An Australian “sexuality educator,” Deanne Carson, has sparked intense online debate after suggesting that parents should ask their babies for permission before changing their diapers. Carson argues that a “culture of consent” should begin at birth, though many people find the idea confusing or impractical—one commenter even joked about needing “consent from your cat to change its litter tray.” Carson says the goal isn’t to receive a verbal “yes,” but to build early respect for a child’s body and boundaries.
By narrating the process—such as saying, “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?”—and pausing to observe eye contact or body language, she believes parents can teach infants that their reactions matter. She told Australia’s ABC network that babies won’t answer verbally, but the pause creates a space for communication. Pediatric experts similarly emphasize paying attention to babies’ non-verbal cues, which can help build trust and connection.
However, many critics argue the idea goes too far. Rowan Dean of The Spectator Australia called it “lefty lunacy,” while psychologist and columnist John Rosemond labeled it “the most bizarre idea of all time,” claiming it creates confusion rather than consent. Social media reactions were equally divided, with many mocking Carson’s credentials and insisting babies are too young to understand consent.
Others argued that a crying baby already communicates discomfort clearly enough. Still, some users defended Carson, saying her intentions were to encourage respectful communication with children, even if her example was extreme. In the end, whether parents adopt this approach comes down to personal parenting style and comfort.