Nursery tells parents to perform ‘respectful nappy changes’, sparking fierce debate

An Australian nursery chain has sparked controversy after suggesting that parents should ask for their toddlers’ consent before changing their nappies.

In a blog post, the company called Only About Children, said parents should do “respectful nappy changes” to teach children about respect and consent from an early age.

“Toddlers don’t like to be interrupted when they are playing. Wait for a gap in their playing before starting the nappy changing process,” it said.

“You may wish to give your toddler some autonomy and ask, ‘Would you like to walk to the change table or should I carry you?’”

It added that nappy changes can be “important opportunities for learning and relationship building,” while asking parents: “If you were a baby, how would you like to have your nappy changed?”

Parents are encouraged to “slow down” and not rush the process of nappy changing, while also asking for the child’s help and “talking them through what you are doing and encourage the use of senses.”

And it said it is fine to discuss the process with toddlers. It said: “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 post, some people on Facebook disagreed with its sentiments.

One parent said: “I honestly thought that when a baby is crying and screaming and they smell that is consent enough to change them.”

Meanwhile, another added: “Has the world gone completely mad?”

People on Twitter agreed it could be logistically challenging:

Others thought it was a good idea:

What do you think?