It can often be pretty difficult to convince a determined two year old to quit nappies. To avoid this conflict, many families are adopting a different approach to toilet training, one that is more commonly used in other parts of the world, including China, parts of Africa, India, and South and Central America. This method, called Elimination Communication (EC or assisted infant toilet training), is becoming increasingly popular in the West. It involves starting toilet training from birth by following the child’s cues.
Rebecca English is a Lecturer in Education at Queensland University of Technology
Toilet Training From Birth
Instead of using nappies, children learn to go in an appropriate receptacle from two weeks old. Babies are placed on the toilet or some other suitable place (such as a cup, a potty, a bucket or even the ground) after a meal or when they show signs of wanting to eliminate. If the baby does this right, it is rewarded with food or affection.
As far back as 1977, researchers suggested,
sociocultural factors are more important determinants of toilet training readiness than is currently thought.
Research shows this process can help babies quickly learn to eliminate in a convenient place.
It works through two way communication between the caregiver and the infant. Caregivers follow the infant’s cues and can also signal to the baby to eliminate.
How Effective Is It?
Some argue, based on this cultural difference, that babies are aware of their need to eliminate from birth. Others suggest that infants prefer to be dry and would rather not be left in a dirty nappy. It is this preference that makes elimination communication easy.
One study found that children who used this method (from 33 days) were toilet trained by five months of age.
In this study, the parents noted the child’s signal to eliminate and held the infant’s back to the caregiver’s chest while sitting over a toilet.
While the baby eliminated, the caregiver used vocal signals to reinforce the behaviour.
Usually these signals are a “psss” sound for urine and a different sound for faeces (we’re trialling this method and using a “plop” sound).
Cultural And Social Differences Around Nappy Use
Parents in western countries generally use nappies to manage babies’ and young children’s waste.
Some parents prefer disposable nappies, which are said to reduce nappy rash – a red and inflamed rash around the nappy area, caused principally by wetness and bacteria or yeast – and other skin conditions including eczema.
For others, environmental concerns mean reusable nappies are preferred. Reusable nappies are usually made of cotton.
There are two types: two-part nappies that often have an insert and an outer, waterproof, layer; and all-in-one nappies that combine the inner absorbent layer with the waterproof outer layer. Parents also need nappy liners. But cloth might not be as environmentally responsible as many parents believe.
There is evidence of major environmental issues including the water and pesticides used in cotton farming, the principal ingredient in reusable nappies.
The need for cleaning products, hot water and constant washing may also be environmentally damaging. Cloth nappies generally soak through more quickly than disposables and need to be changed more often.
What’s more, the care-giver’s labour is not cost neutral and may not be factored into the evaluation of cost and benefits of reusables.
Western Families Increasing Age Of Toilet Training
Toilet readiness is usually considered a developmental milestone, where bladder and bowel control is linked to maturation.
For toilet training to be successful, children must be able to walk to the toilet after recognising the need to eliminate, manage clothing, eliminate fully, clean, manage clothing again and flush.
Over the last 80 years, Western families have been increasing the age at which they toilet train, from less than 18 months 40 years ago, to between 21 and 36 months today.
Starting toilet training at 18 months may be related to medical advice.
Thinking about when to start toilet training has shifted since the early 20th century.
In the 1920s, for instance, 12 months was considered suitable. By the 1960s, the advice was later than 18 months. Researchers suggest changes may be due to parents’ work schedules, convenient disposables and a more liberal approach to parenting.
Children with special needs may take longer learning to use the toilet.
The relationship between caregivers and babies is complex. It may be that, with careful observation of infants’ cues, parents can learn to understand their child’s needs.
We are certainly hoping so in our family to avoid buying nappies for three more years and cleaning up after inevitable misses.
This article was originally published on The Conversation.
Comments
3 responses to “Toilet Training From Birth? It Is Possible”
I never thought an article on toilet training would hint as such depth for a great attitudes toward beneficial parenting. This is superb writing. I am confident some parents will really benefit from this advice, especially some of the subtleties touched on in this article.
We can learn a lot by looking at other cultures for differences and understanding the trade offs. This is an excellent example of how diversity can and should work. I think this rabbit hole goes much deeper. When I am appalled at most examples of modern diversity (namely: diversity = genitals), it’s great to see an actual example that is logical and meaningful and can add value.
I was intrigued by the link and comment on changes in the last 60 years, recognising that liberal is most probably synonymous with “fits the schedule for kindergarten” or “good marketing by those with vested interest” or maybe even “long enough in the past that it may have lost meaning” because many parents are advised to wait by the medical professionals! I think the real reason for the change in timeframe would be very interesting. I think it’s worth asking grandparents their views because we’ve revised just about every other truth about our grandparents (and mostly unfavourably). As an example, one of the authors under that same link spoke very negatively about militant toilet training from the past.
I also really like the approach of working with our kids, taking their cues into consideration. This approach builds a healthy mindset and relationship on many levels. Negotiation with a 2 year old is mostly futile. However, recognising a willingness or ability (rather than words) worked for us as a family many times. Actions speak louder than words.
I would be interested to know more about the reward (food?? Really?). Is that really something other cultures embrace, is it positive feedback that has proven to work over Millenia? The whole ‘sticker chart’ phenomena never resonated with us as a family. It reminds me of materialism rather than direct recognition of a child. “You need this external, superficial object to feel good about yourself”.
Ultimately, having choice as a parent is great. There is no single approach that fits all. It’s not a failure to stick with the 2 years approach. However, I do see many benefits in looking for queues from our children.
I just hope we don’t see a barrage of sticker chart parenting style articles. This article works because it’s ultimately about respect, understanding and cooperation.
Most detergent is effective enough that washing in hot water is unnecessary for cloth nappies. Not to mention, most washing machines don’t get to the temperature needed to sterilise anyway. I find bamboo pocket nappies to be super absorbent and prefer them over cotton.
Nice article, but starting potty training too early can cause a lot of resistance and trauma.
We managed to train our kid with the Concisework potty training in just one week but the time was right.