{"id":30402,"date":"2026-10-28T15:35:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T14:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/?post_type=news-approfondimenti&p=30402"},"modified":"2026-10-28T15:38:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T14:38:14","slug":"how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child","status":"publish","type":"news-approfondimenti","link":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/","title":{"rendered":"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship"},"content":{"rendered":"

Giving up diapers represents one of the most significant developmental milestones in the early years of life. Although it may seem like a relatively simple step, it is actually a complex process involving motor, cognitive, linguistic, sensory, and emotional skills<\/strong>, destined to mature progressively and according to individual timelines. The acquisition of sphincter control should not, therefore, be interpreted as \u201ctraining\u201d to be completed by a predetermined age, but rather as a developmental journey through which the child develops a growing awareness of their own bodily functions and gradually learns to manage them independently.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sphincter control as a maturational achievement<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

To understand the process of giving up diapers, it is necessary to start from a fundamental principle: the child must first develop the ability to recognize, interpret, and manage signals coming from their own body<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Urination and defecation are complex physiological functions regulated by the interaction between the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, bladder, bowel, pelvic floor, and sphincter mechanisms. In the first months of life, urination occurs mainly through reflex mechanisms, whereas with progressive neurological maturation, the child acquires the ability to perceive bladder fullness, recognize the urge to urinate, and subsequently voluntarily modulate the timing of emptying.<\/p>\n

A similar process affects bowel function, for which it is necessary to learn to recognize the feeling of rectal fullness and the urge to evacuate, reach the bathroom or potty, assume an appropriate posture, and properly coordinate the relaxation and contraction of the muscles involved.<\/p>\n

The acquisition of sphincter control therefore represents the result of the integration between neurophysiological maturation and learning<\/strong>, a process in which biological development constitutes the essential prerequisite for achieving independence.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no single age that applies to everyone<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

The Italian Society of Pediatrics generally identifies the age range between 2 and 3 years as the period during which many children begin to show the skills necessary to tackle the transition from diaper to potty or toilet. However, this indication must be interpreted in light of the individual variability of maturation timing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Turning 2 years old does not, in itself, represent a sufficient condition to start the process, just as the occasional use of a diaper after age 3 does not necessarily constitute a sign of delay. Chronological age must be considered alongside the child’s overall development, observing the skills already acquired and the ability to face a new experience of independence.<\/p>\n

Rather than questioning the age considered appropriate, it is therefore useful to assess the level of body awareness, communication skills, and emotional readiness of the child<\/strong>, elements that help identify the most favorable moment to accompany them through this transition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Signs that indicate the child’s maturation<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

There is no single behavior that makes it possible to establish with certainty when a child is ready to give up diapers. Rather, it is the observation of a combination of signs that provides indications of the progressive development of the necessary skills.<\/p>\n

Among the elements highlighted by the SIP, particular importance is placed on the ability to perceive and communicate the physiological urge<\/strong>, or to show awareness of having urinated, for example by showing discomfort when the diaper is wet or spontaneously trying to remove it.<\/p>\n

These behaviors may be associated with:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • growing interest in the bathroom and potty<\/li>\n
  • curiosity about adult habits<\/li>\n
  • ability to understand simple instructions<\/li>\n
  • greater independence in managing clothing<\/li>\n
  • keeping the diaper dry for progressively longer intervals<\/li>\n
  • ability to express, through words, gestures, or facial expressions, the need to urinate or evacuate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    However, these indicators should not be turned into rigid criteria or tests to pass. The child’s readiness is the result of a gradual maturation process<\/strong>, in which different skills may emerge at different times.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    First awareness, then independence<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    One of the most important aspects to understand is that sphincter control is not acquired suddenly, but through a series of experiences that allow the child to progressively recognize how their own body works.<\/p>\n

    In an initial phase, the child may realize that urination has occurred only after it has happened. Subsequently, they may acquire the ability to perceive what is happening during bladder emptying and, with further maturation of neurological and cognitive skills, come to recognize the urge before urinating. Only later does it become possible to communicate the need in a timely manner and reach the bathroom independently.<\/p>\n

    The transition from perceiving the urge to managing it voluntarily therefore requires time, experience, and the consolidation of skills.<\/strong> From this perspective, initial episodes of involuntary loss of urine do not necessarily represent a failure, but can constitute a physiological component of the learning process.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The potty as a tool for support<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    The potty can represent a useful support in the early stages of the process, as it offers the child an easily accessible solution and allows them to assume a stable position. However, not all children express the same preferences: some may feel more comfortable using the toilet directly, provided that adequate conditions of safety and stability are guaranteed.<\/p>\n

