A 29-year-old mother from the United States named Caitlin has captured widespread attention on social media by sharing a video of her four-month-old son Eli using the potty. The clip, posted on TikTok under the handle @sunshine30504, quickly surpassed 1.2 million views as viewers expressed shock and curiosity. Caitlin explained that the unusual routine began not as a planned training method but out of necessity when Eli suffered severe constipation. Many commenters described the sight of such a young infant on the potty as simply unbelievable.
The trouble started when Eli was three months old and went ten days without a bowel movement. Caitlin tried every standard remedy suggested by their pediatrician, including tummy massages, warm baths, and leg bicycling exercises. She also gave him prune juice and even attempted gentle rectal stimulation with a thermometer. Nothing provided relief, and she grew worried enough to consider a hospital visit for possible intestinal blockage.
In a moment of desperation, Caitlin’s own mother offered an old-fashioned idea: place the baby directly on the potty. Though it sounded unlikely to work, Caitlin decided to try it. The result was immediate as Eli finally had a bowel movement. From that day forward, the potty became a regular part of their daily schedule.
@sunshine30504 Had to start doing this when he was 3 months old because otherwise he will hold it and get constipated 💩 If only I could get my toddler to do the same 🙃 #4monthsold #mom #parentsoftiktok #baby ♬ What Was I Made For – Andrea Vanzo
Caitlin now places Eli on a toilet with a child-safe seat insert three to four times a day, usually right after he finishes a bottle. She stays with him the entire time and holds him securely for safety. “This approach works great for us,” she shared. While Eli still wets his diapers occasionally, he consistently refuses to have bowel movements in them and prefers the potty instead.
Viewers flooded the comments with a mix of humor and genuine amazement. One person joked that the baby seemed to arrive “with potty instructions.” Another parent asked jokingly if Eli could come talk to their own child about using the toilet. Several users recognized the technique as elimination communication and asked for tips on starting it themselves. Caitlin noted that people frequently message her for advice, stunned that an infant so young can already signal his needs.
@sunshine30504 Replying to @Xolani M ♬ original sound – sunshine30504
Although the method brought quick relief for Eli’s constipation, experts emphasize that persistent issues in infants should always prompt a medical evaluation first. Caitlin herself followed pediatric guidance before trying the potty suggestion. Her story highlights how some families find success with early toilet awareness when conventional approaches fall short.
Elimination communication, sometimes called diaper-free or infant potty training, is a practice where caregivers learn to read a baby’s cues and timing for urination and bowel movements. Parents often hold the child over a potty, sink, or toilet from the first weeks or months of life. The technique has roots in many cultures around the world where diapers are less common or historically unavailable. Advocates say it can reduce diaper use, prevent rashes, and lead to earlier independent toileting, often by 12 to 18 months.
Have you ever considered or tried elimination communication with your little one? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments.
