Six months old was the age we started potty training our first EC baby.

I bought a bunch of cloth diapers and the laundry aids.  We got a training potty.  Then it was off to the races!

With our second EC baby, we started lazily EC-ing at a week old.  It’s different now with three young children constantly needing attention.   We cloth diapered her and took her to the potty (or when she was smaller – the potty bowl) when we could.   I found that I noticed her signals less than the first EC baby (or just couldn’t get there in time).  We’re starting to be more consistent at six months.  And that’s okay.  I’ve already built a pretty solid EC foundation.  We’ve re-discovered the joy of being able to anticipate our baby’s needs and to help her.  We aren’t finished yet, but it was a good start.  And it’s been easy and simple so far.

You can potty train your baby, too.  Whether you’re starting out at six months or taking the scenic route from birth, here are two easy steps to EC your six-month old:

1.  Get a “real” potty.

A 6-month old can sit, assisted.  Some can sit unaided.  It’s time to ditch the little bowl and go for the most popular EC potty.

Required Item:  Baby Bjorn’s Little Potty

This is such a favorite with the babies!  They laugh and smile – it’s a very stable way to sit, and a natural elimination posture.  Made all in one piece, it’s smooth, easy to clean, and safe.  After using traditional varieties with preschoolers (see above) and doing the dreaded Potty Procedure (cleaning out the removable soft ring and then dumping the bowl, cleaning the bowl, putting the whole contraption back together), this modern marvel is a breeze.

They come in lots of colors (yes, pink). 

Better still, it’s cheap.   You can find it at the Great Stuff Store, BabiesRUs, and just about any EC website/store. 

2.  Taking Off the Diaper

It’s gotta come off sometime.  Do it while your child is still somewhat cooperative.  It’s not as hard as you think.

Keep the potty in a central location, and when your baby starts to go, place him on the potty. 

*Note:  Don’t scream or shout if your baby starts to pee and isn’t on the potty.  Just make the cue and clean it up.   (Better an accident now than later when it gets really stinky.)*

Here are some signs and common times that your baby needs to go: 

• wiggly bums/popping on and off during nursing
• unexplained and mild fussing
• looking at the potty
• crawling toward the potty
• grunting and straining
• imitating your verbal cues (“wss,”  “psss,” “wshhh,” etc.”)
• baby sign language (link here)
• before or after meals (within about 20 minutes)
• immediately after waking
• right after a bump or getting hurt

What to do:

At any of the above times or if you notice your baby signaling, put him on the potty and cue verbally.  If nothing happens after a few minutes (two or three), remove him without comment and replace the diaper.  It is common to initially have a few days of “misses” and false starts.  Just change the diaper and keep trying.  If he goes, cue along with the elimination and rejoice!  Cheer (gently), pat his back, hug and kiss him, and let your baby know you’re pleased.  Just don’t overdo it or drop your baby. Keep a good grip  – inadvertently falling off the potty, even a very small one, may traumatize your child.

Within a week, caregivers notice that they are getting more hits than misses.  More celebration!  You’re well on your way to having a toilet-independent child.  Let’s hear it for no more diapers !

After I discuss year-olds and toddlers, we’ll talk about resources, cloth diapers, and clean up.  Stay tuned!

To be continued…

Read the series here:

Potty Training Your Baby – Part I

Potty Training Your Baby – Part II