Many parents have started at 6, 9, even 12 months and have done okay by making some modifications. For example, an older baby may not like the in-arms positioning used with infants and may prefer sitting on a potty. 

An "older" baby may no longer be in the sensitive period where infant pottying comes easily and naturally. On the other hand, although the first and most effective window of learning generally ends around age 4-6 months, some babies remain receptive beyond this. And other windows of opportunity open at different times during a child's development. You will soon find out whether your baby is still connected to the awareness of elimination. At whatever age you first learn about IPT, it is fine to give it a try (despite all the scare tactics to the contrary) as long as you are gentle and do not use any punishment or pressure your child.

If your baby seems to take no interest in pottying and seems to have lost all awareness of the elimination function, you can still try many of the elements of IPT if you feel so inclined. It is usually harder to start with a mobile baby who has been "trained" to go in a diaper or who wears disposables and does not associate the feeling of wetness with elimination. It mainly depends on your convictions. 

If this method resonates, if you feel it is right for you and your baby, and if your healthy baby takes to it, it is certainly worth an honest try! As long as there are no major upsets in your family life or health, you are likely to be open and receptive to your baby's elimination communication. I usually recommend that parents of babies over 5-6 months give this a try for a few weeks, then assess whether you want to continue. 

Depending on the age of your baby, you may have to slightly modify your approach, perhaps by adding some of the positive elements of more traditional toilet learning. For more details on starting IPT with older babies, click here http://www.white-boucke.com/reviews/latestarters.html

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