Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Who Can Use This Method?
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Parents of infants, parents-to-be, grandparents, nannies and anyone else interested in lovingly and patiently working with an infant towards accomplishing potty training at the earliest possible age. "Infant" is the operative word here, as opposed to "toddler," in that a caregiver begins working as a team with an infant in the early months of life.
Infant potty training is best used by: a parent who spends at least the first 1 or 2 years caring for baby a working parent with one or more trustworthy and reliable helper(s) such as a family member, nanny or friend.
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2. What Does It Take?
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Time, diligence and patience. If you cannot devote these qualities or arrange for any assistance you may need, this is not the method for you or your baby. But if this method makes sense, if it resonates, go for it! It can't hurt to try, and if it doesn't work out, you can go back to full-time diapering.
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3. When Do I Start?
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The ideal time to start is anytime from birth to 4-5 months old. During this time, there is a sensitive period where there is a window of learning open.
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4. How Long Does It Take?
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The average age of completion in the West is around 2 years, although babies have fairly good control of elimination for 'many' months before completion.
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5. Is It Safe?
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Of course, as long as parents have the right mind set. Parents must be relaxed and positive about working with their babies. Parents must exercise patience and gentleness; observe and respond to baby's signals on time whenever reasonably possible; and provide proper and loving support while holding their infants. This is a non-punitive method. Punishment, anger and control are NOT a part of this method. Note that this method is different from the harsh "early toilet training" method used in Western countries until the 1950s.
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6. Does It Really Work?
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Yes, but not without some effort. Success does not just happen on its own. It takes at least one committed adult and several months of perseverance to complete infant potty training. Right from the very start, there are fun and exciting daily rewards for both baby and caregiver. Baby's communication is acknowledged and encouraged. Parents are amazed at the degree of their infant's awareness and are thrilled when he signals and responds so easily and naturally.
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7. Does My Baby Have To Be Naked?
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This is not a requirement. Many parents keep a diaper or training pants on their baby in between potty visits, while others prefer to leave their baby bare-bottomed or naked most of the time. In short, it is a matter of preference.
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8. How Do I Know When My Baby Needs to Go?
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You can know when baby needs to go by one or more of the following:
Timing (by the clock)
Signals and cues (including body language and vocalizations)
Patterns of elimination (relation to feeding, waking, etc.)
Intuition and instinct
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9. How Do I Dress My Baby for Best Results?
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There are two main considerations that come into play and that need to be balanced.
Individual circumstances such as climate, lifestyle, health and social pressures.
The fact that the fewer layers of clothing on baby, the easier it is for both you and your baby to (a) connect and (b) learn and communicate about elimination. It is easier to read and respond to the body language and other signals of a baby who is unclothed, bare-bottomed or otherwise easily accessible. Wearing baby in a sling helps too since you are more likely to be synchronized.
The ideal situation (not always possible or desirable) is for baby to remain naked or bare-bottomed. If this is not an option:
Strive to dress baby in as few layers as possible.
Use clothing which can be quickly and easily removed (avoid buckles, buttons, etc).
There are many different ways to dress your baby for easy access. Be creative and adapt to your situation and to baby's different phases of development. Many mothers prefer to sew their own baby clothing.
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10. Is it Important to Be Relaxed About Toilet Training and Avoid Becoming Upset?
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Remember that no one can control when and where a child urinates or has a bowel movement except the child. Try to avoid a power struggle. Children at the toilet training age are becoming aware of their individuality. They look for ways to test their limits. Toilet training is a truly straight forward process with many steps that your child can master in just a few days or a few long months. If you wait until he or she is ready to begin, it will most likely go a lot smoother for both of you.
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11. Is punishments needed when toilet training?
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It is not recommended that you use negative reinforcements (verbal reprimands, punishments or spankings) when the child has an accident or wets the bed. Positive reinforcement as simple as a hug, sticker or praise for successful potty event is much more effective.
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