Shaping self-initiated toileting in infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Infant elimination communication is a developing field.
• Early potty training can offer benefits but requires effective methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a phased training program for infants to cue mothers about elimination needs.
• To establish reliable infant-initiated signals for defecation and urination.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase training program was implemented for four infants aged 3.1 to 6.6 months.
• Phase I: Linked infant straining signals to potty defecations.
• Phase II & III: Associated potty reaching/grabbing with eliminations, progressing to unprompted signals.

Main Results:

• All four infants completed the training before one year of age.
• The method successfully trained infants to cue mothers regarding the need to eliminate.
• No negative side effects were reported during or after the training.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated method is effective for training infants to communicate elimination needs.
• Early infant potty training is feasible and can be achieved without adverse outcomes.
• This approach supports early communication and potential continence development.