the buzz log

Nearly 50% of the world practices infant potty training, according to a recent article in The New York Times. Parents in countries such as India and Greenland get to toilet training much sooner than elsewhere in the world. If the Buzz is any indication, the idea has attracted some attention among searchers. "Potty training" saw a 43% increase in the Buzz and is placed well within our top 15,000 searches. Other popular searches over the past week on this topic include "potty training tips," "potty training chart," and "infant potty training."

The Times article states that many U.S. parents are looking into infant potty training as a way to cut down on the environmental impact of diapers, although "disposable diapers" are still more popular with searchers than "cloth diapers." Are parents really willing to give up those "designer diaper bags?" Another benefit is a new way to forge a bond between parent and baby -- even the Dads can get into the act. Of course, it may take a few generations and more than a couple news articles to wipe away traditional parenting practices. Still, a world where Mommy, Daddy, and Baby all use the commode could be an interesting place, despite longer lines at public bathrooms.