It’s harder for it to resolve itself if they don’t have clear boundaries. If a child isn’t at the point where he’s registering your body, I think [nudity is] fine. The problem is, you don’t know when that’s going to shift.” Some parents, however, point out that this is an American sensibility and that things are different in Europe. It led to some interesting discussions, but she also didn’t freak out when she started growing pubic hair because she knew it was normal.” Con: Boundaries can get blurred

When parents begin to get uncomfortable and when they begin to actively question whether nudity is still OK, that’s a sign that it is no longer feeling OK and parental nudity should be phased out,” says Huebner. Research shows that clothing, like too-tight pants, can restrict babies’ movement. Choosing development-friendly garb is one way to ensure that your little one has a full range of motion. Going without clothes altogether takes this to the next level, removing all clothing-related restrictions. What’s Better, Diaper On or Off? Both Huebner and Bartell agree that you need to start paying attention to this issue as early as age 5 but that it’s generally a good idea to set some boundaries by 10, at the latest. Adaptogens, a nontoxic substance, are gaining more traction in the scientific world, as they could be a great way to help you efficiently manage… READ MORE The bottom line: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to parental nudity, but whatever you decide will involve some degree of boundary setting.We’ve already touted the benefits of being barefoot. Now let’s talk about ditching your baby’s clothes, too! I think it’s important for her to learn ASAP that there is never a reason for an adult man to not have clothes on around her,” she says. “We just don’t feel like there can be any exceptions.” Even the most private of private parts serve a biological function and shouldn’t come with feelings of shame attached to them. This can particularly help as children hit puberty. Some pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists recommend fully-naked play as a way to heal or prevent diaper rash. And when it comes to potty-training, certain methods advise letting your toddler run around bare-bottomed, arguing that the uncomfortable sensation of urine on her bare legs will motivate her to get to the toilet. And Huebner says parental nudity can certainly achieve that goal: “Casual nudity in front of small children helps them learn to be accepting of bodies — to see that bodies are functional, strong, and normal, regardless of shape or size. As long as nudity is separated from sexuality, there is no disadvantage to a parent being naked around a young child.” Con: You just might feel uncomfortable

This is a normal part of development — you just need to be aware and respectful of what your child is trying to express.For your baby (especially after the dark coziness of the womb) the world is a wild place. She must learn about her body and how to function amidst different lights, sounds, smells, tastes, temperatures, and textures. As adults, we move through this stimulating world barely noticing these things (unless of course we’re at Disney World). In short, we are sensitized. Even physically modest parents can destigmatize nudity by not rushing to cover up if their child inadvertently sees them,” says Huebner. “Instead, calmly say something along the lines of ‘I prefer to be alone when I am using the bathroom’ or ‘I’ll talk to you when I am dressed,’ without making a big deal out of the encounter.”

The reality”, says Dr. Andrea Hayward, pediatric physical therapist, “is that giving babies opportunities to experience diaper-free moments can enhance the experience of walking, but they still have to figure out how to do it with diapers on.” It’s a surprisingly controversial question that parents often don’t realize is even controversial until they talk to other parents who do things differently. Both sides have generally given it a lot of thought, theorizing about what’s psychologically helpful and harmful. Napping, especially power napping (20 to 30 minute bursts of shut-eye), has multiple benefits, from improving productivity to decreasing stress. But… READ MORE Haley, for example, feels very differently about her husband’s nudity, and he’s never been fully undressed in front of their daughter. If you want to give fully-naked play time a go, try it outdoors, or indoors on a large, waterproof mat or a type of floor that’s easy to clean.I’ve been very open with my daughter, and it helped open the door for questions she might have about her developing body,” says Sue from Massachusetts. Jonathan, a New Jersey dad who never treated nudity as a big deal in his house so it became “natural,” followed this maxim — and his daughters’ lead. Nudity between parents and children is fine as long as both are fully comfortable,” says parent coach Dawn Huebner, PhD, author of the self-help book for kids “What to Do When You Worry Too Much.”