyes and innocent expressions. Astolpho innovatively expanded on the existing "squiggly" concept by animating outlines around static colors. Frustration with some fans as well as dissatisfaction with the quality of his work has prompted Astolpho to limit the availability of his artwork.

*[[Cargo Weasel]]'s art leans strongly toward the "DL" side of "AB/DL," showing off mature diaper-related concepts that fit perfectly with his coloring and shading style. His art was featured on a now-defunct mailing list, but can still be found on his website: [http://www.cargoweasel.com/ Cargo Weasel: Art Complex]

==Art ''about'' babyfurs==
Some [[furry fandom]] artists have covered the topic of babyfurs, typically taking the same line as [[:Category:Media coverage|external commentators on the entire fandom]]:

*''[[West Corner Of the Park (comic)|West Corner Of the Park]]'''s coverage has been [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20051002 generally] [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20051016 negative], although they did make an exception for the [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20060521 Pink Panzer]

==Writers==
*[[CS Fox]], also known as Kit Fox and Cyprus Sygial, is possibly the best known babyfur writer in the community. His works are the biggest features in the stories section at Nursery Tails, and since his submissions to Proxima's site he has gone on to host his own website showing off babyfur fiction of his own and by newer babyfur writers. The latest rendition of CS Fox's site, [http://www.foxtalestimes.com/ Fox Tales Times], is being completed as this article is written. Its biggest feature is CS Fox's renowned AB/DL RPGM2K-based game, Weston Academy. The website also sports plenty of comics and art related to the RPG.

*[[Firemane]]'s fiction is prominently featured on CS Fox's fiction page.

*[[Fieval Mouse]]'s work is still favored by many furs. His stories are roughly 5 years old and are found on Proxima's Nursery Tails, featuring illustrations by Doodles.

==Babyfur as a Paraphilia==

A phenomenon exists throughout the furry fandom where it appears that a large amount of its members find a sexual attraction to anthropomorphic animals. As babyfurs are also furries, the phenomenon adheres to babyfurs as well. Because most babyfurs tend to enjoy roleplaying as children or toddlers, the question constantly arises: Are babyfurs pedophiles?

===Babyfur versus Pedophilia===
Babyfurs are not inherently pedophiles. While babyfurs roleplay as underage characters, the vast majority are not sexually attracted to children.

As babyfurs are defined in section 1, most roleplay as young furries usually because of their longing to be young again; in fact, some babyfurs don't even include a sexual element in their interests (and some do). Babyfurs assert that an adult roleplaying a child should not be considered the same thing as a child.

As with the general population, however, a small subset of babyfurs may be pedophiles.

===Babyfurs vs. Non-Babyfurs===
The concept of babyfurs has grown quite contentious with some members of the [[fandom]]. Some furries and non-furries who have identified themselves as babyfurs or were identified by others as being babyfurs have acted inappropriately at [[convention]]s in the past. Such contentious behavior includes wearing diapers in public without using proper hygiene and trying to push uninterested people into babyfur [[roleplay]], including sexual roleplay. These behaviors are frowned upon by the babyfur community in general, and such incidents, when perpetrated by babyfurs, are done by a small number of babyfurs within a larger babyfur community. The community in general adopted guidelines of conduct for how to act in public after a rash of such incidents at conventions in an effort to police themselves.

Furries who dislike babyfurs may do so for a variety of common points, including:

*Grossed out by the concept of diaper lovers (or, in the aforementioned cases, by the smell)
*False belief that all babyfurs are pedophiles
*Previous negative experiences with those who identify themselves as babyfurs or were identified by others as being babyfurs.
*Fear that babyfur behavior will be associated as a characteristic of the general fandom, especially in the media

While there is some conflict between babyfurs and the general fandom, such conflicts are not widespread throughout the entire fandom nor are they very severe. The majority of babyfurs and non-babyfurs coexist quite well because the majority of babyfurs do not engage in the more extreme behaviors mentioned here.

