Almost 7-month-old suddenly not very interested in going in the potty

[rainbow_mandala]

DD has been enjoying her potty since she was 3 months old...the last month or so, there's been a noticeable decline in interest, I'm not entirely sure why.  I've been under more stress than usual, so I haven't been as responsive, that's definitely a factor.  Even on good days, though, she's not signaling as much or having much interest in it.  She will often go in her diaper soon after I try taking her potty.  I sit her on there for a few minutes max (so she doesn't start associating it with simply a place to sit) and I make the sssssss sound, which used to always help.  The only thing I can think of is that she's been more active lately, she's learning how to crawl, so I think that might be taking precedence over signaling or taking interest in the potty.  Up until about a month ago, she loved using it, she clearly preferred it.  Any advice, tips are greatly appreciated!

[hrsmom]

Totally normal. For us, 3-6 months was the golden age of EC. At this age, they have other interesting things, as you surmised. Just keep doing what you're doing, don't sweat a few misses here and there. You'll probably have a few days of misses, then hardly any or no misses, and back and forth like that from now on.

[AndreaOlson]

With mobility, misses also come. Additionally, your baby is realizing that she is part of the process and is experimenting with when and where she goes. This is part of the process! But can be totally frustrating for you, the parent.

What to do? Continue offering when you think she needs to go. If you want to read a book to help her relax, she might sit for long enough. When she gets to be 12 mos old and if this happens again (or continues thru then), you may need to respect the No fully or look at your level of stress (they totally feel this) and take a deep breath first! :) Sing a song, relax yourself. I always need to do that, esp when I'm stressed like you mentioned.

Then, when she does pee seconds later, reflect what's happening. "You just peed on the floor. Peepee goes in the potty. Next time tell me and mommie will help you put the pee in the potty."

Keep encouraging her to communicate, and model that by communicating with her! We all go through this...I'm glad you reached out for support. :)