Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
04:16

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide

Published on: January 30, 2026

Assisted infant toilet training: is it time for a critical revision?

S Rugolotto1, M Sun, L Boucke

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Verona. simone.rugolotto@azosp.vr.it

La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica : Medical and Surgical Pediatrics
|March 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Assisted infant toilet training, which begins shortly after birth, focuses on infant-caregiver communication for bladder and bowel control. This method relies on recognizing infant cues for successful elimination assistance, offering an alternative to traditional approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Development
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Toilet training is a key developmental milestone in child education.
  • Traditional Western medical advice recommends starting toilet training after 18 months of age.
  • A growing trend involves assisted infant toilet training, initiated much earlier in infancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging practice of assisted infant toilet training.
  • To explain the principles and methods of this early toilet training approach.
  • To inform readers about infant-led elimination communication.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current understanding of assisted infant toilet training.
  • It focuses on the communication dynamics between infant and caregiver.
  • The review examines the process of acquiring bowel and bladder control through cue-based methods.

Main Results:

  • Assisted infant toilet training emphasizes responsive caregiving based on infant signals.
  • It facilitates gradual acquisition of bowel and bladder control.
  • This approach represents a shift from traditional, age-based toilet training recommendations.

Conclusions:

  • Assisted infant toilet training is a viable alternative for parents seeking earlier potty training.
  • Effective infant-caregiver communication is central to the success of this method.
  • Understanding infant cues is crucial for implementing assisted infant toilet training.

Related Concept Videos

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal01:26

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Anal

Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development describes the anal stage as occurring between 18 months and three years of age. During this period, children derive pleasure from controlling and releasing their bowel movements. However, they quickly learn that societal expectations impose restrictions on when and where this can happen. This stage marks a critical point where children begin to develop a sense of control and mastery over their bodily functions, as well as their broader...
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway01:25

Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway

In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...