Skip to content

When is baby done?: Do I hold baby in position…forever…?

GDF Podcast 33 When is baby done

Today on the Go Diaper Free Podcast we're talking about how to know when your baby is done using the potty.

Specifically, we are answering a listener question from Kelly in Florida:

“Hi. My name is Kelly and I'm in Stuart, Florida. My first little one is now eight weeks, almost nine weeks old. My question is we've just started doing a little bit of EC with her, mostly just if she's nursing, and I can tell she's about to go number two, I'll grab the Top Hat Potty and use that for her. What I'm never sure about is when she's done. At this age it kind of just goes for a little while off and on and I'm not sure if I should just wait forever...that's what I've been doing. I just wait ten minutes or so. She tends to get kind of uncomfortable just being held on the potty like that or held over the sink like that, so I'm wondering do I just wait five minutes and say, "Okay, maybe she's gonna end up going in the diaper after this," or...how do I know when she's done? She doesn't seem to be giving me any clear signals. Thank you so much.”

Does any of this sound familiar?

You've put your child on the potty, maybe a little bit has come out, but you aren't sure if your baby is done.

You wait...and wait...and wait...forever...and really don’t know if what you’re doing is right...or ridiculous. It’s really taking a loooooong time.

Today, we'll talk about some of the common ways to know when your baby is finished eliminating....and how long is too long to hold them over the toilet.

Listen to the full podcast episode for a special musical surprise at the end!

You will hear:

  • The easiest way to find out if baby is “all done”
  • How to integrate sign language into the mix
  • Common signs that your baby is finished using the potty
  • The secret ingredient to establishing a routine
  • How developmental milestones may impact...everything.

Links and other resources mentioned today:

The Go Diaper Free Book

ASL Sign for All Done

Part-Time EC (Podcast Episode 5)

Easy Catch #3 Poop (Podcast Episode 30)

”Elimination Communication” - a new song by Aly Halpert and Friends

Top Hat Potty at TinyUndies.com

Mini Potty at TinyUndies.com

Easy Start Guide for EC (Free Download)

Download the transcript

If you can't listen to this episode right now (um, sleeping baby!?)...download and read the transcript here:

Transcript: When is baby done?

Subscribe, access past episodes, and leave me a review...

If you want to access all past episodes and subscribe to be notified of new episodes as I publish them, please visit us over on iTunes and click subscribe there.

Lastly, if you like the podcast and have a sec to leave a review, please do so here. It means the world to me (in that more new parents discover EC the more people leave reviews...yay!).

How does your baby let you know they are done using the potty? Please leave a comment below with your experience!

I look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

xx Andrea

Andrea Olson

About Andrea Olson

I'm Andrea and I spend most of my time with my 6 children (all under 12 yo) and the rest of my time teaching other new parents how to do Elimination Communication with their 0-18 month babies. I love what I do and try to make a difference in one baby or parent's life every single day. (And I love, love, love, mango gelato.)

6 Comments

  1. Avatar July on March 5, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    My little man (9 mo) also arches his back or try’s to dive off the toilet when he’s all done. Although, there are many times he does this even though I know he hasn’t gone so I’ll set him down thinking he didn’t have to go, but then he’ll start peeing on the floor. I have noticed that he’ll do that arcing/trying to get off thing when he doesn’t have a object in his hands to distract him.

    • Avatar Andrea Olson on March 5, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      Yes, July! Quite common. For this, just carry your little guy around for a few minutes, naked-bottomed, and then try again in a moment. Turn your back to give him privacy. And see what happens! Best wishes. xx Andrea

  2. Avatar Jennifer on March 6, 2019 at 9:25 am

    I’m excited to hear about Nicole’s guest post (and vice versa)! Looking forward to seeing what you both have to say. Balancing sleep and EC has always been a challenge for me.

  3. Avatar Paige on March 20, 2019 at 10:36 pm

    This is so true! Whenever I ask my 10 month old if he’s finished, which I started at birth, he will totally obviously try to be done! I’m glad to hear I’m not just imagining it!

  4. Avatar Sandy on April 28, 2019 at 8:41 am

    I struggle with this as well! Thanks to you, I will start to be more consistent with my phrasing and timing of “all done” and maybe that will help her to start doing that final push!

    • Avatar Andrea Olson on April 29, 2019 at 1:29 am

      That sounds like a great plan Sandy! xx Andrea

Leave a Comment





Scroll To Top