From Strict Regimens to Child-Led Readiness Potty training is a major milestone, but the "right way" to do it has changed wildly over the last century.

In the early 1900s, before washing machines or disposable diapers, dirty cloth diapers were a massive, unsanitary chore. Because of this, the US government published child-rearing manuals advising mothers to begin "bowel training" their babies at just two to three months old! This involved holding tiny infants over chamber pots at strict intervals. It was not actual training, but rather parents learning to catch their baby's schedule.

The philosophy flipped completely in the 1950s when Dr. Benjamin Spock published his revolutionary book, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care. He advocated for a child-led approach, advising parents to wait until the toddler showed physical and emotional readiness, usually around age two or three.

Gearing Up for Success Today, the child-led approach remains the gold standard of the AAP. When your little bean is finally ready to ditch the diapers, our Bath & Care collection has the gear to make it a positive experience:

• Ergonomic Floor Potties: We curate mini potties that keep a toddler in a deep squat position. This aligns their anatomy perfectly for easier, strain-free bowel movements.

• Transition Seats: For toddlers who want to use the "big toilet," we stock secure, non-slip transition rings with built-in splash guards and sturdy step stools.

• Training Pants: We offer thick, absorbent cotton training underwear that lets a child feel the sensation of wetness—a crucial learning step—while saving your rugs from major puddles.