==Babyfur Links and Media==

Babyfurs have a well established community full of art, resources, and as many modes of communication as the rest of the furry fandom.

==Web pages==

==Informative pages==
Want to learn more about babyfurs, who they are, and why they are? These web pages may be helpful.
*[http://understanding.infantilism.org Understanding Infantilism] by [[BitterGrey]]
*[http://babyfur.com Online Babyfur Community] by [[LilPup]]

[[Image:sr_secondlife.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Two babyfurs hug in the world of [[Second Life]].]]

==Art/fiction pages==
*[http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails] by [[Proxima Centauri]]
*[http://www.foxtalestimes.com Fox Tales Times] by [[CS Fox]]
*[http://foxcrib.sk1p.com/ Fox Crib] by [[OzzyFox]]
*[http://www.furryjadefox.com Furry Jade Fox] by [[JadeFox]]
*[http://www.karisplayground.com/ Karis' Playground] by [[Karis]]

==LiveJournal Communities==

*[http://www.livejournal.com/community/babyfur/ Babyfur Community]

==Mailing Lists==

*[http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/babyfurs Smartgroups Babyfurs] (Invitation only. Send requests [mailto:babyfurs-subscribe@smartgroups.com here].)
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Babyfur_Cubhouse/ Babyfur C'ubhouse]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/clubcargo/ Club Cargo]
*[http://clubs.wanadoo.co.uk/group/group.cfm?GID=3103378 LilFursCubhouse]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDBabyFurs/ Maryland Babyfurs]

==Internet Relay Chat==
*[http://www.babyfox.org.uk/babyfurs/ Furnet #babyfurs] (PG13 rating)
*[http://www.furnet.org/news/ Furnet #babyfur] (Unrated)

==MUCKs==

[[The Astonishing Treehouse of the Secret Moon|The Treehouse]] on [[Tapestries]] is a common meeting place for lilfurs and ageplayers. Just teleport to ''secretmoon'' and you're there.

==Second Life==

Many babyfurs can be found in [[Second Life]]. A major meeting place for babyfurs is the babyfur [[island (Second Life)|sim]] called [[Cub Conclave]], created and run by [[Raven Welesa]].
[[Category:Paraphilias]]
[[Category:Social groups]]
{{Featured article}}

Babyfur

2006-06-12T09:13:50Z

86.199.82.54:

A '''babyfur''' is a member of the [[furry fandom]] who enjoys roleplaying younger characters. They may also be an Adult Baby and/or [[Wikipedia:Diaper Lover|Diaper Lover]] (collectively known as AB/DLs), or is otherwise involved in [[Wikipedia:Infantilism|Infantilism]]. There are many different types of furs in the babyfur community, each focusing on different aspects and roles. Like furry in general, babyfur culture involves a good amount of [[role-playing]] (either light or heavy), both online and in the real world.

The community has been growing more and more popular since the mid- to late 90's. While the community itself is still part of the furry fandom as a whole, it is large enough to present a good deal of leaders, politics and drama to give the community a nearly independent feel to it.

Role playing babyfurs will most often take on the role of a furry character in his/her infancy or childhood. Common roleplaying themes include "cute" [[clothing]] (onesies, footy pajamas, overalls, diapers) and a child's environment such as a nursery or day care center, complete with cribs, high chairs and babyish decor. A few babyfurs lucky enough to afford the privacy and devotion will set up adult nurseries to role play as children in real life. A sexual subset of this type of roleplaying is known as [[ageplay]].