    When using the toilet, it is advisable to provide an appropriate toilet seat reducer and a footrest<\/strong>, so as to allow the child to maintain a correct posture. Foot support is of particular importance during bowel movements, as it promotes body stability and facilitates coordination between the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor.<\/p>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics, in its guidelines dedicated to pediatric constipation, also highlights the usefulness of adequate posture and the introduction of regular toilet habits as behavioral strategies that can encourage proper bowel movements.<\/p>\n

    The potty and the toilet should therefore be considered functional tools for acquiring independence<\/strong>, and not goals to be achieved regardless of the child’s readiness.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How to start: preparing the child for change<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Ditching diapers does not necessarily require a sudden transition. On the contrary, a preparatory phase can promote familiarization with the new environment and help make the experience more natural and reassuring.<\/p>\n

    The child can be gradually guided to discover the bathroom and the potty, observing their use, trying out sitting on them even while initially dressed, and becoming familiar with language related to physiological functions. It is also useful to encourage them to recognize sensations coming from their own body and to understand, through age-appropriate explanations, the meaning of urination and defecation.<\/p>\n

    Observing primary caregivers can contribute to this process, as imitation represents one of the main learning tools in early childhood<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The goal is to ensure that the bathroom is perceived as a familiar and accessible environment, associated with daily life and progressive independence, rather than a place where the child feels pressured to prove they have acquired a certain skill.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The role of play in learning<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics suggests accompanying the process of acquiring sphincter control through playful activities, which can reduce the pressure to perform and foster a more spontaneous approach.<\/p>\n

    Play allows children to explore new situations in an emotionally reassuring context. Through dolls, stuffed animals, or picture books dedicated to the transition from diapers to the potty, it is possible to represent the different stages of the experience, making them progressively more understandable and familiar.<\/p>\n

    The playful dimension promotes anticipation, imitation, and learning<\/strong>, allowing the child to approach the new skill without perceiving it as a test to pass or a demand to be met within a short timeframe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A gradual journey or a quicker change?<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    There is no universally valid way to approach potty training. Some children can adapt with relative ease to a faster transition to underwear during the day, while others require a longer and more gradual transition period.<\/p>\n

    The SIP does not prescribe a rigid protocol based on a predetermined number of days, but stresses the importance of respecting individual timing, warning against strategies that promise particularly quick results and that can fuel anxiety and unrealistic expectations.<\/p>\n

    The fundamental criterion must be the child’s response.<\/strong> When they show curiosity, cooperation, and progressive skill acquisition, the process can continue naturally. On the contrary, in the presence of strong opposition, fear, or growing discomfort, it may be appropriate to slow down, allowing room for greater familiarization with the new experience.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Accidents are part of the learning process<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    During the process of acquiring sphincter control, episodes may occur in which the child fails to reach the potty or toilet in time, resulting in involuntary loss of urine or bowel movements outside the toilet.<\/p>\n

    These situations should not be interpreted as signs of disobedience or lack of cooperation. The child is actually learning to coordinate a complex sequence of skills that includes recognizing the urge, communicating it, getting to the bathroom, voluntary control, and elimination.<\/p>\n

    Occasional accidents can therefore be part of the normal learning process<\/strong>, especially in the early stages. A calm and reassuring response from the adult helps preserve the child’s peace of mind and support confidence in their abilities.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Why scolding can be counterproductive<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics recommends avoiding scolding and negative judgments when a child needs more time to achieve sphincter control. The pressure exerted by adults can transform a normal developmental milestone into an experience associated with fear, shame, or conflict.<\/p>\n

    This aspect takes on particular importance in relation to bowel movements. When a child experiences pain during bowel movements, shows fear of using the toilet, or perceives excessive expectations from adults, they may develop stool-withholding behaviors.<\/p>\n

    Fecal retention can lead to harder stool consistency and make subsequent bowel movements more difficult and painful, contributing to a vicious cycle.<\/p>\n

    Respectful support<\/strong>, free from pressure and scolding, is therefore a fundamental element in promoting a positive experience <\/strong>and preventing potential difficulties.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sphincter control and constipation: a relationship not to be underestimated<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Bowel function requires specific attention during the diaper-weaning process, as any evacuation difficulties can significantly influence the child’s behavior.<\/p>\n

    An episode of painful bowel movements can cause the child to voluntarily hold in stool in an attempt to avoid another unpleasant experience. The prolonged presence of fecal matter in the rectum leads to its progressive dehydration and increased firmness, making subsequent bowel movements potentially even more painful.<\/p>\n

