We believe that babies are born ready to use the potty, but potty perfection is rarely attained very early on, and it shouldn’t be the focus. The philosophy of infant potty training or elimination communication does not revolve around being potty trained. It’s about encouraging to children to listen to the signals their bodies are giving them, and helping parents respond to their children’s cues.
That being said, a diapered child with void every single elimination in a diaper, while an IPT child will likely get many, many catches in the potty! Furthermore, most IPT children will generally potty train significantly ahead of their diapered peers. As Laurie Boucke discusses here, some people view IPT as an “insurance policy” to be fully potty trained at or before the age of 24-3o months. But keep in mind that many IPT children will be reasonably dry for months before full potty independence.
And, as with most things, there is a general range of how children respond to IPT. Furthermore, there is a great deal of variation on how families adopt an IPT philosophy into their lives. Some practice it more consistently, while others may take a more laid back approach. Find what’s right for you. It is perfectly “acceptable” to incorporate diapers into your potty learning routine as you see fit!
Next, what exactly is the definition of potty trained? Is it being reasonably dry? Catching most everything? Being in underwear? Does potty trained mean that child never has to be reminded to “use” the potty? Is child able to fully take care of entire potty process (wipe, flush, etc.)? Like with everything, it’s a journey, and we think it’s important to worry less about reaching a specific goal, but rather enjoy the ride!
Here is a common IPT schedule:
Started potty training in months 0-3
Month 3-4: catching all poop, catching many pees
Months 06-18: catching many pees along with poops, but many experience potty “strikes” or set backs during crawling, walking, milestones
Months 18-24: baby more actively vocalizing potty needs and less reliant on potty reminders
Months 24-30: baby is dry nearly all the time, but still needs assistance with getting undressed for potty, wiping etc.
