July 12, 2006
Eeeeew
How'd you like to be in the sample group for this:
Moms Prefer Smell of Their Own Baby's Poop
Scientists find that moms consistently rank the stink of their baby's "number two" as No. 1.In a new study, 13 mothers were asked to sniff soiled diapers belonging to both their own child and others from an unrelated baby. The women consistently ranked the smell of their own child's feces as less revolting than that of other babies.
This effect persisted even when the diapers were purposely mislabeled.
The scientists running the study suggest that perhaps "the mothers' reactions are an evolutionary adaptation allowing them to overcome their natural disgust so that they can properly care for their babies."
As a matter of fact, I think there's probably something to this. Just based on empirical observation, it seems to me that we can take an awful lot on behalf of our own children that we would not or could not handle on behalf of somebodye else's kids. And I see no reason why that shouldn't extend to olfactory phenomena as well.
All I can say, however, is thank God the question is moot at Orgle Manor and I never have to deal with it again. There used to be a particularly bad variety which the Missus and I deemed the "core-breach poopy" because it overwhelmed the containment field. Just disgusting.
Posted by Robert at July 12, 2006 01:23 PM | TrackBackOok...but why do we care again? Cause I think I missed that part.
"No honey, daddy's still going to die of cancer, but just remember that mommy likes the smell of your poop best."
Posted by: beth at July 12, 2006 01:47 PMI can tell ya that sissy poop smells just as bad as any poop. I used to change my sister's diapies back in the day and, genetics or no, it was bad.
Posted by: Chai-rista at July 12, 2006 01:49 PMI think this applies to dads as well. Whenever I've been obligated to change the diaper of someone elses spawn, I find it to be much more offensive than my own demonchildren's. And of course I find the smell of my own scat less offensive than that of someone else.
But llama pebbles all smell the same.
Posted by: richj at July 12, 2006 01:55 PM"Less offensive?" I guess I'll buy that. . .if we're talking pre-solid food. Because you know they go from "pooing in their dipey" to shi**ing their pants when THAT happens.
But yeah. My lil' urchin over someone else's. I guess.
And I second beth's comment. WHO GETS PAID TO DO THIS??? And WHY?? (And where do I sign?)
Posted by: Margi at July 12, 2006 02:03 PMAnd who pays for the study?
Posted by: jen at July 12, 2006 02:22 PMWhy?
And can I send the phinlet over for them to change his diaper. You know in the name of research, I'd never shirk my parental duties.
So was the core breach followed up with: Just what the hell did you 'em yesterday? Holy mother of Moses, next time I'm breaking out the hazmat suit. Or is that just my house?
Posted by: phin at July 12, 2006 02:24 PMI agree with beth here...
But I will say that I'm not too keen on smelling my kids' poo and will dance a jig of glee when Daughter finally learns to use the toilet.
Posted by: GroovyVic at July 12, 2006 02:28 PMI can't imagine why anyone would want to study this, but I will note that I've always found it far worse to change the diaper of a child I'm babysitting for than to change the worst diaper of one of my children.
Posted by: Jordana at July 12, 2006 03:15 PMI changed the first diaper of the Future ROTC Scholarship Recipient while wearing latex gloves in the hospital.
Posted by: LMC at July 12, 2006 03:19 PMIs this an example of my tax dollars at work???
Posted by: bobgirrl at July 12, 2006 04:23 PM
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