How I potty trained my 8 month old

You and Claudia are great examples of parenting, especially parenting because you want to. We still live in a society that takes parenthood as something "you must do" instead of "only parent a person if you want to". How many people we know grew up hearing their parents say "I never wanted to become a parent..."? Pretty sure Rupert will never hear that, how blessed!

As a trained therapist, this video strengthens my belief in the psychological theory and practice I prefer: from a very early age we understand the world around us and others' social cues, so we feel and behave accordingly, and as strongly as older children or even adults. A very interesting video, indeed, and lovely parenting ♥

Me, with no plans to have kids in the near future: watches a video about potty training I love how you are demystifying parenthood through your experiences. While I'm not interested in having a child yet myself, it's videos like these with helpful explanations that make the prospect of having a kid much less scary.

I think sign language definitely helped him to be able to express himself on these matters, if he had to rely on his vocal skills he likely would be struggling with it and wouldn't be able to communicate. It's great that he can grow his independence as soon as his body reaches this mile, instead of having to rely on what adults think is the best time for it. My grandma says that my aunt learned how to walk before 1yo and before crawling (just like you said on IG earlier today) and she also potty trained herself, she'd refuse to wear the diaper and would lead herself to the bathroom 🥰 they are capable of everything we allow them to do!!

I didn't potty train my first child until he was 3. And then I started because he was interested and told me he wanted to. My second child, oh boy, he really wants to do everything like his brother. I am very sure we'll start earlier. I introduced sign language with my second child because of your video about it Jessica and it is really amazing to see him communicate with me. My first son started talking late, sometimes I wonder if sign language would have helped him. But I try not to ponder too long. As MDJ always says: you did the best with your ability and knowledge that you had at that time. And you can always improve. For every other parent thinking oh I could have done better. I bet you love your child and do your best <3

I work in a daycare and we teach the babies sign language! The 6-8 month olds can tell us when they're done eating, when they want milk, when they need a change, and when they want their pacifiers. It's so helpful.

I’m glad she said not everyone can do this and they’re both at home a lot. When you’re on your own or working long hours and you’re cooking, cleaning, teaching, helping two or more children then I think potty training a baby is sadly impossible to fit in. Also, many articles have been written about training too young and the link to UTIs because the bladder isn’t fully developed yet. I’m now knocking this video, she’s so nurturing and patient to be able to this. I just didn’t want anyone to feel bad if they don’t potty train this early as it’s got nothing to do with the child’s brain-power or your ability as a parent.

We knew about EC prior to having our son, so we thought we would try it out. Two weeks after he was born we started offering the potty, and he was so happy to not go in his nappy that we kept doing it. He was daytime potty independent by 13 months when he started walking and was consistently signing potty to let us know he needed to go. So glad EC is becoming more common knowledge. Thank you for sharing your experience!

Also, definitely look into the Potette travel potty with the silicone insert. Folds flat and you can set it as a potty for on the go or use it on a regular toilet seat. Probably the most useful kids item for travel and when you're "out and about"

I love how generous you are here about being clear that every family and baby's timeline (and needs) are different - but I really just had to say that I am LOVING that headband! ✨

For parents whose kids were late potty-users - my brother is neurodivergent and was almost 4 before he finally was potty trained. Something about being in the bathroom triggered a lot of sensory issues for him and it just didn't work. There wasn't something "wrong" with him, he didn't prefer to use diapers or enjoy sitting in his bodily waste - but those alternatives were better for him than the struggle of being in the bathroom. Eventually he had the language and my parents had the ability to help and they figured out how to make it better for him. Every child is different! You're not alone or doing it wrong. For parents who had early potty using kids - wow! Thats so great your kid was able to make those connections and take that step to independence early! Congrats to them!

Those washable padded cloth upgrades from the pullups stage are awesome! My 4-year-old still wears them at night because it helps limit mess if she wets the bed, but they're still perfectly normal-looking clothing that nobody bats an eye at if they're seen poking out over her wasteband.

Yay! Well done. My mother in law told me she trained her children under a year and I listened. Started when they could sit up. So started around 6 months old. Both totally trained by 9-10 months. Used night nappies for a few months after that. Totally stress free. We would read books together and celebrate when successes were made! Also used cloth underwear (not nappies) during the day. I always tell people. And the money we saved!!!!

With my first I started EC at 11 months because I'd never heard of it before then. Went really well. I fully intended to start EC earlier with my second.... Until she arrived. She's pretty much the same age as Rupert now and I'm beginning to think about starting now. I know she already understands a lot of what I say.

You are incredibly patient parents. The hard work and care you are putting into raising Rupert is admirable. Side note: Does your shirt say “Mama Bear”? Don’t mess with you or Rupert!

When I became disabled one of my biggest anxieties was whether I would be able to be the kind of mother I wanted to be some day. Jessica and Claudia have been such an immense gift.

Potting training your child at a very young age by "hovering them over the toilet" isn't a strange concept. My grandmother told me that she did this to her children in the 50s and 60s. But time went on and disposable nappys became a thing (in her time they hab cloth nappies that were washed and reused). Having such a convenient thing as a nappy that you simply could throw away discouraged parents to invest time into potty training their kids early to get rid of dealing with their "leftovers".

I just love the way you and Claudia talk about and interact with Rupert. It's so heartening to watch people who see their babies as interesting and capable people.

I ended up accidentally poop training my daughter very young because once we started weaning she got super constipated and so the build up to each poo was huge so I would put her on the potty just because I figured it was a better angle and it might be easier without a nappy in the way. By about 9 months she would come up to me and look me in the eyes whilst she strained. So by the time she started talking the process was already in place. Wee training took a bit longer because she's less aware of her own signals I think. So we didn't fully get rid of nappies till over 2 but in that whole time I think i only changed about 5 poopy nappies which I am not sad about!

Rupert is going to grow up into such a well-adjusted, intelligent, and genuinely interesting human being. You guys are doing amazing.