[[Image:Rieva-little.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Babyfurs in a Nutshell.<br\>Art by [[LoupGarou]] [http://us-p.vclart.net/vcl/Artists/LoupGarou], character by [[Rieva]]]]

==Terminology==

==Babyfur Roles==

There are a few sub-groups within the babyfur community which are often described with the following terminology:

'''babyfur''' : Used to describe the group as a whole, however, specifically it referrers to someone that roleplays as younger, up to the human equivalent of toddler age, characters. Baby paraphernalia is most likely to be involved for this group and role played speech is often either in gibberish or very basic speech.
'''lilfur''' : This is a person that roleplays as a child character. Characters identified as lilfurs tend to between their toddler and teen ages. Diaper and other baby paraphernalia may or may not be involved. Role played speech is usually more refined at this point, but still somewhat juvenile.
'''diaperfur''' : This is a person that roleplays as an adult character that still either requires or choose to wear diapers. Role played speech and actions are consistent with an adult. The person may also roleplay an adult character that is mentally regressed back to a younger state, but still has an adult physical form.
'''sissyfur''' : This is a person that roleplays a male character, either adult or child, that is forced to dress and act as a young female character.
; caretaker : As the name suggests these are the people that roleplay caretaker characters, a 'mommy' or 'daddy' figure for other babyfurs.

Many people don't identify with one single group, but can change roles depending on the situation and who they are interacting with. It's also not uncommon for complex lineages (for example siblings, parents, etc) to be set up among other babyfurs so that roles can be defined.

==Definition of AB/DLs==

These are general non furry terms but are useful to understand in this context.

'''Adult Baby''' (AB) : A person that enjoys regressing back to being a baby. Beyond regressing using physical or environmental changes (such as diapers, clothing, and settings), they also mentally regress, taking the mentality of a baby. These are the equivalent to 'babyfurs' or 'lilfurs' when crossed with [[furry]]. Teenagers who are Adult Babies will sometimes refer to themselves as Teen Babies (TBs).

'''Diaper Lover''' (DL) : A person that enjoys regressing back to being a baby, but limits the regressing to an environmental change (such as wearing diapers or using baby paraphernalia). These people, unlike AB's, will usually not regress physically (adopting a baby form) or mentally. These tend to be the equivalent of 'diaperfurs' in the babyfur community. For some DLs, but not all of them, there is a fetish connection to the diapers and baby play. They will sometimes take the submissive role to a caretaker in sexual play, and the caretaker will take a dominant role.

'''Infantilist''' : Essentially, [[Wikipedia:infantilism|infantilism]] regards any person who enjoys regressing to the mental age of an infant or toddler, and may or may not involve diapers and other baby paraphernalia.

==Cubbing Out==
"Cubbing Out" is a general term used by the community to describe roleplaying as a babyfur character. This can either be roleplay in the virtual world or the real world. Usually it will involve one or more regressed characters or people interacting with each other or with a caregiver.

"Padding" and "Getting Padded" may also refer to cubbing, in particular regarding to being diapered.

==The Caregiver's Role==
Caregivers (or caretakers) are the 'mommy' and 'daddy' figures in the roleplay. For the most part, they interact with other babyfurs as a mother or father would with their child. This can include playing with, cleaning or disciplining the younger character. For those involved from a sexual standpoint, the caregiver may adopt the dominant role, while the regressed character adopts the submissive role.

==Baby things (and why)==

From the Adult Baby (AB) angle of AB/DL, regressing individuals prefer to behave and be treated as much like a baby or toddler as possible. To do so successfully achieves in many babyfurs a comforting, secure or blissful feeling. Various paraphrenalia help to satisfy these preferences:

==Clothing==

Many babyfurs enjoy wearing all sorts of clothing. Some say the cuter it looks, the better it is. Such articles of clothing include the following:
*Overalls
*Shortalls
*Booties
*Dresses
*Onesies
*Pajamas
*Pants
*Footed sleepers
*Mittens
*Bows

Many male babyfurs find they enjoy being dressed as little girls as well, and are sometimes called ''sissyfurs''.
The classic baby bonnet (seen frequently in certain Looney Toons episodes) is not very common among babyfurs, which might be attributed to the fact that modern society doesn't find real babies wearing them either.

