How to Potty Train an 11 Month Old

Potty training an 11-month-old is a concept that challenges many commonly used potty training methods. It can be accomplished with a method called elimination communication, or infant potty training. Infant potty training focuses on communication between parent and child that uses timing, intuition and signals to learn about using the toilet. Families who use infant potty training could have an 11-month-old out of diapers, but will need to assist with toileting while baby continues to learn and is physically able to wipe.

• 1

  Create body signal awareness between your 11-month-old and you. An 11-month-old might show interest in the potty one day and none the next. The key to teaching her about the potty is through communication in a matter-of-fact manner. Notice her body signals such as facial gestures, grunting or hiding when she is peeing or pooping in her diaper. Make a sound when you notice signals, such as "sss" to create an association with releasing. You can also use American Sign Language for the word toilet. Many babies pick up ASL quickly and will sign to you when they are eliminating. Allow your baby to come to the bathroom with you if you have not before. This allows her to witness this normal part of everyday life and become more aware that she will transition from peeing and pooping diapers to also using the toilet. Purchase a potty or potty seat and show your 11-month-old what she will use.

• 2

  Use timing and intuition to respond to signals. If you feel like your 11-month-old might need to use the potty or when you notice she is signaling, take her to the potty. Some babies prefer to be held over a potty with their back to your belly while you are holding under their upper thighs in a supported squat. This reinforces a loving communication about using the toilet. If you leave a potty out in a play area your baby might crawl or walk over to it and sit down to pee or poop. Many babies need to eliminate after eating and when waking up so this is a good time to offer the potty. Some families have success with offering the potty at certain intervals, such as every hour.

• 3

  Stay positive and help as needed. Potty training an 11-month-old is easiest when using the toilet is conveyed as a normal process he will pick up. Regardless of what type of potty training method is used, many children cannot use the potty independently until they are 3 or 4 years old. An 11-month-old will need assistance with wiping as she grows until he can carefully wipe clean.