It\u2019s a move that might\u00a0stink\u00a0to some parents, but there\u2019s a new-age way to change a newborn\u2019s undies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Drenched diapers are no longer messes that need to be ripped off a baby\u2019s bottom posthaste, according to new advice by early childhood development researchers<\/a> in Australia.<\/p>\n Instead, the experts encourage moms and dads to request an infant\u2019s consent \u2014 you read that correctly \u2014 before changing their diaper.<\/p>\n A new report urges new parents to talk to their babies about changing their diapers in order to teach little ones about consent. sementsova321 \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n \u201cAt the start of a nappy change, ensure your child knows what is happening,\u201d researchers from Deakin University wrote in a November 2025 guide. \u201cGet down to their level and say, \u2018You need a nappy change,\u2019 and then pause so they can take this in.\u201d<\/p>\n But their offbeat directives for cleaning a cutie\u2019s patootie \u2014 a task that parents often rush to \u201cjust get done,\u201d the researchers said \u2014 don\u2019t end there.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThen you can say, \u2018Do you want to walk [or] crawl with me to the [changing] table, or would you like me to carry you?\u2019\u201d said the specialists, seemingly ignoring that newborns can\u2019t yet actually chat up mom or dad one-on-one. \u201cObserve their facial expressions and body language to check if they understand what is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n The experts further noted: \u201cThis can be a time to help children learn about consent and how their bodies work.\u201d<\/p>\n The authors of the report did not immediately respond to The Post\u2019s request for a comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, having heart-to-hearts with rugrats every time they go No. 1 or 2 could fall under the ever-controversial category of gentle parenting<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s an ultra-permissive, anti-authoritarian approach to child-rearing that prioritizes\u00a0empathy, respect, connection and communication over rules and punishments.\u00a0<\/p>\n The softy strategy is popular with Gen Zers and millennials<\/a> \u2014 mothers and fathers under age 46. However, it\u2019s been widely bashed by online critics who claim the overindulgent, unconventional parenting style turns untamed tykes into knee-high \u201chellions.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n The new research additionally recommends inviting babies to participate in the grooming ritual, asking them questions like \u201cCan you please lift up your bottom so I can slide your nappy out?\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThese habits plant the seed of the idea that a child has the right to say what happens to their body,\u201d assured the academics.\u00a0<\/p>\n