    This can establish a cycle characterized by pain, fear, fecal retention, and progressive worsening of evacuation difficulty<\/strong>, in which withholding behavior tends to become reinforced.<\/p>\n

    For this reason, the appearance of particularly hard stool, pain during bowel movements, marked retention, or recurring episodes of involuntary loss of fecal matter, defined as soiling<\/em>, should not be attributed simply to oppositional behavior.<\/p>\n

    Such manifestations can in fact indicate the presence of functional constipation<\/strong>, a condition that requires an adequate pediatric evaluation and, when necessary, specific intervention.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The importance of a flexible routine<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Introducing a certain regularity into daily habits can facilitate learning and encourage the recognition of physiological cues. Accompanying the child to the bathroom at predictable times of the day can be a useful strategy, provided this habit does not turn into an obligation or a prolonged, forced sit on the potty or toilet.<\/p>\n

    Regarding defecation, the Italian Society of Pediatrics emphasizes the usefulness of encouraging the use of the toilet after meals, combining it with adequate posture and foot support.<\/p>\n

    However, the routine must remain flexible, adapting to the child’s needs and readiness. The goal <\/strong>is not to achieve physiological elimination at the adult’s request, but to create favorable conditions so that the child learns to recognize the cue <\/strong>and gradually manage it independently.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How long does giving up diapers take?<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    The length of the process shows wide individual variability. Some children gain daytime sphincter control relatively quickly, while others need weeks or months to consolidate the required skills.<\/p>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics advises caution regarding programs promising results in a few days, reminding that gaining sphincter control cannot be subject to fixed deadlines or adult organizational needs.<\/p>\n

    Rather than focusing on the speed of the result, it is best to observe the gradual progress in the child’s awareness and independence<\/strong>. These can include the ability to recognize and communicate the cue, keeping underwear dry for progressively longer intervals, increasingly frequent use of the potty or toilet, and a reduction in involuntary accidents.<\/p>\n

    Increasing independence in managing clothing and hygiene practices, such as handwashing, also represents a significant indicator of skill consolidation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Independence also comes through clothing<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    An aspect that is sometimes underestimated concerns the child’s ability to independently manage their clothes when feeling the need to use the bathroom.<\/p>\n

    During this phase, it is preferable to choose practical clothing, consisting of garments easy to pull down and up, avoiding as much as possible particularly tight pants, complex overalls, or clothing that requires multiple steps to remove.<\/p>\n

    Simple clothing helps reduce the time needed to reach the toilet and promotes greater independence.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The role of daycares and preschools<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    The process of gaining sphincter control can be smoother when the family and educational services share a consistent approach that respects the child’s needs.<\/p>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics emphasizes that starting preschool should not, in itself, be a reason to artificially rush giving up diapers.<\/p>\n

    It is instead important to promote constant communication between parents, educators, and teachers<\/strong>, sharing how the child expresses their needs, the most effective support strategies, and any ongoing need to use diapers at certain times of the day.<\/p>\n

    The presence of bowel movement difficulties, fears related to toilet use, or other situations that might affect the process should also be communicated, to foster a consistent educational approach.<\/p>\n

    Continuity between the home environment and the educational context<\/strong> allows the child to find similar references and support methods, reducing potential sources of confusion and supporting the progressive consolidation of independence.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sphincter control during sleep<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Acquiring nighttime control follows a developmental path that is partly different from daytime control. A child may have achieved good control over urination during the day while continuing to have involuntary bedwetting episodes during sleep, without this necessarily representing a problem in the overall process.<\/p>\n

    Nighttime control also depends on the maturation of neuroendocrine mechanisms and arousal processes<\/strong>, which develop gradually and may consolidate later than daytime skills.<\/p>\n

    It is therefore important to avoid viewing nighttime control as a second phase of \u201ctraining\u201d to be completed quickly. Nighttime enuresis episodes should not be a cause for reproach, as they do not depend on a voluntary choice by the child.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When it might be appropriate to postpone<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Starting the process does not necessarily have to coincide with the first time the child shows some signs of readiness. In certain circumstances, it may be better to wait, especially when there are significant changes in daily life or situations requiring special emotional adaptation.<\/p>\n

    Events such as moving house, the birth of a sibling, starting at a new educational facility, or a period of illness can temporarily affect the child’s behavior and readiness to face new demands.<\/p>\n

    These circumstances do not necessarily constitute an obstacle to giving up diapers, but they suggest the advisability of carefully assessing the most appropriate time.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    When it is advisable to consult the pediatrician<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

