Since a baby cannot sit or readily move into certain positions, a caretaker can assist her to eliminate in the appropriate receptacle (potty, sink, bathtub, appropriate outdoor spot, etc.)
Below are the most common positions:
- Classic position: hold baby under each of baby’s thighs so baby is in squatting position; baby is facing same direction as you. You can use this position over a sink, a bowl, the potty, outside, etc. You can also vary this position by having adult sit down.
classic position
- Cradle position: Cradle baby so you are supporting head and body on one side and legs in the other so that baby is squatting in a sitting position supported over a bowl, toilet, etc. This position works great with nursing (some babies need to nurse in order to get relaxed enough to release bladder).
cradle position
- Newborn lap hold- baby lays on adult lap (parallel with adult legs) with head toward adult stomach, feet facing away. Lift baby’s legs up in the air (with bowl strategically placed underneath; can hold bowl between your thighs
- Baby sits (assisted or unassisted) on a potty: It’s useful to have a small portable potty close by while baby is playing so baby can potty without having to interrupt play!
- Whatever works for you!
Most people use the above positions in various forms. Improvise based on the situation. For example, we found that holding baby in classic position while adult sits straddling the toilet (adult facing toilet tank) worked really well for morning bowel movement, as standing can get uncomfortable for the adult for long periods of time (baby also gets additional support because she is leaning against adult stomach). The cradle position in combination with a plastic bowl worked well for nighttime IPT to avoid a trip to the bathroom.
