An Australian sexuality educator, Deanne Carson, has sparked intense discussion across social media and parenting communities worldwide with a bold suggestion: parents should seek a baby’s consent before changing their diapers. At first glance, the idea may seem unconventional—or even impractical—but it stems from a broader philosophy of nurturing a “culture of consent” from the very beginning of a child’s life. Carson’s perspective has ignited passionate debates about how infants can be taught about bodily autonomy and respect for personal boundaries.
Carson, a sexuality educator, author, and public speaker, emphasizes that this approach does not assume babies can verbally approve or deny diaper changes. Instead, she encourages parents to engage their children by narrating actions and observing non-verbal signals such as eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations.
For instance, she suggests saying, “I’m going to change your diaper now. Is that okay?” while paying attention to signs of comfort or distress. According to Carson, this practice introduces the concept of consent early, builds trust, and promotes communication that supports a child’s sense of agency as they grow. The goal is to normalize respect for personal boundaries rather than waiting until children are older and capable of verbalizing their feelings.
This concept aligns with modern parenting trends that emphasize emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and attentive communication. Pediatricians and early childhood experts often highlight the importance of responding to infants’ cues—coos, giggles, cries, and movements—as foundational to healthy bonding. Incorporating consent into everyday care, Carson argues, reinforces a culture of respect and recognition from the very start.
