The starting point for infant potty training (IPT) is that there is a window of learning or sensitive period open from birth until the age of 5-6 months. At this time, babies are very aware of elimination and actually communicate their toilet needs to us. Since we aren't expecting to relate to our babies on this level, we miss their signals and end up teaching them to go in a diaper. They then have to unlearn this behavior later in life.

IPT is about communication and mutual responsiveness. It has little to do with what we normally call "training." Loving communication is the key to connecting with your baby about elimination.

Since each child develops at his/her own rate and since each parent-child relationship is unique, there is no way to tell how quickly you will move forward as a symbiotic IPT unit until you try it. Some babies and mothers communicate easily. In these situations, a baby will clearly signal when s/he needs to go, perhaps by crawling toward the bathroom, giving you an imploring look, tugging on your leg, or using specific body language or vocalizations. In other situations, the communication is less clear, in which case timing, elimination patterns and/or intuition are the way to know.

Critics of this method say that it is time consuming or that it is "mommy being trained." The last time I looked, we mothers train ourselves to do everything else for our little ones, so why not this if it appeals to us? This method resonates for many reasons, including close communication with baby, helping the environment by conserving resources and landfill space, saving on diapers (whichever kind you choose) and eliminating any risk of diaper rash.

It is true that it takes time—especially when you first start, but in the end it does not generally take any longer than traditional toilet training and sometimes far less. In any case, there are no claims of instant success with this. You'll need to be patient, gentle, relaxed, and loving since this is a non-punitive method. 

Despite varying Western medical opinions and psychological theories, no one can deny that infant toilet learning has been the mainstream method used by billions of happy and well- adjusted babies in many societies for centuries. If it makes sense to you and resonates well, it is worth giving it a try. Your baby is ready if you are.

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