==Plushies and Toys==
Just like clothing, interacting with plushies and toys is very contributive to the cub experience. Toys range in age from baby toys to toy cars and action figures. As long as cubs get to interact with one another though, toys are not always the focus in a roleplay.

==Objects==
A toddler's life is not complete without many of the following items. Many babyfurs use these objects in online roleplay and would love to be able to use them in the real world:

*Cribs
*Walkers
*Strollers
*High chairs
*Car seats
*Booster seats
*Pacifiers
*Baby bottles
*Sippy cups
*Talcum powder
*Bubble baths

In addition to physical objects, some babyfurs also find a keen interest in actions like [[wikipedia:blowing a raspberry|blowing a raspberry]], being held, or watching old television shows that are no longer available for on TV. Many old children's shows such as 80's and early 90's cartoons on Nickelodeon were the same shows some babyfurs watched when they were little, and reminiscing about them leaves a nostalgic warmth.

==Diaper usage (and why)==

Diapers are an item frequently used while "cubbing out". Like other aspects of babyfur, this can be done in the virtual world, the real world, or both. There are many babyfurs, however, that while they will wear diapers in online roles, do not in real life. Many babyfurs will wear diapers in real life for a feeling of security and comfort, but will not use them for their intended purpose. At the other end of the spectrum, there are some babyfurs that, either by choice or by necessity, wear and use diapers all the time.

Why babyfurs wear, and possibly use, diapers in the real world is varied. For some, they are forced to wear them because of a medical condition and have no choice in the manner. These people have often blended their real life situation with their furry persona. For others, it is a way they can regress into their [[fursona|furry persona]]'s age. Some others see the diapers as a connection to their furry persona, paralleling a [[tail]] or [[fursuit]] in the general furry community.

The wearing (and especially the use) of diapers in the real world are at the heart of many issues that some members of the furry community in general have with the babyfurs. For example, it is not generally considered appropriate for a diaper user to soil themselves at [[convention]] in the presence of other [[furry fan]]s - or to put themselves in a situation where this is likely to happen - yet individuals have been known to do this, to the detriment of the group's reputation.

==Babyfur behavior==

When cubbing out in both the real world and in online roleplaying, the level of connection to the role will vary between each player. Some babyfurs will become so involved and yearn for such an authentic childish mentality that they will use speech impediments and [[Wikipedia:baby talk|baby talk]] to communicate. Very few babyfurs make a habit out of using babytalk in the real world, similar to a [[Wikipedia:gay lisp|gay lisp]]. Depending on the situation, a babyfur could even develop a habit of whining or crying to get what he/she wants from a caregiver or another roleplayer.

In light online [[role-playing]], babyfurs may toddle, crawl and wag their tails playfully while the sounds of crinkling diapers abound. Pouncing, giggling, cuddling, [[snug]]gling and tummy rubbing ensue with the maximum possible level of cuteness.

Child-like behaviour, baby animal sounds and an emphasis on [[cuteness]] are widespread among [[furry fans]] when among themselves, even those who don't call themselves babyfurs and who don't participate in other babyfur activities described here, such as diapers or baby clothing.

While most babyfurs are closely attached to the development of young [[human]]s, a different approach can be found in online [[role-play]], where newborn [[zoomorphic]] and [[anthropomorphic]] [[characters]] often grow up at a similar pace as wild animals, doing without accessories such as diapers and learning to walk in a short time. This has the practical advantage of sooner getting into an age that allows interesting role-play even for non-babyfurs when playing a character since birth. As in nature, opinions on when a character can be considered adult vary greatly.

==Babyfurs at Furry Conventions==

Just like furries in general, babyfurs go to [[convention]]s to spend time with friends and express their [[furriness]]. For many, that includes their babyfur aspects too. One may see many babyfurs dressed in juvenile clothing and with various paraphernalia because that is part of how they choose to express themselves. To some babyfurs, dressing in such a way is no different than other furries wearing ears, tails or fursuits.

