An Australian childcare chain, Only About Children, recently suggested that parents ask their child for permission before changing their nappies, aiming to teach consent and body autonomy from an early age. Their proposal, which includes asking children for cooperation and allowing them some control over the process, has sparked mixed reactions. While the daycare emphasizes that this doesn’t mean allowing children to walk around in dirty diapers, their goal is to foster respectful interactions and encourage independence, such as allowing children to choose whether they want to walk to the changing table or assist in removing their own diaper. They argue that these actions help teach children about consent and respect for their bodies,

However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Critics, including child psychologist Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, argue that babies and toddlers lack the cognitive ability to understand consent, making the concept unnecessary and confusing. Some also express concerns about the practicality of this method, questioning what happens if a child refuses a necessary change. Despite the controversy, parents are free to choose how they want to handle diaper changes. While some may embrace the idea of teaching consent early, others feel it is not essential, and there is no right or wrong approach—what matters is doing what feels best for each child.