Babies are aware of the elimination function and attempt to communicate this. But we don't watch and listen. Communicating with your infant in this fashion enhances bonding and reduces diaper use.

The ideal time to start is between birth and 4 months, using these steps.

1. Observation
Lay your undiapered baby in a comfortable, warm and safe place, then observe her:
a) timing (how long and how frequently she goes after waking or feeding)
b) body language (such as twisting or grimacing while defecating)
c) sounds (such as grunting while defecating)

2. Anticipation or Intuition
Anticipate when your infant needs to go, then at that moment, make a watery sound such as "sssss." Alternatively, if your baby starts to go while you are observing her, immediately make the "sssss" sound. Within a few days, your baby will associate this sound with elimination.

3. Position & Toilet Place
When you think your infant needs to go, hold her gently and securely over your preferred toilet place while giving an audible signal ("sssss" or whatever sound/words you prefer). Your baby will soon associate the sound, position and place with elimination. Use whatever location and receptacle are most comfy and convenient. Examples include the bathroom sink, a mixing bowl, a basin and the outdoors.

4. Baby-Mother Communication
From now on, pay close attention to baby's timing and signals. When you think she needs to go, hold her in position and give your signal. If it is near time to go, infants are able to relax those muscles upon receiving your cues.

Fathers and caregivers can help. Working parents can do this on a part-time basis, as long as they are fairly consistent. Average age of 100% completion is at 24 months.

http://www.White-Boucke.com/ifpt.html
Infant Potty Training Web Ring
"Infant Potty Training: A Gentle and Primeval Method Adapted to Modern Living," by Laurie Boucke

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