In the ever-evolving world of parenting, where diaper duty, late-night feedings, and cuddles are all part of the job, a new idea is turning heads—and raising eyebrows. The concept? Asking newborns for consent before changing their diapers. While this may sound absurd to some, others argue it’s a groundbreaking step toward creating a culture of respect and bodily autonomy from birth.
At the center of this movement is Deanne Carson, a self-proclaimed expert in sexuality education who has sparked intense debate with her views. Carson believes that introducing the concept of consent should begin as early as infancy. During an appearance on Australia’s ABC network, she emphasized that while babies obviously can’t respond with words, parents can still communicate the idea of respect by pausing before a diaper change and observing the child’s body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. In her view, this moment of nonverbal communication is a small but meaningful gesture that teaches children that their bodies are their own.
Carson’s comments didn’t go unnoticed—and they certainly didn’t go unchallenged. Within hours of her interview, social media exploded with reactions ranging from genuine curiosity to flat-out ridicule. Critics were quick to question the practicality of asking permission from an infant who isn’t capable of understanding or replying. The concept struck many as well-meaning but disconnected from the realities of parenting.
On Twitter, the debate quickly turned into a viral conversation. One user joked, “What happens if the baby says no? You change them anyway? That’s the real issue here.” Another quipped, “She must’ve never changed a baby mid-tantrum or had one roll away with a full diaper. Asking for permission would be the least of your worries.” These comments, while humorous, reflect a broader skepticism about how far modern parenting should go in its attempts to teach consent and respect.
But not everyone is dismissing the idea entirely. Some parents and educators have pointed out that Carson’s intent isn’t about literal consent, but rather introducing children to the concept that their feelings matter—even before they can speak. The act of making eye contact, pausing, and communicating with your child, they argue, can foster a deeper sense of connection and trust between parent and child. In this view, the gesture is symbolic rather than practical, reinforcing the idea that consent should be a fundamental part of human interaction from the very beginning.
Adding to the debate, another parenting expert, John Rosemond, raised a different but related concern. He warns against certain behaviors—like high-fiving children—as potentially undermining parental authority. Rosemond believes that overly egalitarian approaches to parenting blur the lines between adults and children, weakening discipline and encouraging disrespect. His view is that parenting should involve clear boundaries, where adults are seen as authority figures, not equals.
This only intensified the conversation about how modern parenting is changing. Are we raising more respectful and emotionally aware children, or are we overcomplicating things with unnecessary rules and expectations? Critics argue that expecting parents to analyze every action, from a diaper change to a high-five, creates unrealistic standards that add stress to an already challenging role.
Still, others see value in these discussions. They point out that consent education doesn’t have to be rigid or literal to be effective. Teaching children to respect personal boundaries, to recognize their own feelings, and to understand that their bodies are their own can start with simple, consistent messages—even if the child can’t articulate a response. For many, it’s not about asking a baby for permission in the literal sense, but about modeling the behaviors and attitudes that children will internalize as they grow.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Is it necessary to ask for a baby’s permission before changing a diaper, or are we taking things too far in the name of progressive parenting? The truth may lie somewhere in the middle. While most parents would agree that diaper changes need to happen whether or not a child “consents,” the underlying message about treating children with respect and awareness is resonating with many families.
Parenting is rarely black and white. It’s an ongoing journey filled with messy moments, learning curves, and constant reflection. Whether or not you agree with Carson’s diaper consent approach, her message opens the door to a deeper conversation about how we raise children in a culture that values consent, respect, and emotional connection.
At the end of the day, raising a child is never simple. But every conversation—no matter how controversial—adds to our collective understanding of what it means to be a thoughtful, compassionate parent. And sometimes, even the messiest debates are worth having.