At many [[convention]]s, hotel rooms are set up as gathering places for babyfurs to socialize privately. Two of the most notable are the [[C'ubhouse]] and [[Nursery]] run by [[LilPup]] and [[Snuggems]], respectively.

==Facts and Myths==
*Myth : Babyfurs publicly dress as a baby.
**Sometimes true. Some babyfurs dress as a baby to express their interest in being a babyfur unashamed, and a few are avid seekers of humiliation or embarrassment. However, most babyfurs do not engage in the public dress of infantile paraphernalia.

*Myth: Babyfurs are sexually attracted to children just as some furry fans are sexually attracted to furries.
**False. Being a babyfur is very different from being a pedophile. While a small number babyfurs may be pedophiles, this is largely not the case. See section VII about the difference between babyfurs and pedophiles.

==History of the Babyfur Community==

*'''1995''' - [[Proxima Centauri]] opens [[The Nursery]] on [[FurryMUCK]].
*'''1995-01-13''' - Proxima Centauri runs the first official "AB/DL Furry" convention gathering at [[ConFurence 6]], though unsuccessful.
*'''1995-08-04''' - [[BitterGrey]] opens [http://understanding.infantilism.org Understanding Infantilism], then known as "BitterGrey's Den," a website for ABDLs and Furries.
*'''1996-09-09''' - Proxima Centauri officially opens [http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails].
*'''1997''' - [[Snuggems]] opens the FurryMUCK DayKare and Bottoms-Up Diaper Company.
*'''1998-01-15''' - Snuggems runs ''The Nursery'', the first successful convention gathering for babyfurs, at [[ConFurence 9]]. The Nursery has been held at 16 furry conventions to date.
*'''1998-07''' - [[Chipper]] and [[OshKoshFox]] create [[babyfurs (IRC)|#babyfurs]] on [[YiffNet]].
*'''2000-05-05''' - [[Kasi]] and OshKoshFox create the Babyfurs mailing list on One Groups.
*'''2000-05-18''' - [[RayFerret]] creates #littlepaws on YiffNet after heated disagreements on #babyfurs.
*'''2000''' - #nowhere_grotto is created on YiffNet as an alternative to #babyfurs and the defunct #littlepaws. The new channel grows to rival the size of #babyfurs, but falls before #babyfur is created in 2004.
*'''2001-07''' - [[LilPup]] runs the first [[C'ubHouse]] at [[Anthrocon]].
*'''2004-07''' - [[Ludwig]] creates #babyfur as an alternative to #babyfurs, now on [[FurNet (IRC)|FurNet]], to allow users to chat with fewer rules and regulations.
*'''2004-09-13''' - The Babyfurs mailing list, having moved to Yahoo! Groups, is deleted by Yahoo! and is revived as "Babyfurs_part2."
*'''2004-12-11''' - Yahoo! again deletes the mailing list, and the group moves to [http://clubs.wanadoo.co.uk/group/group.cfm?GID=2982050 Babyfurs on Smartgroups].

==Community Leaders and Important Babyfurs==

The following babyfurs are among the most known and respected in the furry fandom, recognized here for their contributions and devotion to the babyfur community:

*[[SwiftFox]] has been a member of the babyfur community since its inception in the mid to late 90's. He writes babyfur fiction, co-owns and moderates the Smartgroups Babyfurs mailing list, and hosts several furry and AB/DL events in the Pittsburgh area. ([http://www.swiftsden.net Swift's Den])

*[[Orca]] co-moderates the Babyfurs mailing list with SwiftFox. He maintains the Babyfurs mailing list and an external file archive. He routinely reports links to interesting or humorous online articles relating to AB/DLs. Orca is also the famed inventor of the "Orca Stack."

