Outrage as baby brand urges parents to ask babies for consent to change diapers

Parents on social media have been left outraged after a baby brand suggested that they should ask for consent before changing diapers.

Australian childcare brand Only About Children suggested that parents should put themselves in their children's position prior to changing them.

"The most significant thing about a nappy change is not the new nappy," the chain wrote, per Herald Sun. "It's the good feelings shared between baby and parent. It's the relationship. How can you slow down your nappy changes and give them your full attention?"

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The brand went on to suggest that if the parents have toddlers, they should wait until they're having a quiet moment from play before attempting to change them as they "don't like to be interrupted."

"Toddlers don't like to be interrupted when they are playing, wait for a gap in their playing before starting the nappy changing process," the advice read, "You may wish to give your toddler some autonomy and ask, 'Would you like to walk to the changing table or should I carry you?'."

"When toddlers become mobile, nappy changing may look quite different! Continue to ask for cooperation but understand that your toddler may wish to now stand for their nappy change.

"Also, encourage their independence, you may ask him to take off his own nappy or wipe himself. You may be surprised by all that your toddler can do!"

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The brand went on to say that asking a child for consent in this area could be difficult, writing: "Acknowledge that sometimes nappy changes can be disastrous, embrace it and share your feelings with your toddler, 'Wow, that was a tough one for both of us, wasn't it?'"

Reacting to the suggestion, one Twitter user wrote: "Your [sic] telling me you have to ask your own newborn for consent to change its diaper. What is this world."

A second added: "What if they say no? They are left with a dirty nappy. How does a baby even give consent? There are things that just need to be done, it's not disrespectful, it's nurture."

A third wrote: "So if they don’t consent we leave them in their dirty nappy until when? They are old enough to change themselves? Do we get charged with neglect when they have nappy rash? I thought I'd seen it all - this has to be the most ridiculous."

What do you think about parents asking for consent to change diapers? Let us known in the comments.

Featured image credit: Alamy / Arunas Gabalis