Early Potty Training: Tips and Tools

March 29th, 2009 Filed Under Baby Potty Training

Dad holding smelly baby Nobody said early potty training will be easy. After all, almost all 4 month-old infants have very little communication skills to speak of, literally, not to mention the fact that infant potty training can be a hit-and-miss-and-mess affair!

However, there are many tips and a few tools to assist any struggling parent with early potty training. The trick is in finding the right balance between putting up with the initial mess and putting in the time and patience necessary to achieve concrete results in the long term.

First, it is necessary to closely observe the facial expressions and body language clues that your infant provides just before he/she goes “poo-poo” or “wee-wee”. Since each infant has a unique repertoire, it is up to the caregiver to study and take note of the signs.

Second, observe the effects of certain foods on the infant’s waste elimination patterns. This is because certain foods and drinks contain additives that can alter normal bowel movements. The knowledge of the effects of food helps in developing a regular pattern of elimination, which is a hallmark of early potty training.

Third, don’t force the infant to conform to your potty training schedule. At all times during this period, you have to exercise patience, sympathy, and kindness because this is, after all, an infant who needs parental love more than he/she needs early discipline.

For example, newborn babies can be potty trained on a part-time basis only. As he/she grows, the period with which nappy time is shortened, can be acted on and full potty training commenced.

Fourth, always look for potty trainers with sturdy designs. This is to avoid accidents that can cause injury (tipping over, breaking parts) and can cause big-time mess (spilled waste), all of which can turn off an older infant from potty training, not to mention the cost a a trip to the doctor.

Just always remember that early potty training demands better communication between infant and caregiver, with the latter doing most of the share of communicating for the first few tries. When communication is almost down pat, then early potty training should be a successful precursor to full-fledged potty independence!

Discover the steps and secrets to having your own child Potty Trained in Five Hours or Less