Should parents get baby’s consent before changing nappies?

By Paul McRingo Hurling Correspondent

A growing number of people are asking whether parents should be required to obtain explicit consent from their babies before changing their nappies.

People Before Profit’s Katie Bullwinkle told us parents need to be taught that their babies have the option of saying no, even if they can’t actually say anything.

“Just because a baby has filled a nappy doesn’t mean it has agreed to have its contents removed or to have its private parts put on public display. How would you like it if someone pulled down your underpants and got your ding-dong out?”

The proposed guidelines would require parents to explain the procedure in advance, outline the potential consequences of leaving the nappy unchanged, and allow the child sufficient time to make its choice.

Critics have questioned how a six-month-old might communicate its decision, but supporters claim that kicking and crying is probably the baby saying “No, I do not consent.”

People Before Profit have also said that all babies should be issued with a solicitor at birth, while parents should also be required to give 48 hours’ notice before administering Calpol.