Cries or is unsettled when their nappy is dirty
Even when your baby was much younger you might have changed their nappy when you were working out the reason for their discomfort. However, some researchers suggest young babies do not recognise the sensation of a wet or dirty nappy. Now, your baby is becoming more aware of the sensations both inside and outside their body, so they may begin to notice a wet or dirty nappy.
Beginning to think about toilet training
Ideas about toilet training are linked to child development and cultural ideas about practices in this area. In the 1960s research into toilet training focused on ideas of ‘readiness’ with indicators identified in terms of a child’s physiological, social and emotional development that would show they were ‘ready' for toilet training. [1] The increased use of disposable nappies is also thought to have contributed to toilet training starting later for many children.
You might have heard of babies using the potty at a much earlier age. Some parents use a method known as ‘infant potty training or elimination communication’ in which babies are put on the potty from an early age in response to cues they are weeing or pooing.
Whilst there are different approaches to toilet training, many parents still follow an approach in which they look for signs of ‘readiness’ in their children. When you begin to read about toilet training it can be confusing with information being given about an expected age when you might begin. However, all children are individual and rather than using age to decide when toilet training might start it might be preferable to look for signs of readiness.[2]
There are multiple physical, cognitive and emotional indicators that a child might be ready for toilet training, in one study the authors outlined 18 indicators[3]. Signs that your child might be ready for toilet training include:
Physical signs - such as being able to walk, balance and maintain their posture when sitting, and put on and take off clothes.
Language skills - being able to follow instructions and communicate their needs.
Social awareness - including showing an interest in toileting.
Cognitive skills - showing some simple problem-solving skills.
Sensory skills and physiological development directly linked with toileting, for example, knowing when they need to wee or poo and staying clean and dry for longer periods. [4]
Your baby might not be ready for toilet training for a little while, but you could begin to talk to them about using the toilet or potty and introduce the words you are going to use when toilet training. You can help your baby notice when they are pooing or weeing by commenting if you notice a change in expression, so they begin to link the sensation with what they are doing.
What next?
Your baby will become more aware of the sensation as they wee or poo, and might begin to tell you as they wee or poo. They will become more interested in toileting and might ask to sit on the potty if you have one.
References
[1] Anthony-Pillai, R. (2007) What’s potty about early toilet training? The British Medical Journal, 2 June 2007: 334.
[2] Kaerts, N., Van Hal, G, Vermandel, A., & Wyndaele, J-J. (2012) Readiness signs used to define the proper moment to start toilet training: A review of lterature. Nuerourolgy and Urodynamics, 31: 437-440.
[3] Wyndaele, J-J, Kaerts, N, Wyndaele, M. & Venandel, A. (2020) Development signs in healthy toddlers in different stages of toilet training: Can they help define readiness and probability of success. Global Pediatric Health, 7: 1-6.
[4] Baird, D.C., Bybel, M, Drnall, C.R. & Kowalsi, A.W. (2019) American Family Physician, 100(8): 468-474.