How to Do Elimination Communication

Elimination communication, or EC, is a somewhat revolutionary method of raising babies without diapers. While they may require adult assistance with toilet use for years to come, it is sometimes possible for babies to be completely diaper-free (and almost entirely accident-free) by the time they are a few months old. This method, which has been used traditionally in many parts of the world, is based on carefully watching and responding to the babies' signals. Families may be amazed to learn that they can still do elimination communication today, although the process is much less well-known than it once was.

Instructions

1. Try to figure out when the baby is peeing or pooping. This can be easier with poop, since babies may grunt, squat or hide behind things. However, with practice, you may learn to observe pee as well. First thing in the morning or after a nap is a very common time.

2. Use a sound, word or sign that can be associated with the action. The most popular sound associations seem to be "psss" for pee and grunting for poop, although older babies may respond just as well to the actual words or to baby sign language. Use your sign whenever you notice or suspect that baby is doing the activity.

3. After a week or so, try removing the diaper and holding the baby over a toilet, sink or other appropriate location at a time when you think he or she might have to go. Use one of your cues and see if baby does the associated action.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until it seems that there is a firm association and baby is generally willing to go where and when you suggest.

5. Make sure to offer toilet facilities frequently. Young babies may pee as frequently as every 20 minutes (although this frequency decreases rapidly with age), so if you are aiming to be completely diaper-free, you will need to maintain constant vigilance.

6. Become more attuned to your baby's cues and facial expressions. Realize that learning to do elimination communication is much less about training the baby to a specific schedule or cue as it is about training yourself to understand and anticipate his toilet needs.

7. Continue using diapers for as long as you like, even if accidents are only occasional. Knowing that there is no mess to worry about in case of a missed toilet trip may help everyone maintain a calm and casual approach to the whole process.

Tips & Warnings

• Some parents like to have a period of complete diaper freedom when they first start to do elimination communication. If it's possible to let baby roam free outdoors or on your hardwood floor for a few days, you may learn much more quickly to read her signs.

• Whatever you do, don't expect baby to comply with your plans, and avoid any negativity or criticism when natural events happen. While EC can be a successful solution for many families, any toilet training method that shames or blames the child for accidents is ultimately unhealthy and often unsuccessful, and this is doubly true for elimination communication, since it is generally started at such a young age.