Scientists reveal ‘consent’ question you should ask your baby before changing nappy

We all know that teaching children about consent is incredibly important - but scientists have just revealed that should be actually be starting way earlier than you think.

Action for Children advise that can teach your child consent at a young age, letting them know that their body is their body and that nobody is allowed to do anything to them that they don't like.

Talking about this topic openly and teaching your little ones what consent means from a young age will help them to understand healthy relationships as a teenager, going into their adult life.

However, as we say, scientists have now issued fresh advice to parents that they can actually be practicing consent before their children can even talk - yes, really.

Dr Nicole Downs and Dr Katherine Bussey, lecturers in Early Childhood at Deakin University in Australia, penned an article in The Conversation last week about how nappy changes can help kids understand the concept.

Experts have advised asking your child for consent to change their nappy (Getty Stock Image)

It's no secret that nappy changing is not a pleasant experience, and the experts explained how a lot of parents may see it as a quick chore to 'get done' without much thought.

Their advice in the piece is to ensure your child knows what is happening at the start of the nappy change.

The experts say: "Get down to their level and say, 'you need a nappy change' and then pause so they can take this in. Then you can say, 'do you want to walk/crawl with me to the change table, or would you like me to carry you?'"

Then, according to the article, you should 'observe their facial expressions and body language to check if they understand what is happening' while aiming to be 'positive, gentle and responsive to your child'.

During the actual nappy change, the lecturers warn that you shouldn't distract your child by singing or giving them a toy to hold as they should be aware someone is touching their intimate parts.

The experts further noted: "Even in early infancy, children can respond to consistent verbal cues. So try to use similar language and follow regular nappy changing routines that involve children in conversation. For example, 'can you please lift up your bottom so I can slide your nappy out?'"

The advice has once again sparked a social media debate (Getty Stock Image)

It's also recommended to use the correct anatomical terms, such as vulva, penis and anus - this keeps kids safe as they can accurately inform 'trusted adults about their experiences with all the people who care for them'.

This actually isn't the first time this idea has come up and back in 2018, Body Safety Australia chief Deanne Carson was widely criticised for having the same views.

During an ABC News segment, she suggested parents ask their children questions such as: "I’m going to change your nappy now, is that okay?"

Carson explained: "Of course a baby is not going to respond ‘yes mum, that is awesome, I’d love to have my nappy changed.'

"But if you leave a space and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact then you are letting that child know that their response matters."

And now as we say, years later the debate is well and truly back up and running - what do you think?

• How often you should poo each week, according to scientists
• Speech therapist reveals why you should never give your baby one of these three names
• Everything that happens to your body if you stop taking supplements
• You should never choose these names for your baby, according to expert