An Australian sexuality educator named Deanne Carson has recently sparked widespread debate and controversy across social media platforms and parenting communities worldwide by suggesting that parents should seek a baby’s consent before changing their diapers. While this idea may initially sound unconventional or even impractical to many, it is rooted in a broader philosophy of fostering a “culture of consent” from the very start of a child’s life. Carson’s perspective has ignited passionate discussions about how early and in what ways children can be taught about bodily autonomy and respect for personal boundaries.
Carson, who describes herself as a sexuality educator, public speaker, and author on topics related to human development and relationships, has been advocating for the importance of consent education starting at infancy. Her argument is not that babies, who are clearly unable to speak or fully comprehend complex ideas, will verbally agree or refuse diaper changes. Rather, she suggests that parents can begin introducing the concept of consent by narrating their actions and attentively observing their baby’s non-verbal cues such as eye contact, body movements, facial expressions, and sounds.
For example, Carson encourages parents to say things like, “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?” while pausing to watch for signs of comfort or distress. In doing so, she says, parents respect the baby’s body and begin building a foundation of trust and communication that can help the child develop a sense of agency as they grow older. The goal is to normalize respectful interactions and personal boundaries early on, rather than waiting until children are older and more capable of verbal communication.
This idea aligns with evolving parenting trends that place increased emphasis on emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and respectful communication within families. Pediatricians and early childhood experts often emphasize the importance of responding to infants’ non-verbal signals — such as coos, giggles, cries, and physical movements — as vital parts of healthy communication and bonding. By incorporating the concept of consent into routine caregiving tasks, Carson believes parents can cultivate an environment where children feel seen, heard, and respected, even before they can articulate their feelings with words.
