Annie Walton Doyle
A childcare expert named Deanne Carson has gone viral after saying parents should ask babies for permission before changing their nappies.
Being a parent can be an absolute minefield.
Not only do you have to make a lot of important decisions, but it seems as though everybody out there has an opinion on what you’re doing wrong.
But now, a childcare expert has offered a rather controversial viewpoint.
Carson suggests parents ask their baby’s permission before changing their nappy – and it has left the internet divided…
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People have been left baffled by Carson’s admission.
One viewer writes: “OK, let’s suspend our disbelief for a bit and assume that month-old babies are fully capable of speech and have an understanding of human rights.
“So, a baby has a poo-filled nappy on but says to whoever is changing it ‘You do not have my permission to change my nappy’, is that parent supposed to risk arrest/neglect charges because they have allowed their child to live in a soiled, dirty nappy for days on end because they don’t have their child’s permission?
“Even if month-old babies could talk, which they cannot, this is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. Parents need to change nappies, to keep their babies clean and healthy.”
Another agrees, adding: “Sorry but I have to say that this is so ridiculous. Babies can’t tell you yes or no and that’s why you as the trusted adult do what’s best for the baby.
“Including when they need a nappy change, when you ask your baby ‘Do you want me to change your nappy,’ and they can’t respond or if they do respond with a no… Are you just going to let them walk/lay around in pee and poo?
“That’s neglectful and the child is not the boss they need to be shown and led down the right path such as changing their dirty nappies.”
Carson left viewers on ABC shocked during an interview in which she opened up about the importance of consent – even in babies.
The ‘sexuality educator, speaker and author’ said: “We work with children from three years old. We work from parents from birth.”
She goes on: “[It’s] just about how to set up a culture of consent in their homes so ‘I’m going to change your nappy now, is that OK’.”
Carson did acknowledge that babies won’t be able to give verbal consent, but believes consent can be given by body language in this instance.
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She says: “If you leave a space, and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact then you’re letting that child know that their response matters.”
Carson has also responded to the furore in a Facebook post, writing: “Sadly, some people have chosen to ridicule me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the notion of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har am I right?).
“The work we do with children, teachers and parents is the international best practice in abuse prevention.”
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