EASY START GUIDE: PART 3 OF 4
Baby pottying positions are the ways you hold or support your baby so they can comfortably wee or poo outside of a nappy.
The position you use helps your baby relax their body and release naturally — often using a supported squat.
Elimination Communication (EC) / baby pottying positions are simple and flexible. You can hold a newborn in your arms, support your baby over a potty, or help an older baby sit independently. As your baby grows, the position naturally evolves.
The Basic Baby Pottying Positions
The classic hold
This is where your baby's back is placed against you, with each hand under baby's thighs. This puts baby's bottom hanging down.
The cradle hold
Rest your baby’s head on one of your arms and hold their legs with your arms. This hold is particularly helpful for very young babies or newborns.
The Physiological Benefit of Squatting
The physiological benefit of squatting has been shown in several studies. This position straightens out the passage that stools pass through and relaxes the pelvic floor muscles, which results in less straining and complete emptying of the bowel. And this is for all humans: babies, children and adults!
SITTING
SQUATTING
The Basic Baby Pottying Positions: Mobile Babies
Sitting on the potty
As soon as your baby can sit up, they can use a potty.
Sitting on the toilet
Another option is a toilet seat reducer. Some babies love to feel as though they are copying you by using the big toilet.
Standing up
Babies are also good at peeing standing up. Either outside, in the shower, or on the potty.
Your Next Steps to Start Pottying Your Baby
PART 1
Get Started With Baby Pottying
PART 2
What Are My Babies Signals?
PART 3
How To Hold Your Baby: Potty Positions.
YOU ARE HERE
PART 4
Cueing: Sound Association.
Download my easy-start information as an offline PDF guide to print and share with your loved ones!
Included: benefits, what age to start, potty positions, when baby needs to go and common signals.
Let’s make this ancient wisdom feel second nature again.
Access The Full Baby Pottying Course
ESSENTIALS
POTTY PRO
FULL SUPPORT
What You’ll Learn
The philosophy behind baby pottying, exploring global traditions, historical shifts, and the beliefs that shaped modern potty training.
The science of pottying, from bladder and bowel development, to what the research says about “readiness,” muscle control and long-term health.
Clear guidance to get started, including when to begin, how to spot signals, natural timings, positioning, cueing and building a daily rhythm.
How to navigate real life, with guidance on nighttime, out-and-about pottying, childcare, siblings and busy family life.
Supporting your baby’s development, covering capability stages, fostering independence, temperament differences and going nappy-free.
Troubleshooting common hurdles, including potty pauses, resistance, missed catches, illness, developmental leaps and feeling overwhelmed.
Product Recommendations
Whilst you don’t need any special products to get started with, check out the products that have helped me along the journey.
