It sounds like a hassle - Isn’t there enough to think about with a baby without all this? 

 Isn’t there enough to think about with a toddler without having to get them to undo the habit of going in their clothing?  You’re going to have to think about your child’s elimination needs at some point, so isn’t it easier to maximise the skills they are born with? The most work for us was the first 2 weeks of practicing this, when we had our baby naked at home and we were learning her signals and developing a communication system.  There were a lot of towels to launder and at the time it seemed like hard work, but the benefits were so huge that looking back it seems like nothing.   

What are other people’s reactions? 

This was my biggest worry before starting this.  I thought people would be disgusted and think I had ‘run away with the hippies’!  Reactions have generally been positive though.  Most people are amazed to see a young baby use a potty, and are interested in how this is possible.  A few people (generally parents with ‘nappied’ children) have seemed to want to avoid the subject, which I’m guessing may be because they don’t want to feel inadequate about their own choices.  I’ve heard of people making negative comments (not directly to me) but these always seem to come from the misconception that the babies poo all over the house or are forced to use a potty.  

How is there enough time between knowing the baby needs to ‘go’ and getting them undressed and on the potty? 

Once I tuned in, I soon realised there were earlier warning signs than the ‘straining face’.  Also, the right training pants are very quick and easy to pull down, and you do get quick at it.  But generally my baby now realises that I am about to put her on the potty and waits until her clothes are off and she’s in position.  I guess she’s learnt that if she doesn’t wait, her clothes get wet and she has to endure being changed!  Knowing for example that your baby goes shortly into a feed is an advantage, because you can then be prepared.  Anyway, if you offer regular enough opportunities to potty then the need won’t be so urgent.