A recent public discussion involving an Australian sexuality educator has sparked widespread debate across social media and parenting communities. The controversy centers around the idea that parents should ask a baby for “consent” before changing a diaper. While the concept has gained attention online, it has also led to significant disagreement, with many people questioning both the practicality and the intent behind the suggestion.
The educator involved, Deanne Carson, has described her approach as part of building a “culture of consent” from early childhood. According to her perspective, the goal is not to expect verbal permission from infants, but rather to encourage parents to communicate more intentionally with their children. This includes speaking out loud about actions, such as explaining that a diaper change is about to happen, and observing the baby’s reactions.





