Is It Normal? A Guide to Quirky Toddler Behavior

It's ironic that I spend so much time selecting, washing, ironing, and laying out cute little outfits for my children when there's nothing they like better than running around stark raving naked. Completely oblivious to social norms and blessedly free from shame, toddlers revel in the feeling of freedom that comes from shedding their clothes. Part of the fun is the "Do it myself!" feeling of undoing snaps, buttons and zippers, while undressing is sometimes prompted by boredom. My oldest used to take off all her clothes in the backseat of the car during any trip lasting more than 15 minutes: I'd leave the house with a perfectly groomed toddler and arrive at the grocery store with a giggling naked ape. The problem comes in when they decide to go au natural at daycare or during a visit from your uptight Aunt Mildred.

Spencer has a great solution for pint-sized streakers; "Some children enjoy special skill building dolls whose clothes feature zippers, buttons, and snaps on which to practice. Overalls or one-piece rompers—clothing that's hard to take off—may also help a streaker lose interest." If your little one goes to bed clothed and wakes up in the buff, try putting his PJs on backwards, zippered up the back. Looks weird, but works wonders.