Elimination Communication

Elimination communication (EC) is a system of toilet learning where parents use an infant’s cues to learn when their child needs to potty. Elimination communication is also called "EC," diaper-free, natural infant hygiene or infant potty training. Elimination communication is not a new concept. It has been used throughout the world through history. The basic premise of elimination communication is that when you learn your baby’s cues, your infant can be free from diapers. Some families use diapers while they are out and some families choose to always have their babies in underwear. There are special underwear and tiny toilets that you can buy to help you in your EC journey.

Why Choose EC?

Most parents choose EC for a variety of reasons. Choosing to limit the number of diapers your baby uses helps the environment. Many parents also find that their infants are uncomfortable sitting in their own urine and feces and feel that it is a kinder choice to help them with their hygiene early-on. Other parents reference the bonding aspect of elimination communication and feel that it fits with their parenting style. These families feel that natural infant hygiene helps them bond with their babies by learning their cues and meeting their elimination needs. Elimination communication is sometimes associated with Attachment Parenting, a term coined by pediatrician William Sears, although elimination communication is not a tenet of Sears' "The Seven Bs of Attachment Parenting."

How to Use Elimination Communication

First, decide if you will use diapers some of the time, all of the time or not at all. When you are not choosing diapers you can either leave baby naked on the bottom (the most convenient option when you are at home) or you can choose to buy infant underwear. A small potty or bowl is helpful for your child but some families find success just holding their child over a regular toilet. In the beginning, expect that you will have accidents and that it will be a learning process. You will have to learn your child’s potty cues and your child will, too.

When you first notice that they are urinating or having a bowel movement you can choose a noise or word that indicates to your baby that they are going to the bathroom. This later helps them communicate with you that they are going. After enough associations, when you see them showing their cues and you place them on the potty, you can make the noise to them and they will go on the toilet. Elimination communication requires that you are attentive to your baby, since you will need to be looking for their potty cues throughout the day.

Many babies have patterns in their eliminations, such as right after nursing or when they wake up. This can help you find a rhythm to your attempts to have the baby use the bathroom. When going out, most families carry a small potty with them but some use diapers or adult toilets. It is easier to start elimination communication when a baby is young, before they are used to wearing diapers, but elimination communication can be done with older babies and toddlers, as well.

It can be helpful to connect with other families who also use elimination communication. This can help you when your infant changes their cues or if you find that you are having difficulty along the way or trouble getting started with EC. You can find online communities dedicated to the practice of elimination communication.

Benefits to EC

• Respectful choice to baby
• Less diaper rash
• Less diaper waste in the landfill
• Increases caregiver-infant communication
• Less money spent on diapers
• Makes pottying a part of normal life when normal “potty training” would occur

Things to think about

• Am I committed to learning my baby’s cues?
• Do I mind cleaning up accidents while we are in the learning phase?
• Does this method fit with my philosophy of parenting?
• Do I mind carrying a potty with me when I leave the house?
• Will we use diapers some of the time?