Woke scientists say parents need consent from their babies before changing diapers
In this DML Report…
Experts at Deakin University in Australia, including Dr. Nicole Downs and Dr. Katherine Bussey, lecturers in Early Childhood, recommend that parents teach consent to infants during nappy changes to normalize the concept of body autonomy from an early age. Parents should inform the baby of the need for a change, pause briefly, and ask preferences such as whether the child wants to walk, crawl, or be carried to the changing area. They advise observing the infant's facial expressions and body language for cues, avoiding distractions like songs or toys, and engaging in conversation by asking the child to participate, such as lifting their bottom to remove the nappy. Correct anatomical terms like penis, vulva, and anus should be used to help children later describe experiences accurately to trusted adults. This approach extends to other routines like changing clothes or bathing, though not every change requires consent, particularly in urgent situations like a major mess or time constraints.
The method aims to integrate consent education into daily life before children can speak, planting early seeds for understanding appropriate body touching and reducing future parent-child power struggles by fostering independence. It promotes children's agency through small choices, such as selecting clothing colors, preferred fruits, or deciding between a park visit or a walk. Experts emphasize that parents should be forgiving with themselves, as the goal is to apply these principles as often as feasible without expecting perfection, recognizing that nappy changes provide a practical opportunity to build lifelong awareness of personal boundaries.
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Similar advice has drawn criticism in the past, including a 2018 suggestion by Body Safety Australia chief Deanne Carson that babies should give consent for changes, which faced public ridicule. In 2021, a TikTok video by mother Alissa showing her asking her infant for permission sparked backlash, with concerns raised about leaving babies in soiled nappies if they appeared to refuse. Child psychologist Andrew Fuller called the concept impractical for everyday parenting, arguing that family dynamics rely on trust rather than formal consent for essential duties like diapering, which are not abusive but routine responsibilities.