An Australian educator, Deanne Carson, has sparked debate by suggesting parents ask a baby’s consent before changing their diaper. While the idea may seem impractical—since infants can’t verbally respond—Carson’s goal isn’t literal approval, but rather promoting respect and personal boundaries from birth.

Her approach involves speaking to the baby, saying things like, “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?” and observing their body language. This, she argues, helps introduce the concept of bodily autonomy early on.

The suggestion has amused some, with one person jokingly asking if similar consent is needed to clean a cat’s litter box. Still, Carson’s broader message focuses on creating a culture of mutual respect and consent that starts in infancy, reflecting evolving parenting styles and greater emphasis on emotional development. While not everyone agrees, the conversation highlights changing perspectives on how we raise and communicate with children.