Should You Ask a Baby’s Permission Before Changing Their Diaper? One Expert Says Yes—And the Internet Has Thoughts
In the latest round of “Wait, what did I just read?”, an Australian self-described “sexuality educator” is making waves for saying that parents should ask babies for consent before changing their diapers.
Yes, really.
Yes, babies.
Yes, diapers.
Deanne Carson, who calls herself a sexuality educator, speaker, and author, told Australia’s ABC that creating a “culture of consent” needs to start at birth. And apparently, that includes narrating diaper changes like this:
“I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?”
And then… waiting.
Not for a “yes”—because, obviously, your 3-month-old isn’t going to high-five you and say “sure, Mom.”
But to pause, make eye contact, and show that their response (even if it’s just a giggle or a wriggle) matters.
Respect or Ridiculous? The Internet Can’t Decide
Carson’s idea has exploded online, with critics calling it everything from “woke nonsense” to “borderline child neglect.”
One commenter joked:
“If a baby’s crying in a full diaper, that’s not consent—that’s a demand.”
Another chimed in:
“Do I need to ask my cat for permission to clean the litter box too?”
And conservative commentator Rowan Dean slammed it as “lefty lunacy.”
Parenting columnist John Rosemond even gave Carson a fake award for the “Most Bizarre Idea of All Time.”
But Others Say: Chill—She’s Just Trying to Teach Respect
Not everyone is throwing diapers at the screen. Some parents and child development advocates say Carson’s idea—while extreme—is rooted in something valuable: treating kids with respect and building communication from the start.
One supporter wrote:
“Even if you’re wrong, what’s the harm in showing a baby that their body matters?”
Another said:
“Sure, babies can’t consent. But we can still be mindful about how we interact with them.”
And Carson herself made it clear: it’s not about waiting for approval, it’s about building trust and awareness from the beginning.
“Of course a baby isn’t going to say ‘Yes, Mum, I’d love a clean nappy!’ But if you leave space and wait for body language, you’re telling that child their response matters.”
Bottom Line: Cute Idea or Parenting Overkill?
Carson’s suggestion might sound absurd to some, but it’s part of a larger conversation about how we raise kids in a world that values consent, boundaries, and emotional intelligence.
Some say it’s a thoughtful, gentle approach. Others say it’s a load of diaper nonsense.
Where do you stand?
Should parents be “asking permission” before cleaning up baby poop? Or has this whole conversation gone off the rails?
👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments.
👉 Share this with a parent friend who loves a good parenting debate.
Let’s hear what you think. 👶🍼💬
