Newborn nappy nod ‘impractical’

A CHILD educator who said parents should ask their babies for consent before changing their nappies has been labelled as “wrong” and at danger of misleading parents.

Child psychologist Andrew Fuller said changing nappies was “not abusive” and “just a part of life” and parents have a responsibility to act in their child’s best interest and not wait for consent.

“These kids are too young to give any consent,” Mr Fuller said.

“Families work best when kids trust their parents to do things in their best interest.

“It’s not about consent — it’s about trust.”

Sexuality safety educator Deanne Carson made the stunning comments during an ABC News segment in which she told viewers families should establish “a culture of consent” in the home by asking newborns: “I’m going to change your nappy now, is that OK?”

Ms Carson, CEO of Body Safety Australia, said parents should watch for body language cues and wait to make eye contact before proceeding to let the child know “their response matters”.

But Mr Fuller said the advice was “impractical” and not viable in everyday life.

“You’re not going to ask a child if they consent to going to bed — you just do it because it’s in their best interest,” he said.

Child behaviour expert Nathalie Brown said babies do not understand what consent is and trying to teach them at such a young age was “wrong”.

“Babies are yet to develop their full emotion and understanding so it’s impossible for them to communicate accurately and effectively,” she said.