    Although acquiring sphincter control is characterized by wide individual variability, some manifestations warrant further medical evaluation, especially when they persist or cause significant distress.<\/p>\n

    The Italian Society of Pediatrics recommends contacting your pediatrician if there are difficulties or doubts regarding the process. In particular, pain or burning during urination, presence of blood in the urine, fever associated with urinary symptoms, excessive thirst, or a marked increase in the amount of urine<\/strong> are signals that require attention.<\/p>\n

    On the bowel side as well, an evaluation should be requested in case of persistent constipation, painful bowel movements, particularly hard stools, pronounced withholding behaviors, or frequent episodes of soiling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Additional situations that may make a consultation with the pediatrician helpful include a strong fear or persistent refusal of the toilet, a sudden regression after a period of good control, and prolonged difficulties that significantly affect the child’s well-being or family balance.<\/p>\n

    The presence of these signals does not necessarily imply a pathological condition, but makes an adequate pediatric assessment important, aimed at identifying any physical, behavioral, or emotional factors that may interfere with the process.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \n
    The most common mistakes to avoid<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

    It is important to pay attention to some recurring mistakes:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Starting the process early based on external factors<\/em><\/strong>: the summer season can offer some practical advantages, but it is not an essential condition for ditching diapers. Similarly, the upcoming entry into preschool should not take precedence over the assessment of the child’s individual maturation.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    • Adopting rigid or excessively fast programs<\/em><\/strong>: strategies promising results in just a few days can generate unrealistic expectations and increase pressure on the child, without respecting their physiological developmental timeline.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    • Comparing the child with peers<\/em><\/strong>: sphincter control acquisition follows individual rhythms and should not be evaluated based on the progress achieved by other children of the same age.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    • Scolding for accidental leaks<\/em><\/strong>: these situations can be part of the normal learning process and should not be interpreted as signs of disobedience or lack of cooperation.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    • Underestimating bowel movement difficulties<\/em><\/strong>: conditions such as constipation, pain during defecation, or withholding behaviors can interfere with achieving sphincter control and require an adequate pediatric assessment.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
    • Focusing exclusively on the final result<\/em><\/strong>: it is essential to also value intermediate progress, such as recognizing the urge, the ability to communicate it promptly, or the attempt to independently use the potty or toilet.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Conclusions<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

      Ditching diapers does not simply mean replacing an absorbent product with underwear, but represents a key milestone in building bodily awareness<\/strong> and personal independence.<\/p>\n

      Through this process, the child progressively learns to recognize their physiological functions<\/strong>, assign meaning to them, communicate urges, and manage them in an increasingly voluntary way. This is an acquisition that involves not only neurophysiological maturation, but also the emotional, relational, and behavioral dimensionofdevelopment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      The adult’s role does not consist in speeding up the achievement of this skill, but in creating the conditions for it to emerge and consolidate while respecting individual timelines.<\/p>\n

      The perspective supported by the Italian Society of Pediatrics is based on this very principle: avoiding forcefulness, comparisons, and rigid expectations, favoring careful observation of the child’s signals and guidance characterized by availability, trust, and patience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Giving up diapers represents one of the most significant developmental milestones in the early years of life. Although it may seem like a relatively simple step, it is actually a complex process involving motor, cognitive, linguistic, sensory, and emotional skills, destined to mature progressively and according to individual timelines. The acquisition of sphincter control should […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1447,"featured_media":30421,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"focus-approfondimento":[887],"focus-appartenenza":[],"coauthors":[1012],"class_list":["post-30402","news-approfondimenti","type-news-approfondimenti","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","focus-approfondimento-motor-and-respiratory-development"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship - Baby Wellness Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship - Baby Wellness Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Giving up diapers represents one of the most significant developmental milestones in the early years of life. 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The acquisition of sphincter control should […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Baby Wellness Foundation\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-28T14:38:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/togliere-pannolino.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"17 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/\",\"name\":\"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship - Baby Wellness Foundation\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/togliere-pannolino.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-28T14:35:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T14:38:14+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/togliere-pannolino.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/togliere-pannolino.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/\",\"name\":\"Baby Wellness Foundation\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship - Baby Wellness Foundation","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/babywellnessfoundation.org\/en\/news-approfondimenti\/how-to-remove-the-diaper-from-a-child\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to remove the diaper from a child: the sphincter control between neurophysiological maturation, autonomy, and relationship - Baby Wellness Foundation","og_description":"Giving up diapers represents one of the most significant developmental milestones in the early years of life. 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