EASY START GUIDE: PART 1 OF 4

Learn how to start baby pottying, also known as Elimination Communication (EC) or early potty learning.

Baby pottying is a gradual way support your baby’s toilet awareness from an early age.

Many parents find they can observe patterns or cues that suggest when their baby needs to wee or poo, just as they learn to recognise signals for hunger or tiredness. Instead of relying entirely on nappies, parents offer their baby opportunities to use the potty (often called a “pottytunity”).

Can Babies Really Use the Potty?

In many Western cultures, the common approach is to wait for signs of “readiness” before starting potty training. As a result, most babies spend their early years using a nappy as their primary toilet, before being expected to suddenly switch to using the potty.

Baby pottying takes a different approach. One that our ancestors practised, along with many other cultures throughout the world today, and the growing number of parents, child experts and institutes who are rediscovering and seeing the benefits of starting young.

It recognises that babies are born with an awareness of their bodily functions and a natural desire to stay clean and dry. Just as babies gradually learn to walk and talk through practice and exposure, toileting is another developmental skill that can develop over time.

Why Parents Choose Baby Pottying

A hand-drawn sketch of a heart with three small lines above it, on a black background.

A blank speech bubble with a light yellow outline and small lines radiating from the top.

Build a deeper connection

Develop babies’ communication

Drawing of a crying child's face with tears and a frowning expression—baby with colic symptoms.

Cost and environmental benefits

A yellow, hand-drawn illustration of a money bag with a dollar sign on it.

Reduce colic

Reduce fussiness
and crying

Quicker potty independence

A sketch of an open jar of nappy rash cream or ointment with the lid resting on top.

Encourage positive body awareness

Illustration of a baby in underwear surrounded by sparkling stars.

Less nappy rash

Supports breastfeeding

A hand holding a heart with a medical cross inside, surrounded by lines representing radiance or importance.

More hygienic

When Can You Start?

The simple answer is: you can start at any age.

There is no single “right” time to begin. Many parents start when their baby is a newborn, while others discover baby pottying later. Whatever the age, start when you feel ready and at your own pace.

From birth to 3 months

This is often when babies’ natural toileting signals are usually strongest. Parents may notice clear signals before their baby wees or poos.

From 3 to 12 months

Babies begin to form routines and may communicate more actively (with sounds, gestures, or expressions). Your baby may go through periods of being more or less interested in potty time, which is all part of the journey.

After 12 months

The principles of baby pottying still apply, however it may take longer to reacquaint your baby with their bodily awareness. Some choose to use a hybrid approach: baby pottying techniques alongside conventional toilet training methods.

How Do You Know When Your Baby Needs to Go?

There are three paths to pottying:

Natural timing

This path makes up the everyday timings and rhythm of the day. Includes upon waking, after feeds, before/after bath, being in the carseat, pram or baby carrier.

Signals

Non-verbal and verbal communication babies make to indicate they need to go. There is a huge variety of signals, so it’s key that you learn your baby’s unique signals just before they do a wee or poo.