Potty Training! Are we ready?

🧠 Potty Training + Primitive Reflexes: What You Should Know! 🚽

Potty training can feel like a wild ride — full of progress, setbacks, and questions. But did you know that your child’s reflexes could actually be affecting how well (and how quickly!) they learn to use the toilet?

Let’s break it down ⬇️

🌀 What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with to help them survive and grow in the early months of life. Think: the startle reflex, or the way babies naturally turn their head when something touches their cheek. These reflexes should go away (or "integrate") as your child develops and starts to move on their own — like rolling, crawling, walking, and running.

🚩 But Sometimes, Reflexes Stick Around...

If your little one skipped crawling, crawled with one leg up, or struggles with BIG emotions that are hard to calm down from — they might have what’s called a retained primitive reflex. That just means a reflex didn’t fully go away like it should have.

And here’s the thing: retained reflexes can make potty training harder.

😬 Why Does This Matter?

When reflexes stick around, they can affect:

1. Body awareness (feeling where your body is in space)

2. Coordination (using your body in a smooth, controlled way)

3. Muscle control (especially the pelvic floor muscles needed for toileting!)

4. Emotional regulation (being able to stay calm enough to try, wait, and succeed)

So even if your child wants to use the potty, their body might not quite be ready to do it consistently. And even if they get the hang of it with rewards or reminders, we often see long-term issues pop up later like:

1. Daytime accidents

2. Bedwetting

3. Constipation or withholding

✅ What Can You Do?

Here are 3 quick things to try:

1. Watch how your child crawls (or if they skipped it)

   Trouble crawling, crawling with one knee up, or avoiding crawling backward can be a red flag for retained reflexes.

2. Go back to those early movement patterns!

   Have your child practice crawling — especially backwards! It may feel silly, but it can actually help integratethose reflexes and build the coordination needed for toileting.

3. Seek support from someone who understands primitive reflexes.

   Pediatric therapists trained in reflex integration (like our team!) can gently guide your child’s nervous system toward better regulation and potty success — without shame, force, or frustration.

💛 Let’s Make Potty Training Less Stressful (and More Successful!)

We believe potty training should be empowering — not exhausting — for both you and your child. If your little one is struggling with toileting, accidents, or emotional regulation, it may not be about behavior at all. Their body might just need a little extra support.

Let us help make potty training a positive, long-term success. You’re not alone in this!

With you every step of the way,

The Little Learning Lav Team