Baby Pottying: A Tool for Breastfeeding Support
Written by Steph Elliott, founder of babypottying.co.uk
When we think about breastfeeding support, advice tends to focus on things like latch, positioning, or milk supply.
But alongside this, in my work as a baby pottying mentor, I’ve seen some parents explore a different perspective when feeding doesn’t feel quite settled—one that takes into account their baby’s toileting needs.
When feeding doesn’t quite settle
Many mums experience a phase where their baby seems unsettled at the breast.
Babies might:
latch and unlatch repeatedly
fuss or cry during feeds
seem uncomfortable, despite a “good latch”
feed frequently, but not seem satisfied
Often, this is explored through the usual lenses, such as positioning, supply or reflux, and working through these is usually enough to resolve feeding challenges.
But not always.
Babies don’t just communicate hunger. They’re signalling a range of needs—comfort, connection, and, as many parents observe, their need to wee or poo.
Introducing baby pottying
Baby pottying (also known as elimination communication, EC or early potty learning) is the practice of responding to a baby’s natural cues for when they need to wee or poo.
Instead of relying solely on nappies, parents can learn to recognise when their baby may need to wee or poo—often based on subtle signals and their natural rhythms throughout the day. Nappies are still used as a back-up. Many babies tend to go at predictable times, such as:
upon waking
during or after feeds
after being taken out of a carrier or car seat
In these moments, a parent might offer an opportunity to go by holding their baby over a potty, sink or toilet.
For many, baby pottying is less about outcomes and more about communication—tuning into a baby’s natural rhythms and offering an alternative to always using a nappy.
Why this can matter during feeds
There’s a physiological reason offering the potty can be particularly helpful during feeding.
Newborns and young babies have a strong gastrocolic reflex—a natural response where feeding stimulates movement in the digestive system which essentially acts to make more room for food.1 This can trigger the need to poo.
In practice, some mums experience their baby:
start feeding, then “pop off” the breast
squirm, fuss, or cry mid-feed
seem uncomfortable or restless
From a baby pottying perspective, families interpret these moments not necessarily as a feeding issue, but as a possible need to wee or poo.
Do babies really signal when they need to go?
Babies are often more aware of their bodily functions than we realise. Have you ever noticed that some babies will wee almost immediately when their nappy is removed? This suggests that babies have some awareness of their bodily sensations from a very early age.
One study found that over 90% of babies had observable signals for when they needed to go.2
Some common signals include:
an energy shift: such as sudden stillness
squirming or wriggling
fussiness or crying
grunting or bearing down
Some babies also seem to show a stronger preference not to go in their nappy than others.
At first, these signals can be subtle. But many parents find that, over time, they become easier to recognise.
What some parents try during a feed
If a baby becomes unsettled during a feed, some families choose to experiment with offering an opportunity to wee or poo.
This might involve:
briefly pausing the feed and holding the baby over a potty, toilet or sink
continuing to feed while holding a small receptacle underneath (such as a “top hat” potty)
Once the baby has finished, many are able to return to the breast and continue feeding more comfortably.
A small change that can support feeding
For some mums, offering an opportunity to wee or poo during or around feeds can make a noticeable difference to how feeding feels.
Babies may appear more settled and feeds may become more comfortable overall.
While this approach will not be relevant in every situation, some parents find it to be a helpful additional tool alongside other forms of breastfeeding support.
Learn more
Want to dive deeper into baby pottying and learn simple, practical steps to get started?
Visit babypottying.co.uk for more information, research, and to join online communities of parents supporting one another on their baby pottying journeys.
Steph
References
Perez BP, Kliegman RM. Routine newborn care. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK539900/
Rugolotto S, Sun M, Boucke L, Calò DG, Tatò L. Toilet training started during the first year of life: a report on elimination signals, stool toileting refusal and completion age. Minerva Pediatr. 2008 Feb;60(1):27-35. PMID: 18277362.