New parents quickly learn to recognize their baby’s signals for tiredness or hunger. Similarly, babies communicate when they’re about to urinate or defecate – often referred to as ‘eliminating.’ These signs can include grunting, straining, or adopting a specific posture. Some parents describe a characteristic facial expression or increased fussiness preceding elimination.
Increasingly, parents are practicing ‘elimination communication,’ a technique that involves closely observing a baby for these pre-elimination cues and then holding them over a toilet or potty. This method demands consistent vigilance, but proponents suggest that babies quickly associate their signals with the opportunity to relieve themselves without wearing a soiled diaper.
The potential cost savings from reduced diaper usage are significant, and the environmental benefits are undeniable. Traditional potty training, typically initiated around ages 2-3, can be challenging and stressful for both child and parent. Early potty training may circumvent these struggles. However, the intensive observation required has led some experts to question its practicality for most families.
Heather Welford of the National Childbirth Trust suggests that most parents are too occupied to monitor their baby’s every move. She believes early potty training will likely remain a niche practice, primarily adopted by parents driven by a desire for closer connection with their baby or a commitment to environmental sustainability. These motivations, however, resonate with many parents.