Australian Childcare Chain Suggests Getting Consent From Babies Before Changing Diapers

By Abdul Rafay in Bizarre On 30th June 2021
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Parents have taken to social media to express their displeasure with a baby brand's suggestion that parents should seek approval before changing diapers.

Only About Children, an Australian childcare brand advised parents to put themselves in their children's shoes before making changes.

"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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Parents with toddlers should wait until they're enjoying a quiet time after play before attempting to change them, according to the brand, because 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?'."

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"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?'"

One Twitter user wrote: "Your [sic] telling me you have to ask your 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? Some things 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 a nappy rash? I thought I'd seen it all - this has to be the most ridiculous."