Some parents toilet train young children even before the child can verbally communicate or in some cases, walk. This early toilet training method is becoming increasing popular in the United States. According to a 2005 New York Times article, "A Fast Track to Toilet Training for Those at the Crawling Stage," over 2,000 people have requested information and joined groups to learn how to toilet train a baby. If you are considering toilet training your young child, investigate your options before making your decision.
History
According to Parenting Science.com, parents in the 1920s and 1930s were encouraged to toilet train children before the child was able to walk. The idea quickly fell out of favor after World War II and parents were no longer encouraged to potty train infants. Instead, medical experts instructed parents to put off toilet training until the child was older and could take part and comprehend the process.
Methods
Parents who participate in early toilet training generally start training a child before the age of 1. Some parents begin before 6 months. According to Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau, authors of the book "The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems," parents should look at toilet training in a similar fashion to other developmental milestones such as standing or walking. Watch your baby or young toddler for signs that she has to go, such as grimacing or having a certain expression on her face every time she urinates. Sit her on the potty at regular intervals. This method is time intensive, but many children achieve potty training success by 2 years of age.
Benefits
Diapers for babies and toddlers are expensive. Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, the cost adds up month after month. Linda Sonna, Ph.D. and author of the book, "Early-Start Potty Training" states that early toilet training validates the fact that your child is able to communicate with you long before he can speak words. This communication between the two of you helps build a strong mother-child bond. When your child is toilet trained early, he experiences a sense of independence and control over his body.
Concerns
Recent research shows that early potty training is not detrimental to a child's development. A 2003 study published in the journal "Pediatrics" and led by Dr. Nathan Blum found that early toilet training did not cause children to become constipated or refuse to use the toilet later in childhood. The study noted that children who begin toilet training earlier complete toilet training sooner, but that it took longer to train a very young child.
Considerations
When considering early potty training, evaluate your readiness and commitment level. Potty training a very young child requires frequent trips to the toilet every day. If you work outside the home, ask your childcare provider if she is willing to help you train your small child. Be willing to put your training schedule on hold if the technique is not working for you or your child.
References
- The New York Times: A Fast Track to Toilet Training for Those at the Crawling Stage
- Parenting Science: What the Scientific Evidence Reveals About the Timing of Toilet Training
- "The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems"; Atria Books; Tracy Hogg, Melinda Blau; 2005
- "Early-Start Potty Training"; McGraw Hill; Linda Sonna, Ph.D.; 2005
- Pediatrics: Relationship Between Age at Initiation of Toilet Training and Duration of Training: A Prospective Study
