I think it's worst to train babies to pee and poop in their diapers. We hear our babes cues for hunger and need for sleep, it would make sense that they also give clues for elimination. This is not easy, I do this on a part time basis w/ our 4 mo old. My reasons for doing it: he will know earlier than most toddlers where to eliminate and because I know I wouldn't like sitting in my own pee or poop...why would he?
I'm with you. I've been in situ where it was obvious to ME the baby was about to "cut loose" and the mom sat there, bovine-like, saying "oh yeah, you're right. I'll change her later."
I'm starting to research this as we're expecting our first next year. One thing I've become convinced of, judging from the availability and selection of EC consumer products being marketed by companies like Baby Bjorn:
1. This ain't new.
2. It ain't restricted to the "Third World."
3. There's plenty more bovine-like mommies out there.