*[[LilPup]] and [[Lil_Kitt]] run and manage the [http://babyfur.com/cubhouse/ Babyfur C'ubhouse] at furry conventions for babyfurs to get together and have fun. LilPup also runs the [http://babyfur.com/ Online Babyfur Community], a central website that features the [http://babyfur.com/bfpl/ Babyfur Proximity Locator] (BFPL) for babyfurs to locate one another around the world. Like Swift and Orca, LilPup works to improve the relationship between babyfurs and non-babyfurs at conventions and to help babyfurs maintain a positive reputation in the furry fandom.

*[[Snuggems]] is most known for running the Nursery at Anthrocon, a room devoted to giving to those kids and cubs at heart who need to be cared for. Although it started up first and despite that the two meeting spots have different ratings and features, Snuggems' Nursery has been often been said to view the C'ubhouse as competition.

*[[Proxima Centauri]]'s name is perhaps the first name known to newcomers to the babyfur community as they search to satisfy their newly found interests. Proxima runs [http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails], one of the longest running AB Furry pages, dating back to 1997 (before the term "babyfur" had existed) and featuring thousands of babyfur art, fiction and multimedia files. Though it is in dire need of a new layout, the webpage still runs strong today.

*[[Karis]] owns and maintains [http://karisplayground.com/ Karis' Playground], featuring a large collection of babyfur and AB/DL images by artists of all rank. Karis' Playground also offers a store where visitors can purchase prints of babyfur art by various professional artists, including his wife Marci McAdam. Karis was the first person to make babyfur/diaper art available at furry conventions, thus pioneering the community known today as "Babyfurs."

== Babyfur Art & Literature ==
A few of the authors and artists in the babyfur community are:

=== Artists ===
*[[Marci McAdam]] is the most popular artist in the babyfur community. Although she is not a babyfur herself, her professional abilities and open-mindedness make her one of the best artist around. It is often said that a babyfur isn't officially a babyfur until he has purchased a badge or commission from Marci McAdam. Her babyfur art can be found for sale at her husband's website, [[Karis' Playground]] [http://karisplayground.com/], and her other art is located at [http://furries.frithcat.com/ Marci McAdam's Furries]. Due to her time constraints in doing professional art, Marci is unable to take fandom-related commissions anymore.

*[[Genesis Eve Whitmore]] is not as popular as Marci but just as talented. She dominates the babyfur art market at Pawpet Megaplex in Orlando, FL in March, and her regular furry art gets plenty of attention as well. (About as much as her dazzling pink hair!) [http://www.madcoyote.com/gen/ Gen's Webpage]

*[[BushyCat]] appears at several furry conventions and is well known for her humorous-yet-innocent take on babyfurs as well as other alternative genres of furry art. Some of her creations have more human-like qualities than other artists tend to portray in their characters.

*[[JadeFox]] is one of the more active babyfur artists in the community, offering special contests and events for fans to participate in. The majority of his work is based on his own character or other babyfurs' characters. His drawings are especially creative and imaginative, bringing out only the most treasured aspects of childhood, as well as very innovative clothing design (featuring several brands and companies of his own devising). [http://www.furryjadefox.com/ Furry Jade Fox]

*[[Kelvin the Lion]] is a fairly popular artist whose current endeavors include (among others) the progressive webcomic ''[[Nivlek]]'', about the adventures of Nivlek the [[snow leopard]] who enjoys wearing diapers and eating. Nivlek remains to be one of the more amusing "weird" furry comics out there, and his talent does not go unnoticed. [http://www.geocities.com/kelvinthelion/index.html Kelvin's Furry Den]

*[[FangKit]] has been drawing babyfurs for most of this decade, and continues to improve his artistic talent. His unique style and knack for cuteness and humor combine to make him favored by babyfurs throughout the community. [http://www.babyfox.org.uk/foxnip/ FangKit's Pics]

*[[OzzyFox]], a student of animation at the Art Institute of Houston, consistently produces work on a regular basis that ranges from cuddly-cute to controversial and mature. [http://foxcrib.sk1p.com/ Fox Crib]

*[[IkazuchiFox]] (commonly known by friends as "Ikajuicy") is found in the definition for "ubercute" listed in UrbanDictionary. He is one of the few amateur babyfur artists with work unique and notable enough to be recognized by the fandom. Although Ikazuchi has not done a sketch for a long time, it is the hope of many furs that he will start drawing again.

