A suggestion from Australian sexuality educator Deanne Carson has sparked heated conversation online: Should parents ask their babies for consent before changing a diaper?

To be clear, Carson isn’t saying infants should respond with a literal “yes.” Instead, she’s promoting the idea of teaching consent and bodily autonomy from day one. Her approach involves talking to babies about what’s happening and paying attention to their body language—building a foundation of respect early on.

Still, critics argue the concept is far-fetched. Many say it’s impractical and unnecessary, pointing out that babies aren’t developmentally capable of understanding or giving consent. Some even ridiculed the idea, comparing it to asking a pet’s permission before cleaning up after it. Others dismissed it as overly progressive and questioned Carson’s credibility.

On the other hand, some parents and child development advocates support the practice. They say it encourages stronger communication, builds trust, and teaches children that their bodies deserve respect—even if they can’t yet speak for themselves.

Ultimately, the debate comes down to parenting philosophy. Whether or not you ask for permission, many agree that how we interact with our children—especially in their earliest moments—can shape how they understand boundaries and respect later in life.