Did you know that you can help your baby to use the potty from birth?
It might sound surprising, but babies are capable of sensing when they need to wee or poo right from the start. By around six months, they can also communicate that they need to go and respond to cues.
The idea might be new to you, since nappies use is so normalised that we often think nappies are the only option. But nappies, which are designed to feel dry, make it harder for babies to recognise when they have done a wee or poo and this delays their natural development. Giving your baby the opportunity to also use a potty can help them stay connected to their body’s signals, making it easier when the time comes to prepare them for independence.
In fact, research shows that becoming fully toilet-independent involves learning around 40 skills! The gentlest, most effective way to help your child is to introduce them to the potty from the start, alongside nappy use.
Read about the life-changing magic of baby potty learning
What is Baby Potty learning?
Also known as Elimination Communication, EC, baby pottying, potty whispering, infant toileting, baby-led potty training or natural infant hygiene.
It is the centuries-old practice of learning your baby’s signals or natural timing to recognise when they need to wee or poo, then holding them over a toilet or potty rather than using a nappy. Before 70 years ago (when disposable nappies were invented) the majority of parents helped their baby to use a potty from when they could sit up, so they could stop using (and washing) nappies sooner.
10 reasons to try baby potty learning
What are babies capable of at different ages and stages?
What resources are available to help me?
You can learn about Baby Potty Learning from Rebecca’s first book, The Baby Pottying Guide or explore the products she has created to help you succeed with your potty catches.
You can also explore answers to our frequently asked questions about Baby Pottying.
Blogs about Baby Potty Learning
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How to change a nappy
Nurse Rebecca Mottram shares her top nappy changing tips for parents plus when they should start introducing the potty.
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10 reasons to try Baby Pottying
Baby pottying is the most gentle, gradual and effective way for children to learn about their bodily functions and prepare for becoming toilet independent. Rebecca Mottram shares 10 benefits of helping your baby to use a potty.
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The life-changing magic of Baby Pottying
When I was pregnant with my first child in 2012, a casual remark changed my life: I heard that babies in China don’t wear nappies. It got me thinking… what did they do? How can you have a baby without a nappy? My curiosity literally changed my life from that point on. Since discovering Baby…
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The power of play in potty training
Play isn’t just about fun—it’s a powerful learning tool says potty learning expert Rebecca Mottram. Learn how how you can incorporate play into your potty learning practices with our free guide.
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What to do when your child refuses to go potty
Have you ever asked your child to use the potty/toilet only to get “no!” in response? Perhaps your child has a full-blown meltdown, including screaming, aggression and tears? Or perhaps they try negotiating, bargaining, procrastination or ignore you completely? Refusal or resistance is one of the most challenging problems you can encounter when potty training,…
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How to talk to other parents about Baby Pottying
There are so many different ways to parent that chances are, part of your experience will involve explaining your parenting choices to someone else. Due to the power of advertising by nappy companies, helping your baby to use the potty before they are well into their toddler years is no longer the norm in our…
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How baby signing can help potty learning
When your child is pre-verbal, they can use baby sign language (Makaton, ASL/American sign language or BSL /British sign language) to communicate that they need to go potty. Here’s how to introduce baby signing for potty learning.
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19 genius hacks to make potty time a breeze
Try our top potty training tips to take your pottying to the next level. These simple DIY hacks will help make life easier whilst practising Elimination Communication or whilst Potty Training.
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The dangers of early potty training: do they really exist?
Is early potty training dangerous? What is the evidence base for delayed versus early potty training?
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The potty pause and how to overcome it
What is a potty pause and how can you over come it when pottying your baby (elimination communication)?