*[[Astolpho]], also known to his friends outside the furry community as [[rootdown]], had a unique technique involving bright pastel-like colors on babyfurs, with baggy clothes, large eyes and innocent expressions. Astolpho innovatively expanded on the existing "squiggly" concept by animating outlines around static colors. Frustration with some fans as well as dissatisfaction with the quality of his work has prompted Astolpho to limit the availability of his artwork.

*[[Cargo Weasel]]'s art leans strongly toward the "DL" side of "AB/DL," showing off mature diaper-related concepts that fit perfectly with his coloring and shading style. His art was featured on a now-defunct mailing list, but can still be found on his website: [http://www.cargoweasel.com/ Cargo Weasel: Art Complex]

==Art ''about'' babyfurs==
Some [[furry fandom]] artists have covered the topic of babyfurs, typically taking the same line as [[:Category:Media coverage|external commentators on the entire fandom]]:

*''[[West Corner Of the Park (comic)|West Corner Of the Park]]'''s coverage has been [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20051002 generally] [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20051016 negative], although they did make an exception for the [http://www.graphxpress.com/cgi-bin/wcotp.cgi?date=20060521 Pink Panzer]

==Writers==
*[[CS Fox]], also known as Kit Fox and Cyprus Sygial, is possibly the best known babyfur writer in the community. His works are the biggest features in the stories section at Nursery Tails, and since his submissions to Proxima's site he has gone on to host his own website showing off babyfur fiction of his own and by newer babyfur writers. The latest rendition of CS Fox's site, [http://www.foxtalestimes.com/ Fox Tales Times], is being completed as this article is written. Its biggest feature is CS Fox's renowned AB/DL RPGM2K-based game, Weston Academy. The website also sports plenty of comics and art related to the RPG.

*[[Firemane]]'s fiction is prominently featured on CS Fox's fiction page.

*[[Fieval Mouse]]'s work is still favored by many furs. His stories are roughly 5 years old and are found on Proxima's Nursery Tails, featuring illustrations by Doodles.

==Babyfur as a Paraphilia==

A phenomenon exists throughout the furry fandom where it appears that a large amount of its members find a sexual attraction to anthropomorphic animals. As babyfurs are also furries, the phenomenon adheres to babyfurs as well. Because most babyfurs tend to enjoy roleplaying as children or toddlers, the question constantly arises: Are babyfurs pedophiles?

===Babyfur versus Pedophilia===
Babyfurs are not inherently pedophiles. While babyfurs roleplay as underage characters, the vast majority are not sexually attracted to children.

As babyfurs are defined in section 1, most roleplay as young furries usually because of their longing to be young again; in fact, some babyfurs don't even include a sexual element in their interests (and some do). Babyfurs assert that an adult roleplaying a child should not be considered the same thing as a child.

As with the general population, however, a small subset of babyfurs may be pedophiles.

===Babyfurs vs. Non-Babyfurs===
The concept of babyfurs has grown quite contentious with some members of the [[fandom]]. Some furries and non-furries who have identified themselves as babyfurs or were identified by others as being babyfurs have acted inappropriately at [[convention]]s in the past. Such contentious behavior includes wearing diapers in public without using proper hygiene and trying to push uninterested people into babyfur [[roleplay]], including sexual roleplay. These behaviors are frowned upon by the babyfur community in general, and such incidents, when perpetrated by babyfurs, are done by a small number of babyfurs within a larger babyfur community. The community in general adopted guidelines of conduct for how to act in public after a rash of such incidents at conventions in an effort to police themselves.

