Rebecca English, Queensland University of Technology
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.
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.
Top Comments
It's hard to believe but I genuinely have seen this in practice. I worked in Nepal with some of the most developmentally delayed children I've seen. Most had autism. 99% of these kids were toilet trained, or at the very least toilet timed - because nappies weren't an option. I work with similar kids here & most are in nappies (which is fine), but it really make me think!
They aren't trained. THEY are giving cues that adults read and then act on.....hence the parents are trained.
It's called 'parent training'.