Using Elimination Communication, Your Baby Could Be Diaper-Free!

By: Allie McComas

When my son was an infant, I could be sure of one thing. Whenever his diaper came off, he’d make a fountain. Without fail, this was his signature move. Yes, it was precious in the maternity wing. Okay, it was even cute at home. But eventually, the novelty wore off. It was a little embarrassing in the pediatrician’s office but nothing compared to having to change him in public bathrooms. Not only was it inconvenient, it could have potentially made some quick enemies of the other ladies trying to wash their hands!

So, when I learned of this process called Elimination Communication (EC), I couldn’t even imagine trying this with my son. But, after researching a bit, maybe I could have.

EC is a modern adaptation of an ancient method in natural child rearing. It is the process of observing a baby's signs and signals, providing cue sounds and visual clues, to teach young infants how to eliminate waste from their bodies by responding to their bodies’ natural signals.

It can be done with or without any diaper use. The goal is to enable babies to maintain a connection with their own bodily sensations and learn, from infancy, the proper response to those sensations as well as the appropriate elimination places to respond to them.

Traditionally, EC was practiced by the whole community and used throughout a lifetime. But, in these days of instant comfort, this tradition has long since been abandoned by most parents. EC allows caregivers and babies to build a strong bond through verbal and visual communication, which fulfills a natural human instinct.

This process is based on the notion that babies are aware of their elimination needs from birth and can communicate those needs through various vocalizations and body signals. EC parents feel that within the first few months of a baby’s life, he has the innate ability to consciously relieve both his bladder and his bowels. Through prompt loving attention by their caregivers, these infants develop a deep bond of trust, strengthening communication skills.

By employing EC techniques, families can avoid struggles sometimes associated with diaper changes and toilet training and eliminate diaper rash.

Benefits of Practicing Elimination Communication

There are many added benefits of practicing EC. It reduces the number of diapers used, saving you money. This is an eco-friendly option rather than disposable and even conventional cloth diapers. Plus, anyone can do this. It is not only for stay-at-home parents. It can be practiced full-time or part-time, with either parent or caregiver. EC can be done using diapers all of the time, some of the time, or not at all.

You can start EC any time during your baby’s infancy but it is recommended to begin earlier rather than later. You should always be gentle, non-coercive, and base your process on your baby’s interests and needs. Since communication is the most important aspect of EC, use that as your focus.

Specific Terms for Elimination Communication

A "miss" is when a baby’s elimination does not go in an appropriate receptacle (toilet, potty, sink, or nature). The term refers to a missed opportunity, rather than a mistake or failure, which is the feeling implied by the conventional toilet-training term "accident."

A "catch" is when the elimination goes in an appropriate receptacle.

A "Pottytunity" refers to any opportunity to potty the baby - this could be during a diaper change, after a nap, before a bath, or before getting in a car seat or stroller.

A "Graduation" is the EC term used as opposed to the traditional term "potty-trained." Of course, just like potty-training, the definition is interpreted many different ways. While some EC parents define "graduated" as being out of diapers, regardless of "misses," others consider that their baby has "graduated" if they have no "misses" during the day.

If you are interested in trying EC with your baby, visit DiaperFreeBaby, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families that practice Elimination Communication. It offers information, resources, and locations of support groups in your area, as well as contact information of mentors located throughout the United States and all over the world.

The website also provides additional practical information for parents as well as a link to "Infant Pottying Today," which provides articles and information for families interested in or practicing EC. But, before you allow your baby to go bare-bottomed, make sure you have a good supply of paper towels on hand as well as a good carpet cleaner. You’re going to need it.