Infant + Toddler Toileting Guidance

Elimination Communication

Did you know that your baby has a natural instinct not to soil themselves? Before the advent of disposable diapers, most children were out of their cloth diapers and using the potty or toilet by 18 months old. Known commonly as elimination communication in the West, these natural infant hygiene practices have been practiced by many cultures since time immemorial. Just like you can tune into your child’s hunger and sleepiness cues, you can learn to turn into their elimination cues. Benefits of elimination communication include:

  • a deep and rewarding sense of attunement to your child and their needs

  • saving money on purchasing disposable diapers or on utility bills as you have to wash fewer cloth diapers

  • possible reduction in overall fussiness and colic

  • decreased likelihood of experiencing diaper rash, UTIs, and constipation

Toddler Toileting

Having your child learn to use the potty or toilet can sometimes feel like a daunting task. With a relaxed but upbeat attitude, we can get your child’s journey off to a positive start, even if there’s a little mess along the way. Young children are more capable than we give them credit for, and when it comes to toileting, you may be surprised to know that they’re ready earlier than is commonly suggested. By getting children out of diapers earlier, you can:

  • reduce waste from disposable diaper use / reduce laundry from cloth diaper use

  • reduce costs from disposable diaper use

  • reduce potty/toilet resistance

  • instill a sense of bodily autonomy, capability, and positive self-esteem as your child learns to take pride in the responsibility of caring for their needs

Katharine M.

“Working with Shannon was a transformative experience for our family. Her compassionate and practical approach provided invaluable support as we navigated the 18-month to 3-year-old stage. Her patient guidance, tailored to our specific needs, helped us build connection and understanding through the toileting phase. Shannon’s gentle methods and clear communication gave us the confidence to make progress, and we’re so grateful for the positive changes in our family dynamic. I highly recommend her services to any parent seeking thoughtful, supportive direction.”