An expert says parents should ask babies for consent before diaper changes. Critics call it “lunacy.” Is it respect, or nonsense?
A bold suggestion from Australian sexuality educator Deanne Carson has set off a heated online debate. Carson believes parents should begin teaching consent from birth—even when it comes to diaper changes.
Her idea? Before changing a baby, parents should say something like: “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?” and pause briefly to read the baby’s body language.
While it might sound unusual, Carson argues that it’s less about waiting for a “yes” and more about showing respect and laying the foundation for healthy boundaries.
Why She Believes in “Consent From Birth”
Carson explains that her approach is about:
Respecting a child’s body.
Building trust and communication early.
Teaching personal boundaries from day one.
She says eye contact, tone of voice, and pauses can help babies feel involved, even if they cannot speak.
The Backlash: “Lefty Lunacy” or Parenting Innovation?
Not everyone agrees. Critics have been quick to mock the concept.
Rowan Dean, editor of The Spectator Australia, called it “lefty lunacy.”
Psychologist John Rosemond labeled it the “most bizarre idea of all time,” warning it could create family confusion.
Social media users flooded the topic with sarcasm:
“Pretty sure when a baby cries about a dirty diaper—that’s consent.”
“Do you need consent from your cat to change its litter tray? No. Same with a baby.”
Some even argued that leaving a child in a dirty diaper is neglect, so asking permission makes no sense.
Supporters See a Positive Message
'Sexuality expert' says parents should ask for baby's consent when changing nappies.
Yes, really… pic.twitter.com/iR6wUfP87i
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) May 10, 2018
Despite the backlash, a smaller group of parents and experts applauded Carson for sparking an important discussion.
One commenter wrote: “Babies communicate before they talk. Why not respect that?”
Another added: “Even if it’s extreme, her goal is good—teaching consent early can only help.”
They argue that while babies cannot give true consent, narrating actions helps create a respectful, caring environment.
Parenting Styles Differ
In the end, whether parents “ask” before diaper duty may come down to personal parenting style. For some, it’s about engaging, pausing, and respecting their child’s signals. For others, it’s simply an impractical idea.
But one thing is clear: Carson’s remarks have opened up a global conversation about how early lessons of respect and boundaries should begin.
What do you think? Should parents try to ask for consent before diaper changes—or is it a step too far? Share your thoughts with us below and pass this story on to friends for more discussion!
