Should Parents Really Ask Their Babies for Consent Before Changing Diapers? This ‘Expert’ Thinks So!


Let’s face it, everyone’s got an opinion these days. With the Internet, voicing those opinions has never been easier. The hilarious part? The weirder the opinion, the more headlines it grabs. And this one? It’s grabbing headlines like crazy.

Imagine being a parent and hearing an ‘expert’ suggest that you should ask your baby for permission before changing their diaper. Sounds absurd, right? Well, welcome to the latest episode of ” , “where someone’s strange idea goes viral.

Meet Deanne Carson, a self-proclaimed relationship and sexuality educator, speaker and author. She believes parents should check in with their babies before diving into diaper duty. Yes, you heard right. Ask. The. Baby.
Now, we get it – consent is a hot topic. But asking a baby for permission to change their dirty diaper? Even experienced parents are rolling their eyes at this one.

Changing diapers is far from a parent’s favorite task. It’s messy, often thankless, but absolutely essential for a baby’s health and happiness. And adding the ritual of asking for consent? That’s like adding fuel to an already blazing fire.
Carson’s advice, shared on ABC back in 2018, emphasizes starting consent education at a very young age. While older toddlers might grasp the concept, she believes even infants should be part of this consent culture.

The kicker? Babies can’t exactly verbalize their consent. But Carson argues they can give nonverbal signals, like eye contact, to show they’re on board.
While the intent behind creating a culture of consent is noble, some might say it falls short in practical execution. Carson detailed how asking and waiting for a baby’s cues could foster deeper communication between parents and toddlers.

The reactions? Priceless. Reporters and viewers alike were quick to question the feasibility. What would a parent do if the baby ‘said’ no?

Imagine, scenario: “May I change your diaper, sweetie?” Baby glares. Response? What’s next Leave them in their mess? The reactions came pouring in on Twitter full of humor and disbelief.

“Either she has never wrestled a toddler during a change or worse, she just left hers in a dirty diaper until it was ‘ready to consent’. OMFG.”

“And what happens when baby says no? Do it anyway? Whoa now there is the real problem.”

Interesting food for thought, huh? Is the basic task of diaper changing now entangled in a web of consent protocols? Ask yourself: next time you’re stuck in this sticky situation, will you remember Deanne Carson’s advice? Or, like many parents, will you just get on with the job and save the belly laughs for later?