When Deanne Carson, a sexuality educator, suggested that parents should ask for their baby’s consent before changing diapers, it ignited a heated debate among parents and experts alike. Carson argued that even though infants can’t verbally respond, they can communicate through body language and nonverbal cues. She advised parents to ask, “Is it okay if I change your diaper?” and wait for signs like eye contact or gestures to indicate the baby’s “consent.”
However, this approach raised eyebrows and sparked skepticism. Many parents wondered what would happen if a baby’s body language suggested they didn’t want their diaper changed. Would it be acceptable to leave them in a dirty diaper until they “consented” to the change? Critics quickly took to social media, calling the idea impractical and even absurd. They argued that while teaching consent is important, applying it to diaper changes might be taking the concept too far.
Despite the backlash, some supported Carson’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of teaching consent from an early age. The childcare organization Only About Children even adopted her suggestion, encouraging parents to involve babies in the diaper-changing process. They recommended explaining the steps to the child and allowing them to participate in small ways, such as handing over a wipe or helping remove their diaper. This approach, they argued, could foster independence and sensory awareness in infants.
The debate highlighted the challenges of balancing theoretical ideas with the realities of parenting. While teaching consent is undeniably important, many questioned whether Carson’s method was practical or necessary for diaper changes. The discussion left parents divided, with some embracing the idea and others dismissing it as unrealistic.
What do you think? Should parents ask for their baby’s consent before changing a diaper, or is this approach too extreme?
