A recent suggestion by sexuality educator Deanne Carson has sparked a lively debate among parents. Carson proposed that parents should ask for their baby’s consent before changing diapers, even if the child can’t verbally respond. She explained that babies can communicate through body language and nonverbal cues, such as eye contact or gestures, which could indicate their willingness to participate in the diaper change.
While Carson’s idea aimed to promote the importance of consent from an early age, it quickly drew criticism. Many parents found the concept impractical, questioning 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? Social media users were quick to mock the idea, calling it unrealistic and unnecessary.
Despite the backlash, some experts and organizations supported Carson’s approach. The childcare group Only About Children encouraged parents to involve babies in the diaper-changing process by explaining the steps and allowing them to participate in small ways. They argued that this could help infants develop independence and sensory awareness, even at a young age.
The debate highlighted the challenges of applying theoretical concepts to real-world parenting. While teaching consent is crucial, many parents felt that Carson’s method was too extreme for something as routine as a diaper change. The discussion left the parenting community divided, with some embracing the idea and others dismissing it as impractical.
What’s your take on this? Should parents ask for their baby’s consent before changing a diaper, or is this approach too far-fetched?