Furries who dislike babyfurs may do so for a variety of common points, including:

*Grossed out by the concept of diaper lovers (or, in the aforementioned cases, by the smell)
*False belief that all babyfurs are pedophiles
*Previous negative experiences with those who identify themselves as babyfurs or were identified by others as being babyfurs.
*Fear that babyfur behavior will be associated as a characteristic of the general fandom, especially in the media

While there is some conflict between babyfurs and the general fandom, such conflicts are not widespread throughout the entire fandom nor are they very severe. The majority of babyfurs and non-babyfurs coexist quite well because the majority of babyfurs do not engage in the more extreme behaviors mentioned here.

==Babyfur Links and Media==

Babyfurs have a well established community full of art, resources, and as many modes of communication as the rest of the furry fandom.

==Web pages==

==Informative pages==
Want to learn more about babyfurs, who they are, and why they are? These web pages may be helpful.
*[http://understanding.infantilism.org Understanding Infantilism] by [[BitterGrey]]
*[http://babyfur.com Online Babyfur Community] by [[LilPup]]

[[Image:sr_secondlife.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Two babyfurs hug in the world of [[Second Life]].]]

==Art/fiction pages==
*[http://www.nurserytails.ca Nursery Tails] by [[Proxima Centauri]]
*[http://www.foxtalestimes.com Fox Tales Times] by [[CS Fox]]
*[http://foxcrib.sk1p.com/ Fox Crib] by [[OzzyFox]]
*[http://www.furryjadefox.com Furry Jade Fox] by [[JadeFox]]
*[http://www.karisplayground.com/ Karis' Playground] by [[Karis]]

==LiveJournal Communities==

*[http://www.livejournal.com/community/babyfur/ Babyfur Community]

==Mailing Lists==

*[http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/babyfurs Smartgroups Babyfurs] (Invitation only. Send requests [mailto:babyfurs-subscribe@smartgroups.com here].)
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Babyfur_Cubhouse/ Babyfur C'ubhouse]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/clubcargo/ Club Cargo]
*[http://clubs.wanadoo.co.uk/group/group.cfm?GID=3103378 LilFursCubhouse]
*[http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDBabyFurs/ Maryland Babyfurs]

==Internet Relay Chat==
*[http://www.babyfox.org.uk/babyfurs/ Furnet #babyfurs] (PG13 rating)
*[http://www.furnet.org/news/ Furnet #babyfur] (Unrated)

==MUCKs==

[[The Astonishing Treehouse of the Secret Moon|The Treehouse]] on [[Tapestries]] is a common meeting place for lilfurs and ageplayers. Just teleport to ''secretmoon'' and you're there.

==Second Life==

Many babyfurs can be found in [[Second Life]]. A major meeting place for babyfurs is the babyfur [[island (Second Life)|sim]] called [[Cub Conclave]], created and run by [[Raven Welesa]].
[[Category:Paraphilias]]
[[Category:Social groups]]
{{Featured article}}

Nursery Tails

2006-06-12T07:58:35Z

86.199.82.54:

'''Nursery Tails''' is the oldest and largest Furry ABDL art and story archive, including over 1500 images, plus stories and multimedia. While [[babyfur]] artwork makes up a good deal of the content, the main focus is on [[Wikipedia:Adult Baby|Adult Baby]] and [[Wikipedia:Diaper Lover|Diaper Lover]] material.

*'''Address''': http://www.nurserytails.ca/
*'''Webmaster''': [[Proxima Centauri]]
*'''Ran from/to''': 1996 - current

==History==
Nursery Tails started with just a small handful of pictures in the [http://www.equus.dynip.com/Proxima/FurPics.htm furry artwork] section of Proxima Centauri's homepage. The collection grew quickly, and in September of 1996 it moved into its own section, with much the same look as it has today. By 1998, the site moved onto its own server, and acquired its own domain.

Updates are infrequent, but usually large when they finally come online. In July 2004, a hard disk failure wiped out half a year's worth of material. Fortunately, the data was eventually recovered and restored in an update on 30 November 2005.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Art archives]][[Category:Story archives]]