New Guidelines on Diaper Changing Promote Early Lessons in Consent for Parents
A recent guide published by researchers at Deakin University in Australia has sparked a conversation about parental practices surrounding diaper changing. The controversial advice suggests that parents should solicit “consent” from their infants before changing their diapers. The guidelines, aimed at fostering better communication and understanding, encourage parents to engage their babies in the process, even though infants are unable to verbally express consent or dissent.
The researchers propose that caregivers initiate the diaper change by clearly communicating what is about to happen. As part of this process, parents are encouraged to get down to the child’s eye level and say, “You need a nappy change,” allowing a moment for the infant to absorb this information. Following this initial communication, they suggest offering choices: “Do you want to walk [or] crawl with me to the changing table, or would you like me to carry you?” This practice is framed within a larger philosophy known as “gentle parenting,” which prioritizes empathy, open communication, and nurturing connections over traditional disciplinary methods.
The guide further emphasizes the importance of non-verbal cues, advising parents to observe the child’s facial expressions and body language throughout the diaper change process. By doing so, caregivers can gauge the infant’s understanding and comfort level, intertwining early lessons in consent with the practical aspects of diaper changing.
Experts in child psychology have weighed in on the potential benefits of such practices. Yamalis Diaz, a clinical child psychologist at NYU Langone Health, advocates for this early introduction of consent concepts, stating that it prepares children for future discussions regarding bodily autonomy. She articulates that teaching consent at an early age assists in familiarizing both parents and children with healthy boundary-setting.
Additionally, Lesley Koeppel, a psychotherapist based in New York City, underscores the symbolic nature of these practices. While infants may not verbalize agreement, narrating actions during diaper changes lays the groundwork for understanding bodily autonomy. Koeppel emphasizes the importance of consistent communication, conveying a child’s bodily significance: “You matter. Your body matters. I will always tell you what I am doing.”
The researchers also recommend using anatomically correct terminology when referring to body parts during diaper changes and bath time. They argue that using proper terms such as “vulva” and “penis” instills a sense of safety and empowerment, enabling children to communicate their experiences more effectively with trusted adults.
While the guidelines may appear overwhelming in the context of the already demanding responsibilities of parenting, the researchers urge caregivers to practice these habits with kindness towards themselves. They acknowledge that not every diaper change will be an ideal moment of connection but encourage parents to implement these practices as consistently as possible.
As discussions around parenting methods evolve, the emphasis on consent, communication, and bodily autonomy continues to gain traction among modern caregivers, particularly within millennial and Generation Z demographics. This emerging framework may not only impact diaper-changing practices but also cultivate a generation more attuned to the importance of personal boundaries and respect for individual autonomy from an early age.
