This learning is reinforced and supported by a culture where early potty use is normalised throughout infancy. Once they are regularly leaving the house or busy with other tasks, the mother has established a good understanding of when their baby is likely to eliminate and how to go nappy-free (or use a very minimal nappy) without accidents. Alongside postpartum recovery, this time is also used to learn their baby’s elimination cues. For example, in China, mothers traditionally spend the first 3 months postpartum at home with their infants.

In cultures where nappies are not routinely used, children and parents are given multiple opportunities to understand their baby’s signals and timing. By contrast, if we approach the situation as nappy-off being the norm, we learn the signals or timing, and strengthen our learning. In the top line of this infographic, we can see how using a nappy blocks the signals, leading to fewer catches and increased nappy dependence. In a previous blog post about part-time pottying, I described the effects of nappy use, versus no nappy, like this: Why might this be? Perhaps its not so much about being nappy free per se, but more about thinking of a nappy as a tool rather than a necessity. In her book Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene (2001), Ingrid Bauer observes that babies cared for in countries where nappies are not routinely used have fewer “accidents” than babies in their industrialised counterparts. So, how do you successfully potty your baby and use nappies, and what do you need to consider? How does nappy use impact on pottying? As such, you are likely to use a nappy, some or even all of the time.

However, its hard to imagine doing this outside of the mainstream, without the practical and cultural support.

Whilst you’ve been swotting up on “elimination communication”, you’ve probably learnt that there are countries where parents routinely carry their baby nappy-free, such as India, Africa and parts of China. There are many good reasons to help your baby use a potty. But did you know that the way you use a a nappy, and even the way you think about nappies can affect your chances of successful pottying? Read on to find out what you can do about it. If you’re reading this blog and you are someone who helps their baby use a potty, you probably also use nappies.

Diaper free by ingrid bauer