Infant potty-training and bedwetting

Infants are aware of elimination from birth and often cry or give other signals to be changed. If we respond positively and proactively, they will continue to work with us toward being able to control their urinary and bowel movements.

This is not the type of potty training we are familiar with, so it is often misunderstood.

Our Western cultural expectations and medical professionals tell us that infants have no control, yet many parents have experienced the opposite.

When we take our little ones to a toilet place (potty or other receptacle) around the time they need to "go," we afford them the opportunity to practice using their "toilet muscles" and encourage them to continue communicating. This allows them to develop elimination control - both muscular and neural - at the earliest moment possible. Infants are pottied while being held lovingly in their parent's arms. This is a cozy time for both parent and child.

Kids over 6 months old typically learn through short and positive potty sessions at times when they are likely to "go."

Since infant pottying gradually reduces diaper use, it conserves natural resources such as trees and water (with far less soiled clothing, bedding and towels, and less rinsing of baby bottoms, legs, etc.).

It also reduces wastewater pollution, sludge, ground-water contamination, use of electricity and fuel, air pollution and bulk going into landfills.

Infant pottying enhances bonding; helps prevent diaper rash and bedwetting; reduces or eliminates exposure to chemicals, detergents, urine and feces, and helps build self-confidence by minimizing embarrassing accidents in preschool-age children.

Another plus for parents is the ability to save $1,000 to $3,000 per child on diaper costs. But all the extra benefits pale in comparison to the bonding and communication.

Source: RefillPill.com Editors' Choice